Alton board grants conditional approvals for two continued lot‑line/subdivision cases pending variances or state sign-off

Alton — The Alton Planning Board on Jan. 20 granted conditional approvals on two continued land-record matters, making both approvals contingent on narrow regulatory steps.

The board considered a continued application from Prospect Mountain Survey on behalf of William and Jill Duca and Timothy and Laura Bartian. Town staff explained that prior waivers had been granted for the portion of frontage on Marriott Drive, but the lot-line adjustment creates a new lot that falls short of required frontage and therefore requires a second variance to allow driveway access from a nonlegal frontage. The board voted to approve the application conditionally, subject to the applicant obtaining the variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

In a related matter, the board reviewed Case P25-33, presented by agent Paul Zuzco for Robert and Joanna Morehouse, involving a shared driveway and creation of a new lot. The board and agent agreed the project needed a housekeeping variance because the town’s definition of “driveway” limits an access to fewer than three structures and the proposal would service three. The selectmen had previously granted permission for a shared driveway under highway regulations; the planning board approved final zoning action conditionally on obtaining the necessary variance and other standard conditions precedent.

Both motions were carried at the meeting with the board authorizing conditional approvals and instructing staff to capture the variance conditions in the final motions. The board noted applicants should not have to return to the planning board if they receive the required ZBA relief.

Next steps: applicants must secure ZBA variances where required. The board recorded the approvals with conditions precedent noted in the meeting minutes.