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Planning board asks staff to recommend LWRP consistency for 47 Leadale Drive
Summary
The Penfield Planning Board voted June 11 to have town staff draft a recommendation that a proposed accessory structure at 47 Leadale Drive is consistent with the town's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program; final consistency determination rests with the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The Penfield Planning Board on June 11 directed town staff to prepare a consistency recommendation relating to Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) criteria for a proposed accessory structure at 47 Leadale Drive, referring the final determination to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
At a public work session, staff explained the unusual sequence: the applicant seeks variances from the ZBA but the town code requires the planning board to review the waterfront assessment and advise whether the proposal is consistent with LWRP policies. Board members questioned the visual and scenic impacts of the proposed pole-barn-style structure and whether it might obstruct views toward the bay.
"I looked at it closer since our last meeting, and that's there's several waterfront criteria relating to aesthetic impacts, especially with respect to the bay," said board member Steve, raising concerns about view obstruction and the structure's visibility from the east. Tony, representing the applicant's engineering team, answered that the finished floor elevation sits roughly 10 feet below the existing grade, the building would meet the 20-foot maximum height, and mature vegetation farther west would screen views from Leadale Drive.
Board discussion focused on whether the planning board should limit its opinion to LWRP consistency rather than speculate on the ZBA's variance decision. "You're not commenting at all on whether the zoning board should grant the variance," one member said. "It's only whether or not this is consistent with the local waterfront consistency plan." The board voted to have staff draft a letter stating the planning board's view of LWRP consistency for the ZBA's consideration.
The planning board's recommendation is advisory; the Zoning Board of Appeals will make the final consistency determination alongside any variance decisions. Staff noted the application materials will be revised and that the zoning hearing is scheduled for June 18. The planning board also flagged the broader issue that the mapped LWRP area covers land well inland in places, and the town is studying the waterfront-mapped boundary.
What’s next: Town staff will draft and circulate a consistency recommendation memo for the ZBA and include any clarifying materials the board requests before the June 18 ZBA hearing.
