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Middlebury Zoning Board accepts variance application for 440 Lake Shore Drive, schedules Sept. 2 public hearing
Summary
The Middlebury Zoning Board of Appeals accepted an application seeking multiple variances to allow a new primary dwelling at 440 Lake Shore Drive and set a public hearing for Sept. 2, 2026. The application includes a wetlands delineation showing a steep intermittent watercourse that bisects the lot; the board recommended filing the wetlands permit before the hearing.
The Middlebury Zoning Board of Appeals on July 1 accepted an application seeking multiple variances to permit construction of a new primary residence and attached garage at 440 Lake Shore Drive and scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 2, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Kade Courtois of Civil 1, representing owners Cindi and Gerard St Laurent Jr., presented the application packet and passed out a site plan and a wetlands delineation report prepared for the property. The application requests variances from the town’s R-40 zoning standards for a smaller lot and narrower frontage: side-yard setback from 25 feet to 17 feet (17.2 feet proposed); maximum lot coverage from 10% to 20% (19.55% proposed); minimum road frontage from 150 feet to 80 feet (existing frontage 80 feet); and minimum lot area from 40,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet (existing area 25,283 square feet).
The wetlands delineation attached to the application, prepared by Ian T. Cole, P.W.S., describes a steep, intermittently flowing watercourse that discharges to Long Meadow Pond and bisects the parcel. The report states that wetlands soils are present primarily at the mouth of the stream and along the pond edge and that the proposed site plan limits activity in wetlands to riprap and minimal grading intended to stabilize the watercourse bank. Courtois said the project timeframe depends on approvals but that work would proceed “sooner rather than later.”
The board discussed permitting sequence and the chairman recommended the applicant file for wetlands approval before the Zoning Board completes its review, noting that wetlands approval is required before the Zoning Board can move forward. After discussion, Robert J. Marages moved to accept the application; Christopher A. Gilberte seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Marages then moved to set a public hearing for Sept. 2, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.; Gilberte seconded and that motion also passed unanimously.
No other old business was presented. The board adjourned at 7:38 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 5, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Shepardson Community Center Room 26.
What happens next: The board will hold a public hearing on Sept. 2, 2026 to take public comment and consider evidence on the requested variances; the town’s wetlands permitting authority must review and approve the wetlands work before the Zoning Board may act on the zoning variances.
