Zoning board grants setback variance for kiosk at Main and Depot to improve pedestrian access

The Rangeley Zoning Board of Appeals on July 30 granted a variance to allow a directional kiosk and sidewalk connections within the 25-foot street setback for a public parking lot at the corner of Depot Street and Main Street as part of the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway Gateways project. The board found the variance met the town's setback reduction criteria, concluded the proposal did not create unnecessary or undue hardship, and approved the application after hearing from project representatives. "Essentially what we're proposing here is just reconstructing the parking lot with new gravels, new pavement, delineated parking spaces, new sidewalk, and some new interpretive signage," said Brooke, a staff member who described the application submitted on the town's behalf. Brooke said the primary purpose of the project was to improve pedestrian connectivity and provide accessible routes from the Depot Street parking area to downtown. The application requests a setback reduction so a kiosk and pedestrian connections can be placed where people naturally walk; the kiosk is intended to provide maps and directional signage to help visitors navigate downtown. The board reviewed the applicable standards under Section 38-8-4 of the Rangeley Town Code and heard that the code enforcement officer made the administrative determination on June 20, 2025. Board members discussed which variance criteria were inapplicable (items tied to single-family dwellings and structure lot coverage) and removed those from consideration for this nonbuilding kiosk; they then found the remaining criteria, including a demonstrated need rather than mere convenience, were satisfied. By motion, the board granted the variance; the meeting record shows the decision carried on a voice vote. The project team was asked to complete required paperwork and to coordinate with staff on any inspection and erosion-control measures during construction.