Columbia ZBA OKs setback variance to site water filtration shed for school

The Town of Columbia Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4–0 on July 30 to grant the Town a 17‑foot variance from the 25‑foot side‑yard requirement so it can place a 12‑by‑20‑foot water filtration shed 8 feet from the northeasterly property line at 2 Schoolhouse Road. The motion, made by Member Wendy McDonald and seconded by John Morin, recorded the vote as 4–0–0 and listed several conditions for approval, including soundproofing and additional permitting.

"The request is for a 17‑foot variance from the 25‑foot required side yard setback, placing the water filtration shed 8‑feet from the Northeasterly property line," the motion states. The board required that remaining side and rear setbacks meet at least 25 feet, the front yard remain at least 50 feet, lot coverage not exceed 10%, building height not exceed 35 feet, and that the applicant obtain required approvals from the Eastern Highlands Health District (EHHD), a Minor Modification through Planning and Zoning, and a building permit.

Board members framed their approval around an urgent public‑health justification rather than a traditional topographic hardship. Zoning Enforcement Officer Savannah Kitchin told the board that relocating the treatment system or siting a new well on the parcel would be infeasible and would delay providing PFAS‑free water to students. Town Administrator Mark Walter had previously reported that multiple town facilities had PFAS detections, an element the board cited in its deliberations.

The board added a sound‑mitigation requirement after Chairman Joseph Narkawicz asked about operational noise. The motion stipulates that soundproofing shall be added "to mitigate any noise from the treatment system." The approval is conditioned on the follow‑on administrative and health‑agency reviews noted in the record.