Newfane Zoning Board adopts rule requiring applicants or representatives to attend variance hearings

At the Aug. 18 meeting of the Town of Newfane Zoning Board of Appeals, a board member identified in the minutes as Bill moved that "all variances have to have the applicant present at the meeting or a representative." Marcy Ferington seconded the motion, and the minutes record that "all were in favor and no one opposed." The motion passed with Charles Maynard noted as absent.

Board members framed the rule as a procedural measure to ensure applications can be discussed and answered in person. The motion followed the board's decision to table an area variance for 5576 West Bluff earlier in the same meeting after the applicant did not attend. The minutes do not specify whether this new requirement will be retroactively applied to previously tabled items; the board secretary is responsible for notifying applicants and implementing the updated procedure.