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ZBA approves special exception to allow development in Floodplain District after elevation and septic assurances
Summary
Following the variance, the board granted a special exception (ZBA26‑006) to permit development in the Floodplain District, finding proposed elevations and septic design acceptable under current Zone AE mapping; board required standard permitting steps and noted that new FEMA maps could change future considerations.
After approving the variance to allow residential use in the business district, the Swanzey Zoning Board of Adjustment considered ZBA26‑006, a request for a special exception to allow development in the Floodplain District. Planning staff said that because the variance to the underlying use had been granted, the applicant had satisfied the requirement that the proposed development be otherwise permitted in the underlying district.
Survey and elevation evidence presented to the board showed the proposed slab would be set above the current Base Flood Elevation; the applicant indicated they would bring in shaping/fill to reach the required elevation. Board members asked whether septic/leach‑field design would be vulnerable to a high water table; the applicant said a septic design had been prepared and would comply with state and town requirements. The board found the special‑exception criteria met (use similarity, no adverse effect on neighboring values, adequate facilities) and voted to approve ZBA26‑006. Planning staff will include the permit conditions and technical documentation in the project file and monitor downstream building‑permit review.
