Alton ZBA approves variance to allow park-model log cabin as principal residence on Eastside Drive

The Town of Alton Zoning Board of Adjustment voted Aug. 7 to allow a Lancaster park‑model log cabin to replace an existing mobile home at 178 Eastside Drive (Z25‑29), finding the property’s topography and an existing utility easement create an unusual hardship. The approval requires state septic-system approval before occupancy.

Richard J. Davana and Patricia Davana, the applicants, told the board the lot contains an overhead electrical easement that cuts across the middle of the parcel and steep slopes that make a conventional modular or site-built house difficult. They said they sought a park-model log cabin — a premanufactured, timber-style structure delivered on a frame — because it fits the site better and, in their view, offers higher build quality than other mobile homes. The applicants said abutters they contacted supported the proposal.

Board discussion focused on whether the proposed unit should be treated as a recreational vehicle (which the Lakeshore-Residential district prohibits for residential use) or as a premanufactured housing unit eligible for protection as an existing nonconforming use. The board concluded, after reviewing manufacturer materials and hearing from the applicants and neighbors, that the structure is a prefabricated log cabin-type unit and not a typical RV; members also found that replacing the existing nonconforming unit with a less‑nonconforming structure served the public interest.

Public input: neighbors who live nearby and several owners of adjacent Bayview Condominiums spoke in favor, calling the existing mobile home an eyesore and supporting replacement and septic upgrades.

Board action: the board accepted the application as complete, found hardship due to topography and the overhead utility easement, and approved the variance from Article 300 (Section 3.56) to permit the Lancaster log-cabin unit as the primary residence. The motion included conditions that the applicant obtain a state‑approved septic system and meet any applicable building‑code or site‑installation requirements. The motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: the applicant must obtain state septic approval, finalize installation details with code enforcement, and arrange for the unit to be set on a permanent foundation or supports as required by the town’s building code and planning staff.