Planning board grants shoreland setback permit for 304 Ruffer Road with conditions

Planning board members approved a shoreland zoning application for new construction at 304 Ruffer Road (Map 027, Lot 013), concluding there was no practical alternative to the proposed footprint and granting the permit with conditions.

The board moved that the applicant had standing as the property owner and considered a June 26, 2025 code enforcement determination as part of its review. In applying the town code’s practical-alternatives test, members discussed lot size, shape and slope, the location of structures on adjacent properties, septic location, architectural plans, potential for solar siting, and relocation options before finding that retaining the original footprint was not practicable.

Based on those findings, the board approved the application with the conditions noted in the application and accepted by the zoning board of appeals. One condition discussed was maintaining the required setback—identified in the meeting as within 75 feet of the water’s normal high‑water mark. The meeting record shows motions to refer the application to the planning board and later to grant the application; motions were seconded and the board indicated approval.

The board also voted to accept minutes from Aug. 27, 2025, and set the next meeting for Sept. 24. The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.