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Board presses for documentation of alternatives after variance votes
Summary
One board member said lack of evidence that alternatives were considered prompted their 'nay' vote and urged staff to ask future applicants to document compliance options before variances are granted.
During post‑vote discussion, a board member explained they had voted against at least one motion because the packet lacked analysis of alternatives that could have complied with setback rules without a variance.
“That is one of the reasons that I voted nay,” the member said, urging staff to require more information from applicants about whether alternatives were considered and why they were infeasible. Staff and other members agreed that the board could condition approvals or require applicants to explain why the minimal variance requested was necessary under the six statutory factors used for variances.
Staff reminded the board that administrative officials can approve variances under certain size thresholds (e.g., under 1 foot in some circumstances) and that site plans submitted for building permits may change the final footprint, in which case additional variances could be required. The board recommended clearer requirements for documenting alternatives in future filings to assist deliberation and decision‑making.
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