The City of Delafield Zoning Board of Appeals convened on November 26, 2024, to discuss a variance request concerning a residential property on a peninsula. The meeting focused on the challenges faced by the homeowners in expanding their house due to recent changes in zoning laws.

The homeowners presented their case, explaining that their proposed addition would not encroach on the lake's shore setback but would affect the side yard setback. They emphasized their reliance on existing structures and expressed their desire to accommodate their growing family. The discussion revealed that the homeowners had conducted thorough research before purchasing the property, including consultations with real estate agents and reviewing zoning regulations online. However, they discovered post-purchase that their plans were not feasible under the current zoning code, which restricts expansions beyond the existing footprint of the house.

Key points of contention included the 50-foot setback requirement from the shoreline, which significantly limits the buildable area of the property. The homeowners indicated that any renovations would require a complete gutting of the interior without altering the exterior walls, a process deemed inadequate for a family of five. The board members engaged in a detailed dialogue about the implications of the zoning changes and the limitations they imposed on the homeowners' ability to modify their residence.

Public comments were invited, with several neighbors expressing their support for the homeowners' variance request. Lynn Morrison, a neighbor, highlighted the historical context of the properties on the peninsula, noting that all five houses had originally been built as similar cabins nearly a century ago. Morrison argued that the homeowners had done their due diligence and should be granted consideration for the variance due to the recent changes in zoning laws.

Alderman Paul Price also spoke in favor of the homeowners, advocating for the approval of the variance based on the unique circumstances of the property and the community's support.

The meeting concluded with the board acknowledging the complexities of the situation and the need for further deliberation on the variance request. The next steps will involve reviewing the public comments and the homeowners' proposal before making a final decision on the matter.