Chili Zoning Board approves four area variances, requires permits; tables contested dental sign application

The Town of Chili Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday approved four area-variance applications affecting single-family properties and a mixed-use addition, and required applicants to secure any outstanding building permits before work proceeds.

The board, chaired by Adam Cummings, approved a front-porch variance at 67 Belmar Drive that reduces the front setback to 56 feet from the code-required 60 feet. Applicant Jim Weer told the board reducing porch size would make it unusable and said he had moved the stairs parallel to the house to minimize intrusion. The board declared itself lead agency and classified the matter as a Type II action with no significant environmental impact, then approved the variance with a condition that the homeowner obtain a building permit.

Three other applications were approved with similar conditions. Owners at 17 Newport Drive were granted a rear-deck setback variance to allow a deck at roughly 21 feet 6 inches from the rear property line rather than the 40-foot requirement; the board required that any existing unpermitted work be brought into compliance with building permits. Carl and Michelle Hill received approval for a detached two-car accessory garage at 5 Kingsway (24 by 24 feet), despite the lot’s flag-configuration placing the structure in what is formally a front yard; the board noted screening and neighbors’ lack of opposition. An area-variance request from Greater Living Architecture and property owner Dan Deman for 35 B Road — to place a new garage and convert existing space for an in-law apartment — was approved for the west-side setback; the board discussed an older east-side variance shown on a 2008 survey and advised the applicant on sequencing with Planning Board review of a special-use permit.

All approved items were declared Type II actions with no significant environmental impact and were approved by voice vote. Chair Adam Cummings reminded applicants that the town’s building department will issue the written decision within a week and reiterated that building permits are required before construction begins.

Votes at a glance: 67 Belmar Drive (front-porch setback) — approved; 17 Newport Drive (rear-deck setback) — approved; 5 Kingsway (accessory garage) — approved; 35 B Road (west-side setback/in‑law apartment) — approved. For each approved application, the board recorded a unanimous voice vote in favor and imposed a condition requiring outstanding building permits.

The board also considered a signage variance for a dental practice at 4369 Buffalo Road that drew extended discussion about the town code’s limit of one wall sign per building face and the practical visibility of monument signage. Steve, a representative who identified himself as from Vital Science speaking for the property, said the proposed signage originally included phone-number lettering added when the business opened in 2022–2023 and that the applicant was willing to remove certain elements to reduce the sign count. Board members suggested options including removing or shrinking a proposed wall sign, moving proposed pediatric-dentistry lettering to another face, or relying on the monument sign; ultimately the applicant requested a continuance and the board voted to table the sign application to the next meeting to allow the applicant to pursue revisions and consult staff.

The board set its next meeting for July 28 and approved the prior meeting minutes before adjourning.