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Zoning board grants shoreland variance for West Swanzey lakeside addition with state permit and stormwater conditions
Summary
The board approved a variance for a lakeside addition at Map 247 Lot 58, requiring state shoreland permit approval and stormwater mitigation design before construction; vote was 4–1.
The West Swanzey Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 4–1 to grant a variance that will allow a small, single‑story addition on a house in the Shoreland Protection District at Map 247 Lot 58, adjacent to West Swanzey Lake.
Applicants Keith Kerchak and Amanda Lewis said the addition is intended to create a first‑floor bedroom and an accessible bathroom so the homeowners can “age in place.” Amanda Lewis told the board the couple is turning 78 and wants to remain in the house, adding that the proposed addition would not extend closer to the water than the existing structure.
Town staff recommended approval and noted Conservation Commission comments advising the use of an infiltration trench, dry well, rain garden or similar stormwater mitigation measures. Adam, the planning staff member, told the board staff supports the modest addition but flagged septic sizing and state permitting as issues the applicants must address.
After discussion about shoreland and floodplain rules, the board approved the variance with two written conditions: applicants must obtain all required state shoreland permits prior to issuance of any building permit, and stormwater mitigation measures (design and any required state documentation) must be completed and approved as part of the permitting process. Board members said those state permits and design submissions would be reviewed by the town’s building official and would satisfy the board’s condition. One board member recorded a dissenting vote, saying they preferred to see final stormwater designs before approving the variance.
The board also discussed and granted the related special exception for construction in the local floodplain district, finding the proposed work would not demonstrably increase flood levels given the property’s elevations and the limited size of the addition.
What the applicants said: Amanda Lewis described safety concerns with stairs and the desire for a handicap‑accessible bathroom and bedroom on the first floor so the homeowners can remain in their lakeside home.
Conditions and next steps: The variance and special exception approvals are conditioned on state shoreland permit approval and on completion of the stormwater mitigation design required by state and local rules; applicants must obtain required building permits before construction begins.
