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Board denies incomplete variance from Aaron Keith, asks Select Board review
Summary
The Zoning Board denied Aaron Keith’s variance application for a new building on Huntley Mountain Road, finding the application incomplete and failing to demonstrate unnecessary hardship; the board recommended Select Board follow-up on orientation, driveway permits and possible wetland inspection.
The Town of Washington Zoning Board of Adjustments voted June 22 to deny an application from Aaron Keith for a variance related to construction at his Huntley Mountain Road property. In his public statement, Keith said the existing building suffers rot from spring river flooding, that "the power line would cost $15k to move it," and that he already has "$20k in dirt already." He described plans to use an Alaskan slab/6" slab and to remove an existing barn to reduce coverage.
Board members raised questions about whether wetlands were present and whether a driveway permit would be required. Chair Andrew Hatch and others said the application omitted key details on building orientation and access; the board determined the record did not show the required proof of unnecessary hardship. The board voted to deny the variance as presented and recommended remanding the matter to the Select Board for clarification and potential conservation inspection. The minutes record the motion to deny by Andrew Hatch and second by Joe Shea; all members voted in favor.
