Coventry zoning board approves David Hayes setback variance with stipulation to seek DEM review

The Coventry Zoning Board on Sept. 4 approved a dimensional variance for owner David Hayes to build a single-family home 25 feet from the front lot line where 50 feet is normally required at 300 Maple Valley Road. Attorney Joseph Brennan, representing the applicant, told the board the property is constrained by a 200-foot wetland buffer and that the proposed siting balances buffer and front-yard requirements: "We are proposing 25 feet," Brennan said.

The board heard from staff and neighbors about site staking and a revised house orientation. Brennan said the house had been flipped and the driveway and a hammerhead turnaround were staked to address safety and nearby-owner concerns. Neighbor Lester William Oliver of 185 Maple Valley Road told the board he found the revised plan acceptable.

Board members debated whether town-owned land between the paved road and the lot line effectively increases the drive distance; one member measured a 35-foot practical distance to the road but staff and counsel clarified that relief must be calculated from the property line. Staff recommended the board reference the staff report and supported waiving the usual ratification in this case if the board’s findings were consistent with staff recommendations.

The board voted to approve the application with a stipulation requesting that the applicant approach the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to explore moving the building 10 feet farther back and to include the staff report findings in the decision. The motion and roll-call approvals were recorded with members citing the stipulation and staff report in their votes. The decision permits the applicant to seek DEM approval; if DEM requires a different location, the applicant may return to the board for further relief or proceed if DEM allows a different setback.