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Board denies Lazaro request to modify side‑lot requirement for existing boat lift
Summary
After emotional testimony from Lewis and Shirley Lazaro about purchasing a waterfront home and subsequent permitting costs, Worcester County's Board of Zoning Appeals denied an after‑the‑fact modification that would have reduced the side‑lot requirement from 6 feet to 1 foot for an existing boat lift at 1 Sandpiper Lane; staff noted the structure was not built as permitted and recommended verification if approval were considered.
The Board of Zoning Appeals on July 9 denied an after‑the‑fact modification requested by Lewis and Shirley Lazaro to allow an existing boat lift to remain one foot from the side lot line instead of the 6 feet required by local code.
Lewis Lazaro described purchasing the property in 2021 believing it had 60 feet of water frontage; an as‑built survey later showed the property had 33.4 feet and the lift arm extended approximately 1 foot over the property line. The Lazaro testimony detailed hiring a permit expediter and contractors, the cost of the lift and electrical work, and difficulty getting the lift company to shorten the lift arm. “We respectfully ask that you grant this variance so that we may finally enjoy the waterfront home we worked a lifetime to achieve,” Lazaro said.
Neighbors testified in opposition, citing potential obstruction of views and navigation; one neighbor said granting the modification would reduce their ability to use limited water access. County staff explained the lift was installed not in the manner permitted and recommended that any approval include verification of final encroachment by resurvey.
After discussion, a motion to deny the modification carried (board recorded a 5–1 result against the modification). The board advised the applicants of alternative remedies, including taking civil action against contractors or seeking resubmitted permits, but denied the requested modification at the hearing.
