ZBA schedules site visit for 10 Cowl Drive after in-ground pool and shed variances requested

The Town of Wappingers Zoning Board of Appeals set a site visit and follow-up public meeting after hearing an application from Jeffrey Ruffino for variances to install an in‑ground pool and to allow three existing sheds at 10 Cowl Drive.

Appeal no. 26-78-72 seeks relief in an R-20 district: a rear-yard setback variance for a proposed 16-by-32 in-ground pool (the applicant cited a need for approximately 20 feet where 40 feet is required) and side-yard relief related to a shed (the transcript cites a requested 3.8‑foot variance where 10 feet is required). Ruffino told the board he currently has an above-ground pool with an older variance and said the in-ground pool is not yet installed; the board confirmed that an in-ground installation requires a new variance even if placed in the same location.

Board members asked the applicant to provide a clear site plan, stake property lines, and mark the 20‑foot setback corner (spray paint or stakes) so inspectors can measure. The board noted that fences and pavers sometimes encroach on property lines and said an accurate as-built showing all landscaping and structures will be required before final approvals.

The board scheduled a site visit for Saturday, July 18 at 9:00 a.m. and set a subsequent public meeting for Wednesday, July 21 at 7:00 p.m. The applicant was told to coordinate with staff and to have property corners marked; the board also advised confirming whether survey iron pins or rebar remain in place.

No vote on the substantive variances occurred at the June 23 meeting; the board will inspect the property and revisit the application at the July meeting.