The Rangeley Zoning Board of Appeals voted to grant a setback variance for a property identified in the meeting as '773,' concluding the application met the Town Code’s variance and shoreland criteria.

Speaker 4 (staff) explained the lot is unusually small and that owners and abutters had provided consent letters. Board members reviewed the record, noting the parcel’s constrained geometry and a prior demolition/rebuild that had required moving the dwelling farther from the shore. Speaker 4 described how the placement created a small side deck and that the applicant installed drainage ("French drains") to mitigate seasonal wetness.

The board applied the Rangeley Town Code’s shoreland criteria (section 38-7-6) and found no unreasonable damage to wildlife or habitat, that visual points of access to the water were not impaired, and that reasonable conservation of natural beauty and avoidance of erosion were satisfied. Speaker 5 stated the lot’s small size and neighbors’ written consent supported the variance; the board discussed lot coverage limits, the 20% maximum setback reduction threshold, and the requirement that the applicant show necessity rather than convenience.

Following deliberation, members moved and seconded a motion to grant the variance. The board recorded approval and noted that the decision is subject to building‑permit review and any conditions the code enforcement office requires. The board closed the item and moved on to other business.

Next steps for the applicant include securing the town building permit and complying with any mitigation or construction requirements identified during permitting. The board’s decision settles the local zoning question but does not supplant building‑permit review or other required inspections.