Board approves detached accessory dwelling with conditions on permits and owner-occupancy

The West Swanzey Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a detached accessory dwelling (DAU) application for a two‑bedroom ranch unit, adding conditions requiring issuance of a building permit before construction, owner-occupancy and common ownership, and an updated site plan showing structure heights.

Town staff told the board the proposed DAU lies entirely in the residence district and therefore meets district requirements. Staff recommended several standard conditions: a building permit must be issued before construction, both the primary dwelling and the DAU must remain in common ownership and the DAU must be owner‑occupied, and the applicant must submit revised drawings that show the height of the structure on all four sides and current owner information.

The applicant described the unit as a modest two‑bedroom ranch intended for a family member; neighbors in the public comment period said they supported the proposal. Board members asked questions about parking and site layout; staff confirmed the plan identifies space intended to accommodate two parking spaces and asked the applicant to provide a clearer diagram for the building permit review.

The board approved the DAU application with the staff‑recommended conditions. Staff said the permit process will include the town’s usual review of height, setbacks and other zoning standards before a building permit can be issued.

Condition summary: building permit required before construction; DAU must be owner‑occupied; common ownership must be maintained; updated site plan with four‑side heights and current owner information must be provided before permit issuance.