ZBA approves Dolliver second-floor alterations, grants year-round use condition

The Town of Ferrisburgh Zoning Board of Adjustment on April 2 approved Application 25-013 filed by Rick and Diane Dolliver to remove portions of an existing second story and rebuild to the submitted elevations while retaining the existing ground-level footprint. The board and Zoning Administrator Katie Hill discussed wastewater and year-round use status; Hill advised that if the structure had been occupied more than 180 days in any year prior to 2007 the existing septic would be grandfathered for wastewater permitting. Dave Mentzer moved to approve the application as submitted, referencing the February 1, 2025 approval from the Long Point Corporation and requiring full-cutoff exterior fixtures; Mike Delaney seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

During the hearing the applicants explained they would not enlarge the ground footprint, that they had removed existing chimneys and the carport, and that proposed roof and dormer changes would not raise the ridge line. Board members and the applicants discussed Long Point rules governing water access and seasonal occupancy; Katie Hill noted ambiguity on town zoning about year-round permission but said the septic status is clear. Norm Smith said he would draft a written decision reflecting the board’s approval and conditions.