ZBA holds site walk at 69 Caramel Drive for wetlands-setback variance request

The Zoning Board of Adjustment conducted a site walk at 10:00 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2026, at 69 Caramel Drive to review a variance request under Zoning Ordinance Article VIII (Wetlands Setback). The application, on behalf of owners Greg and Dianne Brown, seeks permission for a 14-foot-by-14-foot addition that would extend into the wetlands setback.

Kevin Bilodeau of Suncoast Builders LLC, representing the applicant, said the addition will replace an existing 14-foot deck and will be set on a foundation on the opposite side of the slider. Bilodeau stated the corner of the current deck is approximately 57 feet from the water and described a very steep slope in front of the deck.

Carsten Springer said he had no immediate concerns about the proposal’s siting but asked that the applicant include drainage details on the plans, noting that the Division of Environmental Services (DES) will expect an infiltration device. Stafford invited members of the Conservation Commission to the ZBA’s Feb. 10 meeting, and staff will circulate the site-walk minutes and the prior ZBA minutes to the Conservation Commission for review.

The board concluded the site walk at about 10:20 a.m. and continued Case 2026-1 to the Zoning Board meeting on Feb. 10, 2026, for further review. The record attached to the minutes includes photographs taken by Chairman Chris Stafford and further plan details are expected when the case returns to the board.