Zoning Board of Appeals

CITY OF NORWICH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS August 13, 2024 7:00 PM Regular Meeting Minutes Hybrid Meeting ZOOM & Lower Level Conference Room 23 Union Street, Norwich, CT The regular meeting of the City of Norwich Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order at 7:07 p.m. Roll call was taken. PRESENT: David Martin Robert Phoenix Edward Aberbach Dorothy Travers ABSENT: Chairman Marc Benjamin OTHERS: Richard Shuck, Zoning Enforcement Officer; and Katherine Rose, Recording Secretary David Martin called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. David Martin stated all members would be voting on all matters. Robert Phoenix made a motion to recognize David Martin as the acting chairman for the meeting in absence of Marc Benjamin. Dorothy Travers seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. A. COMMUNICATIONS: Richard Shuck received letter from abutter SERAC to 15 clinton ave that distributed to members. B. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Dorothy Travers made a motion to accept the June 11, 2024 regular meeting minutes. Robert Phoenix seconded. All voted in favor, The motion passed unanimously. C. OLD BUSINESS: None. D. NEW BUSINESS: 1. V# 24-07: 15 Clinton Ave: Request relief from ZR. Section 4.8.3 to allow for the enlargement of a building dedicated to a nonconforming residential use in the General Commercial zone, by the construction of a 14 ft. x 24 ft. addition, and allow the expansion of the nonconforming use within. Property of Russell Palazzo and Wendi Marceau, Application of Russell Palazzo and Wendi Marceau, Assessors Map # 058, Block # 002 Lots # 041, GC Zone Richard Shuck explained to the applicant that only four out of five voting members were in attendance and that four affirmative votes were required  for the passing of the variance. The applicant chose to have the public hearing continued until the next regular scheduled meeting. Robert Phoenix made a motion to table the application until the next regular scheduled meeting. Dorothy Travers. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. E. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DECISIONS: 1. V# 24-07: 15 Clinton Ave: Request relief from ZR. Section 4.8.3 to allow for the enlargement of a building dedicated to a nonconforming residential use in the General Commercial zone, by the construction of a 14 ft. x 24 ft. addition, and allow the expansion of the nonconforming use within. Property of Russell Palazzo and Wendi Marceau, Application of Russell Palazzo and Wendi Marceau, Assessors Map # 058, Block # 002 Lots # 041, GC Zone The application was continued until the next regular meeting. F. STAFF UPDATES: Richard Shuck reported his office was working on zoning regulation updates following the completion of the city plan of conservation and development. Richard Shuck stated they were working with a company to help restructure the regulations to move away from each district having its own narrative. Richard Shuck stated that Tanice Dolman was reviewing variances from the past decade to collect their section numbers and whether they were approved or denied. Richard Shucks stated their goal is to reduce the number of setback variance on existing properties to alleviate homeowner costs. Richard Shuck added they were also working to add more definitions to the zoning regulations. and do away with any ambiguous language. G. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Robert Phoenix to adjourn at 7:13 PM. Dorothy Travers seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Katherine Rose Recording Secretary