Board grants variance after setback mistake on Boat Storage LLC building

The Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing an existing boat and RV storage building to remain 21.7 feet from the side property line instead of the required 30 feet at 13222 Handy Lane.

Attorney Hugh Cropper (who stated his name for the record) represented All Seasons RV & Boat Storage LLC and told the board the property is a commercial condominium developed in phases and is bounded on multiple sides by the state highway, a railroad and a 14-acre mitigation area. Cropper argued those conditions make the lot unique and said a condominium amendment had been filed after the building was constructed.

Russell Hammond, a professional surveyor, testified that he prepared plats for all seven phases, confirmed the building is complete and described the site as narrow and remote. An adjacent owner who identified himself in the record said the building was constructed while his father was having health issues and described the setback error as a good-faith mistake.

Board members questioned why a surveyor had not staked the building location before concrete was poured and whether partial removal would be feasible. The attorney said removing an amount sufficient to meet the setback would effectively require near-demolition and was not practical.

A board member moved to approve case 26-18; the motion was seconded and the board approved the variance by voice vote. The transcript records the motion and vocal approval but does not provide a roll-call tally by name.