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Petition to split 18–20 Wood Road withdrawn after board questions about lot size
Summary
Applicants seeking to subdivide condominium into two lots withdrew a variance request after board members said the lots do not meet the current 40,000 sq ft minimum and expressed low likelihood of support.
Petitioners seeking to convert the condominium at 18 and 20 Wood Road in South Yarmouth into two separate lots withdrew a variance request at the Jan. 23 Yarmouth Zoning Board of Appeals meeting after board members said the parcels do not meet current minimum lot size requirements.
The applicant explained they purchased the property last month and hoped to convert condominium ownership into two single‑family lots. Petitioner testimony indicated each proposed lot measures about 13,857 and 13,558 square feet. Board members and staff reminded the applicants that current RS‑40 zoning requires a minimum lot size of 40,000 square feet for subdivision endorsement by the Planning Board, and that the town had raised lot‑size requirements over time to manage density and protect water resources.
Chair and other members advised the petitioners they were seeking the correct type of relief (a variance) but said they were unlikely to receive the four affirmative votes needed for a variance given the dimensional disparity. The petitioners asked to withdraw the variance request without prejudice; the board unanimously granted the withdrawal.
The board suggested petitioners consult legal counsel or consider alternate options, including preserving condominium ownership or pursuing a different application track. No vote on merits was taken; the withdrawal leaves the applicants able to refile in the future.
