Application of
Pamela Jill Valente for a Special Exception in accordance with Article 8.4C of the
Kensington Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations for Home Occupation for
tax preparation and planning, and financial and accounting services for
property at 159 South Road, Kensington, NH, Map 4, Lot 17-3. Pamela Valente, accompanied by Ron Ouellet,
explained that the business would occupy 15% of the dwelling and is her primary
source of income. Hours of operation are
typically 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, but can occasionally run until 9:00 pm during her
busy season, which is generally from January through April 15th. Traffic during
the busy season can average two clients a day, but otherwise it might be three
a month. John Andreasse clarified that
the businesses advertised on the sign are the same, even though advertised with
different phone numbers. Dick Parker
clarified that deliveries are minimal, including some books, and may be
delivered on average once a month. Chapter
2, page 21, regarding employees was reviewed and Ms. Valente stated there are no
employees working at the site, but during the busy season she may contract with
a few field agents.
John
Andreasse explained that the current sign is not consistent with zoning requirements
and Ms. Valente replied that it would be no problem to reduce the size. Dan Chaisson explained that Home
Occupation is intended to be incidental to the residence with the intent to keep it low
key. Eric Peterson asked about parking
and Pamela stated she had adequate parking.
Dick Parker explained that parking would need to be shown to the
satisfaction of the Planning Board.
Abutter
Ralph Lampman stated that the light is on sign 24 hours a day and there
is a separate building where business is conducted. Ms. Valente explained that the second
building, which was there when she purchased the property, is a studio where
she and her son conduct research and is not living quarters, as it has no water
or bathroom. She said she conducts
business in the 10’ x 10’office in her house.
Mr. Lampman made other allegations of building zoning violations, but
the Board referred him to the Board of Selectmen for these issues. Ms. Valente explained that she has the sign
and driveway lit because she feels the driveway is dangerous and wants people
to be able to see. She added that she
sometimes misses the driveway herself and stressed that she felt for safety
purposes the driveway must be lit. Dan
Chaisson explained that she can’t have a spot light on the sign and John
Andreasse explained that there is a difference in light reflection between a
spot light and a lamp post. The Board
reviewed lighting requirements as listed in Chapter 4, page 6. Dick Parker explained to Mr. Lampman that it
is not against the zoning to have a light and suggested a downward light and a
lamp post.
Dan Chaisson commented on Mr. Lampman’s
assertion that the clients go into studio.
He explained to Pamela Valente that the clients must go to the house, not
the studio, based on the application. Joan
Skewes added that if the business were to be conducted in the studio, then it
would be classified as commercial and would require different criteria and a
different hearing. Ms. Valente agreed
that if clients find her in the studio, she will move into the 10 x 10 office
in the house to conduct business.
Dan Chaisson moved to approve the
application for Special Exception with the following conditions:
1.
No onsite employees – sole proprietorship.
2.
Business must be conducted in the 10 x 10 office
in the house as proposed.
3.
Indirect lighting consistent with Site Plan
Review requirements.
4.
No more than 20 client cars per week.
5.
Hours restricted as 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday
through Saturday.
6.
Parking to be defined at Site Plan Review.
7.
Site Plan Review by the Planning Board
required.
BOARD BUSINESS:
Review of By-Laws/Rules of Procedure – The Board reviewed the
original by-laws of 1994, and Eric Peterson moved to accept the by-laws as
written, seconded by Joan Skewes with all in favor.
Review legal changes regarding variances – area and use – The
Approval of September 7, 2004 minutes
John Andreasse moved to accept the minutes of
September 7, 2004 as written, seconded by Eric Peterson with all in favor.
Dan Chaisson moved to
adjourn at 9:00 pm, seconded by John Andreasse with all in favor.
Respectfully
submitted,
Denise
Gregson
Administrative
Assistant