South Russell BZA approves 63‑square‑foot variance for accessory building at 49 Cascades Drive

The South Russell Village Board of Zoning Appeals approved an area variance to allow a larger accessory structure at 49 Cascades Drive after a brief meeting and unanimous vote.

Board members approved a 63‑square‑foot area variance to permit an accessory structure described by the applicant as a storage building and hobby shop; the motion stated the building would measure no more than 768 square feet. The application was heard as case BZA25‑08.

The variance drew minimal discussion. The BZA chair described the request as "pretty straightforward," and noted the size increase represented "a relatively small variance" — about "a little bit less than 9% of the overall allowable size by code," according to the chair's remarks. Applicant Mr. Dankthaler said he had provided the board with copies of the submitted materials and that he would "be more than happy to answer" any questions about why the variance was needed.

Board members noted the hearing record included a letter of approval from the property's homeowners association, which the chair said was one of the items the board had required in a prior, larger application for the same property. After a motion to approve the variance and a second, the board called the roll and the motion passed unanimously.

The board made no other conditions recorded in the meeting transcript and did not direct further study or additional paperwork during the meeting. The rest of the short session covered administrative items, including approval of minutes from the BZA meeting on 04/16/2025 and scheduling questions for the next meeting.