Zoning board unanimously approves variance for 16 Ridge Avenue applicant

The Zoning Board of Adjustment voted unanimously April 22 to approve application 2609, permitting Kimberly Burnett to construct a two-story, single-family primary residence under 2,000 square feet at 16 Ridge Avenue.

Burnett, who was sworn before giving testimony, told the board she currently lives in town and wants to remain there. She said her father, a builder, would build the house "before he retires," and that the home would be her primary residence. Board members asked about required variances; the lot was described during the hearing as 70 by 100 feet, and board members noted the lot does not meet the ordinance's stated lot-area and lot-width minimums but that the proposed house meets setback and coverage requirements.

When asked about the site's history, Burnett said the lot is vacant and that, according to the seller, a previous house on the property burned in about 2003 after being struck by lightning and was never rebuilt. The public portion of the hearing produced no speakers in opposition.

A motion to approve the application was made and seconded. The board recorded unanimous roll-call approval; the board chair said the decision will be memorialized at the May 27 meeting, after which Burnett may proceed with permitting and construction steps.

Why it matters: The board's approval clears local land-use hurdles that had prevented residential redevelopment on a small, nonconforming lot. The variance grants allow construction that would not meet ordinary lot-size and width standards but that the board found appropriate given the site's conditions and the applicant's stated intent to occupy the home.

Next steps: The board will memorialize the formal resolution of approval at its May 27 meeting; the applicant may then pursue building permits and other agency approvals required for construction.