Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Waiver topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board grants waiver for Littles’ Belmore Court house after calculation error
Summary
The Bristol Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5-0 to grant an equitable waiver allowing the Littles’ newly built home at 7 Belmore Court to remain about 8 inches above the ordinance height limit after the applicants demonstrated a good‑faith miscalculation and neighbors voiced support.
The Bristol Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5-0 on June 2 to grant an Equitable Waiver of Dimensional Requirements for Frank and Darcy Little’s home at 7 Belmore Court, allowing the structure to remain despite a measured height of about 28 feet 4 inches—roughly 8 inches above the 28-foot maximum cited during pre-construction guidance.
The board accepted the Littles’ application as complete and concluded the couple met the waiver’s core tests: the structure was substantially complete, the height overage resulted from an apparent calculation error and good-faith mistake by the applicant, and lowering the roof would impose a disproportionate cost compared with any public benefit. Chair Larry Denton said the documentation and explanations provided supported completing the process with a single motion to decide all criteria together.
Frank Little told the board he and Land Use staff had discussed a 28-foot limit and that he designed the house to be 27 feet 9 inches based on framing and a 7/12 roof pitch; he said his calculation method for attic and rafter measurements produced the error. The board and staff confirmed a later field measurement with the roof and finish grading put the height at approximately 28 feet 4 inches; the prior dwelling on the lot measured about 12 feet in height.
Neighbors who had observed the renovation spoke in favor of the waiver. Chris Murphy said the work was “well done” and described the height increase as “minimal,” and Shaun Lagueux, a local contractor, said he understood how a homeowner acting as general contractor might miss a framing detail during the build.
Board member Steve Carten and others described the completed work as attractive and noted there were no abutter objections on record. Based on the applicants’ explanation, the site measurements, and public comment, Mr. Carten moved to grant the waiver “because the owner demonstrated it was an honest mistake,” a motion seconded by Donna Huot and approved unanimously.
The decision allows the Littles to keep the existing structure in its current form; the board’s approval was limited to the waiver request as described at the hearing. The meeting record notes the Littles provided drawings, photos and a narrative; no department objections were recorded for this application.
