Planning Board gives positive recommendation for setback variance at 81 Mountain View Road

The Town of Clinton Planning Board recommended that the Zoning Board of Appeals grant a variance for a proposed two‑car garage and adjacent gym at 81 Mountain View Road, finding the lot configuration constrained placement options.

Architect Jamie Machado represented the applicant and described site constraints: the garage would sit north‑northwest of the existing house where the driveway ends, the lot narrows at the northern boundary, and existing features (septic, rock outcropping and newly planted evergreens) limit alternative locations. Machado said the building was designed to create a courtyard with a new pool and that the gym area will have a folding glass door system that opens to the pool area.

There was some inconsistency in size cited during the presentation — Machado initially referenced a 1,900 sq ft structure and later confirmed the building footprint as 900 sq ft; board discussion treated the smaller figure as controlling pending plan submission. Board members noted the lot is substandard in width and that the proposal places the building within the 50‑foot setback. The board proposed that the ZBA consider a screening condition along the property line to protect neighbor privacy.

The board moved to issue a positive, nonbinding recommendation to the ZBA; the motion passed by voice vote. The applicant was instructed to appear before the ZBA on Dec. 4 and to confirm the hearing time with staff. The board noted its recommendation does not bind the ZBA.

What’s next: the applicant will appear before the ZBA on Dec. 4; the Planning Board recommendation and suggested screening condition will be part of the ZBA record.