Delafield schedules Nov. 19 public hearing for Sylvester Drive special‑exception request to shift a new home toward the road

The Delafield Plan Commission voted Oct. 29 to schedule a Nov. 19 public hearing on a special‑exception request for a Sylvester Drive lot where owners Mark and Luann Van Cloonen propose to build a new two‑story residence with attached garage that would exceed the maximum floor‑area ratio and reduce the front‑yard setback.

Planner Amy Barrows said the property (9,261 sq. ft.) is smaller than the typical conforming lot in the RL‑2 zone and that the owners seek relief to allow a new house footprint of about 3,998 square feet total floor area (0.43 FAR) and a right‑of‑way setback of approximately 10.5 feet instead of the standard 25 feet. In return, the applicants propose to keep the house farther from the lake (about 86.6 feet shore setback), reduce impervious surface by shortening the driveway and remove an accessory outbuilding that encroaches into the right‑of‑way.

Staff noted the special‑exception process allows exceptions where reasonable use of the property otherwise would be impossible and that an approved exception must be recorded with register of deeds. Commissioners stressed that a recorded condition should prevent future requests to move closer to the lake and suggested explicit deed restrictions if the exception is granted. The public hearing was scheduled for the November meeting to allow time for staff and neighbors to review detailed plans.

Provenance: Staff report and applicant presentation on site constraints and the requested exceptions.