Zoning Board of Appeals

CITY OF NORWICH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS December 10 10, 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: Chairman Marc Benjamin David Martin Edward Aberbach Robert Phoenix Dorothy Travers (ZOOM) ABSENT: None OTHERS: Richard Shuck, Zoning Enforcement Officer; and Katherine Rose, Recording Secretary Chairman Marc Benjamin called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. Chairman Marc Benjamin stated all members would be voting on all matters. A. COMMUNICATIONS: None. B. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Robert Phoenix made a motion to accept the September 10, 2024 regular meeting minutes. Dorothy Travers seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. C. OLD BUSINESS: None. D. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Acceptance of 2025 Meeting Schedule: Robert Phoenix made a motion to accept the 2025 meeting schedule as presented. Edward Aberbach seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. 2. V# 24-11: 297 Central Ave: Request relief from ZR. Section 1.1 to reduce the side yard setback from 10 ft. to 7 ft. for the construction of code compliant stairs. Property of Regie Lopan LLC, Application of Tim Allain, Assessors Map # 087, Block # 002 Lot # 080, R-MF Richard Shuck read into the record Exhibits A - K. Tim Allain of 297 Central Avenue stated the existing stairwell at the property was approximately 50 years old, was falling down and not code compliant. Tim Allain stated his proposed plan for the new staircase ran  21 inches into the adjacent property setback at 293 Central Avenue, which he also owned. Tim Allain stated that the fire marshal and building department have both asked for the stairs to be replaced. Edward Aberbach asked if the staircase or second floor landing would be 21 inches wider than existing. Richard Shuck clarified that the staircase would not be built any wider, but the existing second floor landing would extend 21 inches over the setback. Edward Aberbach asked if the goal was to make the property at 297 Boswell a multi-family home, to which Tim Allain responded was correct. Marc Benjamin asked if the ‘knock box’ containing unit keys that was mounted under the stairs in the past by the fire department would remain in place. Tim Allain stated he was unaware of such a box. Marc Benjamin stated he was aware the stairs needed to be replaced and be able to meet code. Robert Phoenix motion to close the public hearing 7:22. Edward Aberbach. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. E. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DECISIONS: 1. V# 24-11: 297 Central Ave: Request relief from ZR. Section 1.1 to reduce the side yard setback from 10 ft. to 7 ft. for the construction of code compliant stairs. Property of Regie Lopan LLC, Application of Tim Allain, Assessors Map # 087, Block # 002 Lot # 080, R-MF Robert Phoenix made a motion to approve the application as written and prestend. David Martin Seconded. Robert Phoenix stated that the present hardship was the property is already encumbered and no way to provide alternative means of egress from the second and third floor that would not encroach on the side yard setback. Robert Phoenix continued that knowing code and safety requirements had been increased, the increased width of the proposed landing would not be a detriment to the existing property or neighboring property. Edward Aberbach noted the existing staircase is not code compliant and the applicant was seeking to do that. David Martin stated the stairs were non-conforming from a zoning and code standpoint, so for the stairs to be safe they need to become slightly more non-conforming. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. F. STAFF UPDATES: None. G. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Robert Phoenix to adjourn at 7:28 PM. David Martin seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Katherine Rose Recording Secretary