Planning and Zoning Meeting

TOWN OF THUNDERBOLT PLANNING & ZONING MEETING WEDNESDAY, August 20, 2025 6:30 PM Call Meeting to Order The meeting was called by Chairman Grene at 6:30PM, August 20, 2025. Those in attendance were Commissioners: Krista Kilburn, Leslie Lunney, Jim Kerns, Nick Patrick and Sean Compton. Staff in attendance were Charlie Barrow, Town Attorney, Consultant Ashley Goodrich, Bob Fischer, Building Inspector and Jan LeViner, Zoning Administrator. Approval of Agenda Commissioner Grene asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Patrick made a motion to approve. Commissioner Lunney seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve. Approval of Minutes. July 16, 2025. Commissioner Compton made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Patrick seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve. New Business:  Variance Request: Accessory Structure use Approval: 3211 Bannon Drive. Petitioner: Trey Conners. Mr. Conners approached the Commission explaining his request. He stated he purchased a 20’ shipping container after a storm caused damage to his residence. He then put the contents of his home in the container while repairs were completed. Mr. Conners made reference to the updated drawings that are before them tonight showing a very well established landscape plan which will add to the current landscaping. He continued, the container is not visible from Bannon Drive as there is a large oak tree in very close proximity. Mr. Conners stated his request is for a variance to allow the container to remain in his back yard and to be able to continue to use for general storage and his woodworking equipment. Commissioner Compton asked if all insurance claims have been resolved and the container is no longer being used for storage while repairs are being made. Mr. Conners confirmed as he completed the work himself. Commission Patrick asked Mr. Conners why he purchased the container rather  than a storage shed. Mr. Barrow stated the ordinance clearly states shipping containers are not permitted. There are minor exceptions during construction or a seven-day window if you are moving. Containers that are currently in the Town are grandfathered and the intent of the ordinance is to prevent additional containers in the Town. Commission Kilburn asked Mr. Barrow when the ordinance was adopted. Mr. Barrow responded, 2014 and this is the first instance where a resident has asked to put a new one in. He continued that he unaware when the container was placed on the property and the petitioner should have applied for a permit for the construction period. Commission Kilburn expressed her concerns as if this is approved, what would prevent more requests such as this one. Mr. Barrow stated this is a very unusual situation as in his opinion, the Commission cannot grant a variance as there is not a variance for something that is prohibited. There was a brief discussion regarding the removal of the container. Mr. Conners stated this situation was born out of a hardship. Mr. Fischer stated the Town does allow accessory structures and the Development Standards allow accessory structures which would be a garage or shed. If the structure is under 120 sq ft it does not need a permit and be within three (3) feet of the property line. If over 120 sq ft, it does need a permit. Mr. Barrow read the ordinance from the Code which clearly states shipping containers are not allowed with the exception of a seven day window due to moving or if it is used for construction debris. He continued, in his opinion, the Commission does not legally have the authority to grant this variance. Commission Lunney made a motion to deny. Commission Kilburn seconded. Vote was unanimous to deny. DISCUSSION: Mr. Conners stated he will appeal to Mayor and Council at the upcoming City Council meeting, September 10, 2025 and thanked the Commission.  Subdivision and Variance Setback Request: Bell Avenue and Woodlawn Drive. Petitioner: Nicky Van, N&L Rentals. Commissioner Compton made a motion to deny as the petitioner is not present. Commission Kilburn seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous to deny. Commission Compton made a motion to adjourn as there was not further business. Commission Kilburn seconded. Vote was unanimous to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 6:45PM. __________________ Haley Grene, Chair __________________ Jan LeViner Zoning Administrator