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Rindge zoning board approves variance so house can use existing septic
Summary
The Rindge Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance for 11 Sharon Place (Case 2025-014) to reduce the required proximity to the road so the applicants can reuse an existing septic system. The board found neighborhood patterns and site measurements supported relief and voted in favor; applicants were told about the 30-day appeal window.
The Rindge Zoning Board of Adjustment on a unanimous vote approved a variance for 11 Sharon Place to allow a new house to be located closer to the road so the applicants can reuse an existing septic system.
The board opened the meeting by correcting a typographical error in the case caption and then considered Case 2025-014, described by the chair as a request under Article 4, Section B2 of the town’s residential zoning ordinance to reduce required proximity to the road. The property was identified in the record as owned by Kathy and Andre Laoy.
Speaking for the applicants, Miss Boy said the owners bought the lot three years ago and that an inspected leach field and septic tank are already on site. "We want to use the existing septic tank," she said, adding the proposed 42-foot-deep house would otherwise sit on top of the septic features. She described the choice to move the house slightly closer to the road as a cost-saving measure to avoid replacing the system.
Board members and staff reported a site visit and measurements. Members discussed that the nearest occupied traveled way is roughly in the low 30-foot range from the leach field (measured from the traveled way) and that typical side setbacks in the district are 15 feet, while the front/traveled-way setback is 50 feet. The stamped plans and recent surveys showed a house footprint of approximately 42 by 68 feet with a garage and a side setback that the board described as roughly sufficient, but the lot geometry and location of the leach field made relief from the proximity standard necessary.
During deliberation commissioners cited the neighborhood pattern in the Little Michigan area, the lack of recorded objections from nearby residents, and the site inspection findings in support of granting relief. A motion to approve the application "as is" carried; the board announced the decision and the chair reminded the applicants about the 30-day period during which residents may file an appeal of the board’s decision. The chair also outlined next steps for the applicants to register the approval with the town and submit septic plans to the state.
The board then returned to routine business, approving minor corrections to previous meeting minutes before moving on with closing remarks.
The board did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript available; the chair characterized the vote as unanimous. The written decision and any conditions will be provided to the applicants by town staff and are subject to the local 30-day appeal period.
