Town of Kensington

Zoning Board or Adjustment Minutes

January 4, 2005 Public Hearing/Meeting

Approved March 1, 2005

 

Roll call: Chairman Richard Parker, Daniel Chaisson, John Ronan, and alternate, John Andreasse

                 The meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m.

 

Application: Glen and Barbara Greenwood of 132 Amesbury Road, Kensington, NH, are requesting an Area Variance from provisions in Article 8.3, Section III to allow the addition of a second floor to an existing garage, which is located closer than 25 feet to the side property line.

        Mr. Greenwood explained that the garage was built approximately 1973, prior to the 25 foot setback requirements.  The addition will be built within the same footprint and will not be any closer to the lot line.  It will be an open space area and used as rumpus room for his children. 

        John Andreasse questioned whether or not the variance was needed since the existing footprint was being used.  He added that he thought it has been standard practice not to require a variance in these circumstances.  Mr. Greenwood explained that the Building Inspector had told him it was required.

        Following discussion, the Board elected to render a decision on the case and seek an opinion of legal counsel.  If it is determined by legal counsel that a variance was not needed, the members agreed to address the issue at their next scheduled meeting.

        The criteria required were reviewed by the members with the following determinations:

1)      There would not be a diminution in value of surrounding properties as a result of granting this variance;

2)      The granting of this variance would be of benefit to the public interest;

3)      Litera1 enforcement of the zoning ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship, as established by the following:

a.        Special conditions of the property make an area variance necessary in order to allow the applicant to construct the development as designed; and

b.       The applicant cannot achieve the same benefit by some other reasonably feasible method that would not impose an undue financial burden.

4)      By granting this variance substantial justice would be done;

5)      The use contemplated by the petitioner as a result of obtaining this variance would not be contrary to the spirit of the ordinance.

Dan Chaisson moved to approve the application as presented, seconded by John Ronan with all in favor.

 

BOARD BUSINESS:

Review recommended regulatory changes from 2004 legislation – The most significant reviewed was the comparison of the two tests for variances – the new area vs. the older use.

 

Review equitable waiver of Dimensional Requirements – RSA 674:33-a – The findings required in order to grant this waiver were reviwed.

 

Approval of November 2, 2004 minutes - John Andreasse moved to approve the minutes of November 2, 2004 as written, seconded by Dan Chaisson with all in favor.

 

Next Meeting – It was determined that three or more members would not be able to attend a meeting if scheduled for February 1, 2005; thus John Andreasse moved to change the date of the next meeting to February 8, 2005, seconded by Dick Parker with all in favor.

 

Adjournment

John Andreasse moved to adjourn at 8:17 pm, seconded by Dan Chaisson with all in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Denise Gregson

Administrative Assistant