Zoning Board of Appeals

CITY OF NORWICH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS August 11, 2015 Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the City of Norwich Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken and it was determined that a quorum was present. PRESENT: Marc Benjamin, Chairman Henry Olender, Vice Chairman Mark Kulos Dorothy Travers Peter Cuprak – Alternate David Martin - Alernate ABSENT: Raymond Dussault ALSO PRESENT: Tianne Phoenix Curtis, Zoning Enforcement Officer Linda Lee Smith, Recording Secretary E. COMMUNICATIONS: None F. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Upon motion by Marc Benjamin, seconded by Mark Kulos it was voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the July 14, 2015 regular meeting as amended. G. OLD BUSINESS: None H. NEW BUSINESS: None I. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON APPLICATIONS J. OTHER MATTERS: 1. Workshop for the review of current Zoning Ordinance Sec.19.1.1 in order to propose application criteria to be included within the ordinance. ZEO Curtis explained that Norwich Zoning Ordinance Sec.19.1 gives the Board the power to set the requirements for materials submitted with the variance application. The modifications would then be forwarded to Corporation Counsel for review &, upon return, appear on the City Council agenda for consideration. If approved by Council, the requirement modifications would be worked into the ordinances for use. Tianne Curtis distributed variance applications from surrounding towns. After brief review , there didn’t appear to be many differences in the information requested. Mark Kulos stated his main concern was voting on an application without the setback lines drawn on the plot plan showing the conforming & nonconforming areas. Henry Olender stated the ZBA rarely receives a scaled plan. Marc Benjamin and Mark Kulos were in agreement that an A2 Survey should not be mandatory for an appeal from a homeowner. Marc Benjamin noted the Board has added an as-built survey as a condition of approval. Ms. Curtis noted the Board does not look favorably on setback reduction requests of 0’. Mark Kulos suggested requiring copies of any deed restrictions, rights of way, and easements on the property. Ms. Curtis cautioned the Board on reviewing legal documents & liability of staff.  Henry Olender and Marc Benjamin agreed that 50% of the variance applications are for illegal construction performed or work started without a permit. Marc Benjamin stated he would like more time to review the application materials & continue the discussion at the next meeting. K. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Henry Olender, and second by Dorothy Travers it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lee Smith Recording Secretary