The Alton Zoning Board of Adjustment on Aug. 7 granted variances and an equitable waiver for a seasonal cottage at 50 Bonnie Road (Case Z25‑30) that will keep the existing footprint but add a second floor and upgrade the septic. The board’s approval included three variances (including setbacks and building‑height/size provisions) and an equitable waiver under Article 500 §5.40(b) on the basis that the nonconforming conditions predated recent enforcement and had existed for more than 10 years.

Tom Varney, agent for owners Amy Leone and Jeffrey LaRoz, told the board the lot is small, constrained by an intermittent stream/wetland buffer and a narrow buildable area, and that the owners will keep the existing foundation/footprint and add vertical space rather than expanding the footprint. He and the designers also proposed stormwater measures to capture roof runoff and said a state‑approved holding tank or septic design will be installed.

The board reviewed staff comments and emphasized that final occupancy would be contingent on state septic approval and required stormwater mitigation. There was no public opposition; the board found the project consistent with the master plan’s encouragement to refurbish outdated seasonal cottages.

Actions taken: the board approved variances from Article 300 (including Section 3.20 e.2 and setback sections 3.27 a.1/2/3 as applicable) and granted the equitable waiver; each approval was conditioned on obtaining a state‑approved septic system before occupancy and on compliance with any building‑permit and shoreland protection requirements. Motions were seconded and passed unanimously.

Next steps: owners must secure a state‑approved septic plan and install stormwater controls described in their packet, then submit final permit documents to Planning and Code Enforcement for review before building and occupancy.