Amherst Zoning Board delays decision on 301 Tower Lane variance; applicants to be notified in 14 days

The Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals on Aug. 27 heard a request from John and Luis Lopez, owners of 301 Tower Lane, for a 540-square-foot variance to add an 18-by-40 lean-to to an existing accessory structure. The board went into deliberative session and did not announce a public vote; the applicants were told they would be notified in writing within 14 days.

The applicants told the board the proposed addition would include an enclosed 18-by-30 section and an 18-by-10 covered concrete area at the front, with the covered portion intended as a roofed concrete pad rather than fully enclosed space. An applicant, identified in the agenda as John and Luis Lopez, said the space would be used for storage of lawn equipment, pool supplies and outdoor furniture and to provide access to the existing garage.

The request was presented under the board's review of dimensional limits in Chapter 1145.05(b)(1) (as stated in the meeting agenda), which was read into the record by Chair Terry Tomaszewski. During questions, building department staff confirmed that the full connected footprint of the existing structure plus the proposed lean-to is counted toward the maximum allowable square footage. The applicants said they were not aware a prior variance had been granted on the property in the early 2000s and said they had recently moved into the house.

Board members asked for lot information and other details. An applicant said the lot is one acre and about 392 feet deep. Board member Mr. Jeffords asked those lot-size questions during the public presentation. Legal counsel Mr. Ward had no comment on the matter during the hearing.

After the presentation and public-question period, the board voted to enter a closed deliberative session to decide the variance request. The transcript shows the board moved into and later returned from deliberative session; the public record at the meeting did not include a final public vote on the variance. Chair Tomaszewski said the applicants would be notified in writing of the board's decision within 14 days.

Other routine actions taken during the meeting included approval of the July 30, 2025 minutes and motions to adjourn; those procedural motions were approved by the members present. The Zoning Board's next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.