Board directs staff to draft positive finding for front-setback variance at 912 Fourth Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals opened a public hearing and then voted to direct staff to draft a positive finding for a front-setback variance requested by Timothy and Laura Gaffney at 912 Fourth Street. The applicants asked to reduce the required front setback from 16 feet to 8 feet to construct an accessory structure on their property. The board recorded a unanimous affirmative roll-call vote on the motion to direct staff to prepare a positive finding.

Applicant Timothy Gaffney testified at the microphone that he wanted to “build a shed on the property” and that the layout is constrained by a hill on the lot, leaving limited options for location. He said the shed would be placed away from the property line. The board received no recorded public opposition during the hearing.

At least one board member reviewed the zoning-variance criteria on the record, stating the hardship was unique to the property and not self-inflicted, that granting the variance would not confer a special privilege, that a strict literal interpretation of the code would deprive the property owner of rights commonly enjoyed, and that the requested variance appeared to be the minimum necessary and compatible with adjacent properties. After that discussion, a motion to direct Jonathan to draft a positive finding was moved and seconded; the clerk called the roll and recorded affirmative votes (see actions).

The transcript does not record any written conditions attached to the motion; the board's direction is to draft a positive finding, which is a preparatory step toward formal approval. Any final variance approval and any building-permit requirements would follow the staff-drafted finding and any subsequent hearings or administrative steps.

The hearing closed and the board adjourned later in the session.