Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Setback Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board grants Washington General Store a setback variance to add ADA deck
Summary
The Zoning Board unanimously approved a 32-foot variance to allow an 18-foot side setback so the Washington General Store can build an open, ADA-compliant deck the owner says will provide another emergency exit and improve access.
The Town of Washington Zoning Board of Adjustments voted June 22 to grant a 32-foot variance that will allow the Washington General Store to build an open, ADA-compliant deck within an 18-foot side setback. Owner Kelli Seibold told the board the deck "would be more accessible being ADA compliant. This would also add a safety valve, providing another emergency exit." The board recorded neighbor support in the form of a signed consent letter from the Dozois family.
Chair Andrew Hatch said the parcel is subject to the 50-foot side setback for businesses, so the board amended the request to reflect relief from that commercial standard to the proposed 18-foot location. Board members emphasized the applicant's statement that the deck would not add outdoor serving or additional seating. Paul Leischner voiced concern about ramp pitch and ADA details; Seibold replied the design was still in progress and "it would be ADA compliant." Gary Carney asked whether the deck would be roofed; Seibold said it would be an open deck with no roof.
The board found the application met the five variance criteria, including public interest in improved accessibility and safety, and voted to grant the 32-foot variance (motion by Gary Carney; second by Paul Leischner). No conditions were recorded in the minutes beyond the board's expectation that the applicant address any outstanding compliance-document updates with the Select Board and permitting process.
