Rhinebeck ZBA accepts several variances and applications; continues Rhinebeck Rentals sign hearing to Sept. 17

The Rhinebeck Zoning Board of Appeals on Aug. 20 accepted several new variance applications and referred multiple matters to the planning board while continuing the public hearing for a commercial sign at 3606 Route 9G.

Board members voted to accept new applications for a small ground‑mounted solar system at 1085 (Christopher Travers), a residential accessory shed at 1086 (Gary Beck), a two‑story carport/deck addition at 1087 (Windcliff Court), and an application from Andrea Novick (1089) seeking area variances for multiple accessory structures on a 19.9‑acre property. The board also reviewed larger proposals, including a renovation and addition for a caretaker's cottage (Mill Road LLC) and a community‑scale solar proposal (Doves Nest). The board continued the public hearing for the Rhinebeck Rentals sign and agreed to have staff draft a resolution for action at the Sept. 17 meeting.

Travers (case 1085): Solar array and planning‑board referral Jeff (solar contractor) described the proposal as a small, ground‑mounted array sited in a narrow “solar window” on a deep, unusually shaped property. “It's a 13 kilowatt system. It'll generate about 30% of the electricity that's consumed in the property,” the contractor said. The system requires a front‑yard setback variance because the only feasible ground location is in the front yard; the contractor presented renderings, resource‑factor calculations that averaged roughly 70–76% solar access, and photos showing screening berms and trees.

The ZBA voted to accept the application and referred the project to the Planning Board for special‑use/site‑plan review; the Planning Board public hearing was discussed for mid‑September. The board recorded the applicant’s plan to trench to the existing meter and noted Central Hudson interconnection logistics would be addressed during Planning Board review.

Sheds, decks and accessory structures (cases 1086, 1087, 1089, 1088) - 1086 (Gary Beck): The board accepted an application to place a cedar‑sided storage shed on Mill Road; the applicant said he intends to site the 200‑square‑foot shed on a gravel foundation with cedar siding chosen to match the house and to locate a propane tank and generator nearby. The board noted the proposed corner of the shed would sit about 110 feet from the road, below the 150‑foot setback requirement, and scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 17.

- 1087 (Windcliff Court): The applicant seeks variances to add a two‑story carport with a second‑floor deck and exterior stair. The board accepted the application “subject to” additional renderings and asked the applicant to provide 3‑D or photo‑realistic renderings two weeks before the public hearing; a Sept. 17 hearing date was discussed.

- 1089 (Andrea Novick): The applicant reported nine existing accessory structures on a 19.9‑acre RC‑5 parcel; the zoning allows only three accessory structures in that district. Novick requested variances for total accessory floor area and the board accepted the application and noted the Planning Board public hearing scheduled for Sept. 15 (planning schedule). The applicant agreed to provide photographs and a visual analysis showing limited public visibility.

- 1088 (Mill Road LLC): Presenters described a renovation and 1‑story rear addition to a 1915 caretaker’s cottage, a trellis/pergola element, and a carport; the board recommended referring the project to the Planning Board for its environmental and site‑plan review and noted neighbors had been engaged informally.

Rhinebeck Rentals sign (case 1075): public hearing continued to Sept. 17 Paul Biker of Timely Signs, representing the tenant, explained the sign changes for the property at 3606 Route 9G and said the temporary banner uses the applicant’s brand colors. Planning Board and staff comments asked the ZBA to consider compatibility with the area’s residential character, signage material and whether the phone number should appear on the sign. Biker said the displayed colors are less “vibrant” in real life than on an RGB monitor and that the corporate brand requires specific elements. The board voted to continue the public hearing to Sept. 17 and requested a draft resolution and (if the applicant chooses) a revised, slightly amended design (for example removal of the phone number or moderated colors) before that meeting. The owner agreed to provide any requested renderings and to consider additional plantings.

Doves Nest / Dosness solar (community‑scale): screening, technical constraints, historic review A developer representing a proposed ground‑mounted solar array described engineering constraints, interconnection points and visibility. The developer said the highest panels would be about 9 feet 6 inches tall (reduced about 2 feet from an earlier design) and emphasized screening using existing black‑willow plantings and additional evergreen plantings. The developer and board noted a letter from the local historical advisory group that found the project could avoid visual impacts with appropriate screening; the board emphasized that any final decision will depend on Planning Board lead‑agency review and conditions to ensure the array is not visible from protected historic viewpoints.

Other procedural items and site visits The board discussed several pending public‑hearing items and scheduled site visits for matters with neighbors’ concerns. For one residential shed variance (Justin & Adrian / case continued at meeting), the board and neighbors agreed to a site visit on Saturday, Sept. 13, to view the property and discuss screening.

Votes at a glance (motions made and outcomes at the Aug. 20 meeting) - Case 1085 (Christopher Travers, ground‑mounted solar): Motion to accept application and refer to Planning Board — Approved (motion; second; unanimous Ayes announced). - Case 1086 (Gary Beck, accessory shed): Motion to accept application — Approved (motion; second; Ayes announced). - Case 1087 (Windcliff Court, carport/deck): Motion to accept application subject to receiving renderings — Approved (motion; second; Ayes announced). - Case 1089 (Andrea Novick, accessory‑structure variances): Motion to accept application — Approved (motion; second; Ayes announced). - Case 1075 (Rhinebeck Rentals sign): Motion to continue public hearing to Sept. 17 and have staff draft a resolution — Approved (motion; second; Ayes announced). - Several other matters (e.g., Doves Nest solar, Mill Road LLC renovation, Joseph Berg wetlands matter) were discussed and held open or referred; no final ZBA action was taken at this meeting on those items.

Why it matters The board’s decisions move several property changes to Planning Board review, where site plan, special‑use and environmental considerations will be examined in greater detail. The continued Rhinebeck Rentals sign hearing shows the board is seeking a written record and a chance to consider small design changes rather than resolving the contentious sign at a single meeting.

What’s next Most accepted applications will appear before the Planning Board or return to ZBA for public hearings in September; the Rhinebeck Rentals sign public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17, when the board expects a draft resolution and any revised renderings or proposed planting plans.