MIDDLEBURY, CT — The Middlebury Zoning Board of Appeals closed a public hearing Oct. 7 on a proposal to build a home on a previously developed Lake Shore Drive property, while scheduling two additional variance hearings for November.
The board unanimously voted to close the hearing on an application involving 440 Lake Shore Drive, where the applicant is seeking four zoning variances to construct a residence on a nonconforming lot near wetlands and a watercourse.
Kade Courtois, representing property owner Kimberly Rose, presented plans for a two-bedroom residence and detached garage connected by a breezeway.
The property previously contained a home that was destroyed by fire and subsequently demolished. Portions of the former driveway and a utility pole remain on the site.
The proposed residence would have two stories, a walkout basement and approximately 1,200 square feet of living space. The design places the main living area on the upper floor, with a second bedroom and utility space in the basement.
The proposed garage would accommodate two vehicles and include storage space above.
The application requests four variances:
The existing parcel contains approximately 25,283 square feet, or 0.58 acres.
Courtois told the board that the property's narrow shape, steep terrain and proximity to a watercourse limit the area available for construction.
He said the proposed location toward the rear of the property would minimize impacts on wetlands but would require a longer driveway and increase impervious surface coverage.
The driveway would be modified to reduce its slope from more than 20 percent to approximately 18 percent.
The proposed development is located within a regulated wetlands area and will require approval from the Middlebury Wetlands Commission.
According to Courtois, the project would include stormwater infiltration systems to manage runoff from the roof and driveway.
The plans also call for bank stabilization along the watercourse using approximately 45 cubic yards of stone riprap, affecting an estimated 1,250 square feet.
Courtois said the applicant and town officials had discussed pursuing wetlands and zoning approvals simultaneously but agreed that the variance requests should be addressed first.
Board Chairman Bryan Ferrucci questioned the applicant about the hardship supporting the variances and whether neighbors had raised concerns.
Courtois said no objections had been received, although two neighboring property owners had not signed certificates acknowledging receipt of mailed notices.
Ferrucci also asked whether the driveway was part of the variance request. Courtois said it was not because the applicable regulations did not require a driveway variance.
Brett Kales moved to close the hearing, and Thomas Gilbertie seconded the motion. The board approved it unanimously.
The board unanimously voted to schedule a Nov. 4 public hearing on a variance application for 290 Lake Shore Drive.
Attorney Michael J. McVerry submitted the application on behalf of William Fitzpatrick III.
The request seeks side-yard setbacks of 4 and 5 feet where 25 feet is required, along with variances involving maximum lot coverage and the front-yard setback.
The board also unanimously scheduled a Nov. 4 hearing on an application involving 107 White Ave..
The application was submitted by McVerry on behalf of Katie J. and Erik P. McCabe.
The applicants seek to increase maximum lot coverage from 10 percent to 11.73 percent and reduce the required front-yard setback from 35 feet to 32.1 feet. The existing setback is listed as 27.2 feet.
During discussion, Ferrucci questioned whether neighboring property owners had been properly notified.
McVerry said he would verify the notification requirements with town official Curt Bosco and send notices if required.
Both hearings are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 in Room 26 at the Shepardson Community Center.
The board unanimously approved its Sept. 2 meeting minutes.
Ferrucci, Christopher Gilbertie, Dean Koulouris, Brett Kales and Thomas Gilbertie participated in the meeting, which adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
All recorded motions passed unanimously.
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