Board grants variance for accessory structure at 78 Sanford with conditions on lot coverage and setbacks

The Planning & Zoning Board approved an after‑the‑fact variance for an accessory structure at 78 Sanford (PCB20260040), authorizing a lot coverage up to 33.3% and reduced rear and side setbacks as requested, after the applicant explained the history and necessity of the work.

Brandy Holland, the owner and applicant, provided an extended personal statement describing a restoration project on the circa‑100‑year‑old house and explained that when an accessory structure was found to be unsalvageable it had to be removed, necessitating the present variance request to rebuild in a slightly different configuration. Neighbors raised objections in an emailed comment, saying construction had proceeded without full permit review; Holland said the neighbor who wrote the email was mistaken about the preexisting structure.

Board members examined whether a pending purchase of adjacent land (which the applicant said is under contract and payment in escrow) would affect lot coverage calculations; staff advised the board that without recorded deed the maximum lot coverage must be evaluated on existing deeded area, but also noted the applicant’s enlarged parcel would reduce calculated lot coverage to the requested 33.3% once recorded. After discussion the board approved the variance with the requested setbacks and lot coverage reflected in the motion, and the applicant was advised that building permits and other reviews remain necessary.