Board approves front‑yard setback variance for Claypool home

Hunter Claypool, the owner of 360 Cape Avenue, told the Planning & Zoning Agency that the lot configuration and existing septic mound leave “literally the only spot to put it” for a new single‑family home. He said the requested reduction would change the front‑yard setback from the 25 feet required by the code to 18 feet to accommodate the house.

Board members and staff examined the site maps, flood‑zone and septic layout and asked whether emergency vehicles would be able to access the property if the house were moved. Planning staff confirmed the septic mound location and explained that the land‑development code begins measuring the front yard after a minimum lot width is met; this lot’s irregular shape creates the practical need for a setback variance. Miss Spiegel moved to approve zoning variance 2026‑22 “based upon six findings of fact and six conditions as provided in the staff report,” and Mister Labanowski seconded the motion.

After limited discussion the board voted 5–1 to grant the variance. The chair announced the tally and the application will be processed subject to the conditions in the staff report. Claypool thanked the board after the vote.