Zoning board grants variance for Short Lane addition, cites three road frontages and topography

The board opened public hearing Case 778 for 2 Short Lane on April 7. Owner Tyson Vancil and agent Erich Diller of Evolve Design Group presented a proposal for a 36-by-24-foot addition with an attached garage and a second-floor "great room," plus a covered roof deck above the garage. The application requested a front-setback variance from 50 feet to 25 feet (western side) to accommodate the connection to the existing dwelling.

Administrative Clerk Christine Branson noted the application included a three-page hardship letter, an agent authorization for Mr. Diller, a marked-up survey highlighting the septic and well locations and a floor plan with elevations. Three letters of support from neighbors (James & Elizabeth Corkery; David Reiss; Albert Burgasser & Roseann DiMatteo) were filed in the record.

Agent Erich Diller explained the property has three front-yard setbacks because Short Lane, Holiday Point and Crest Road converge at the lot, which leaves a narrow buildable strip that overlaps septic fields and difficult ledge and topography. The proposed addition was described as stepped down 4 feet into the terrain to reduce visual intrusion.

In deliberations the board discussed the three road frontages and topography as factors creating a unique hardship; members described the proposed increase in nonconformity as modest on the half-acre lot. K. Fazzone moved to approve the variance; seconded by R. Devine, the motion passed unanimously. The board approved the 36' x 24' addition and attached garage with the front-setback reduced to 25 feet.