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Resident seeks use variance to keep additional goats; Sand Lake ZBA schedules May hearing
Summary
Marissa Goyer requested a Use Variance to keep three additional hooved animals at 133 Pond Hollow Road for 4H educational purposes; the ZBA voted to be SEQR lead, found the application complete and scheduled a May 14 public hearing.
Marissa Goyer told the Town of Sand Lake Zoning Board of Appeals on March 12 that she seeks a Use Variance to allow three additional hooved animals at her property at 133 Pond Hollow Road, where she currently keeps four goats for 4H educational activities.
Zoning Board of Appeals member Melissa Toni moved that the board act as SEQR lead and that the application be found complete; both motions were seconded and recorded in the minutes. The board scheduled a public hearing for May 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.; notices will be mailed to neighbors and posted in the Troy Record.
In her remarks, recorded in the minutes, Goyer said the animals are used for 4H educational programming and that the family would not anticipate replacing the goats when they pass away. The minutes state the existing pen houses four goats in approximately 50 square feet, that it is not visible to neighbors, and that manure would be loaded and shipped to a neighboring farm in Poestenkill for composting.
ZBA attorney Craig Crist read the statutory criteria for a Use Variance from the Town Zoning Law, and board members noted that Use Variances are more difficult to obtain and can set precedent. The board did not take a final vote on the variance request; the May 14 public hearing will provide an opportunity for public comment before any decision.
The ZBA will accept written comments and hear public testimony at the May 14 hearing.
