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Board says written opposition likely reflected misunderstanding of variance request
Summary
Staff told the board that opposition letters often reflect misunderstandings of what the variance would change; two written oppositions to BOA 2026-002 complained about a smaller house lowering property values, but staff noted the prior house was comparable in size and suggested direct engagement could have altered responses.
Board members and staff noted that the two written opposition letters filed for BOA 2026-002 appeared to misunderstand the request. Staff said notices sometimes prompt responses that do not address the actual case and encouraged outreach so neighbors could see floor plans and ask questions.
One board member said he had looked up the addresses and found the opposing houses were actually smaller than the proposed replacement, and another said that if the neighbors had attended and reviewed the plans they might have changed their positions. Staff repeated that the packet contained the letters and that many respondents do not appear in person to explain their concerns; the board discussed conditioning approval on matching the prior home's size as a way to reduce neighbor opposition.
The board did not receive any public commenters at the hearing on this item. Staff suggested that showing the floor plan and explaining the conditioned‑area calculation could address the two written oppositions; board members said in‑person engagement sometimes resolves misunderstanding.
