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Zoning board approves special exception for Roberts Cove cottage replacement
Summary
The Alton Zoning Board approved a special exception for Sedwin LLC to replace and modestly expand a nonconforming cottage at 175 Roberts Cove Road (case Z26-12), finding the project meets ordinance criteria and noting septic and shoreland permits. Approval was unanimous.
The Alton Zoning Board of Adjustment voted unanimously July 9 to grant a special exception to Sedwin LLC to replace and modestly expand a nonconforming cottage at 175 Roberts Cove Road (case Z26-12). The board found the proposal met applicable standards in the zoning ordinance after staff and the applicant reviewed setbacks, septic and shoreland permitting.
Tom Vining of Vining Engineering, agent for the applicants, described the plan to demolish the existing left-hand cottage and replace it in the same footprint with a slightly larger two-story structure, install a new septic and a well, and obtain a shoreland permit. “It has a new septic system that’s mostly installed right now. It has a state shoreland permit,” Vining said, summarizing the project’s technical readiness and compliance with setback requirements.
Board members debated whether the request should be considered under the rules for a nonconforming use (two dwellings on one lot) or the rules for replacement of a nonconforming structure. Attorney Manziani advised that because the property’s use (two dwellings on one lot) is the nonconforming element, a special exception under the relevant subsection is the appropriate path. “We permit it, but it’s by special exception,” Manziani said.
Members reviewed the special-exception worksheet item by item — appropriate site, effect on property values, nuisance/traffic, utilities, sewage and consistency with the master plan — and recorded consensus that the application satisfied each criterion. Board members noted the project reduces risks by bringing the building up to current code and installing an approved septic design.
After the criteria review, a board member moved to approve case Z26-12 for a special exception; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
The board closed public input without any speakers for or against the application. The approval was recorded with no additional conditions.
The board’s action clears the way for the applicant to proceed with building permits and final shoreland coordination with state authorities.
