Board sets July 9 public hearing for Robert’s use and area-variance application

The board set a public hearing for July 9, 2026, on an application (referred to in the meeting as Robert’s use variance) that seeks permission for an additional accessory dwelling unit. Board members said the request stems from a court-ordered settlement and would require both a use variance and an area variance before the property could lawfully contain the extra unit.

Why it matters: Local code allows one accessory apartment in addition to the main dwelling; the current application seeks approval for a third dwelling unit when counting the main house and an accessory structure. If granted, the variance would permit an extra dwelling already in place under a court settlement rather than a new build, the board said.

Board members confirmed procedural steps: no Ulster County referral is required because the property is not within 500 feet of an agricultural district or a state road, and staff said a SEQRA form has been circulated for the file. Members noted a discrepancy between an earlier Notice of Determination that referenced a downstairs unit and the signed settlement agreement, which specifies the upstairs unit; the board agreed it must follow the court settlement for the record and for the public notice.

Staff told the applicant that certified notices to property owners within 500 feet will be required and that legal notices will run in the Southern Ulster Times at least 11 days before the hearing. The board’s staff will provide the applicant with the list of abutters and the packet required for the hearing. Members also said the hearing may remain open if additional information or responses are needed after initial comments.

The board indicated its attorney would attend the next meeting to assist with drafting the public-notice language, and members said the published notice will state both the use-variance and area-variance requests. The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. on July 9, 2026.