Philipstown board approves shed for Lassazi and six‑foot fence variance for Meridan

The Philipstown Zoning Board of Appeals approved two permit requests during its meeting: a special‑use permit for a 16‑by‑32‑foot shed with a second floor for applicant Michael Lassazi, and a variance allowing a six‑foot fence for applicant Allison Meridan along Route 9D.

Michael Lassazi, whose property is mostly in neighboring Courtland with the shed parcel in Philipstown, presented revised plans dated Feb. 10 that removed previously shown bedrooms. The board reiterated that the structure is intended as a shed, not living quarters: “It’s a shed. It’s not…we’re not going to live in this,” the applicant said. Board members raised questions about missing total building height and whether stairs were interior or exterior before agreeing on approximate finished height (board discussion estimated about 33–35 feet at the peak) and confirming the stairs would be outside. The board applied the five‑factor area‑variance test and, after a motion and second, approved the special‑use permit. The chair told the applicant he could take the signed approval to the building inspector the next day to obtain the permit.

Later, applicant Allison Meridan of 29 Old Mar Road sought a variance to install a six‑foot fence along Route 9D for privacy and to reduce road noise. Meridan said the fence would be at a similar setback as a neighbor and estimated the location is roughly 10 feet from the road; she also noted other six‑foot fences exist along that stretch of 9D. Board members asked about driveway sightlines and impacts on visibility. Applying the five‑factor test, members noted the fence would be consistent with adjacent properties and likely cause minimal impact; a motion to grant the variance passed and the chair signed the approval so Meridan could proceed to the building department for a permit.

The meeting closed with a board member requesting the town provide updated zoning‑code books (current copies dated 2011) for board members, counsel and the secretary, and with a motion to adjourn.

Why it matters: Approvals clear the way for construction and permitting in constrained topography and for fence changes along a state route; they also clarify how the board applies variance and special‑permit factors in locations with steep slopes and visibility concerns.

What’s next: Both applicants were told they could take signed approvals to the building department to obtain permits; the board expects to receive new zoning books from the town board.