Development Review Board       APPROVED 9/1/09

                                                                August 4, 2009

The regular meeting of the Stowe Development Review Board was held Tuesday, August 4, 2009 in the Banquet Room in the Akeley Memorial Building starting at 5:00 P.M. 

Members present: Charles Lusk, Don Ramos, Brian Leven, Peter Collotta and Alternate Lynn Altadonna. Absent: Susan Brittin. Two vacancies remain. Also present: Rich Baker and those listed in the minutes book.

Minutes of July 21, 2009 Mr. Ramos moved to approve with minor corrections, seconded by Mr. Collotta with all in favor. The minutes were reviewed/approved at the end of the meeting.    

Owner:            Falker, Robert

Location:        250 Maple Street

Project:           Requesting to add one additional unit per Zoning Ordinance Sec. 3.6 with no exterior changes proposed. Seeking a waiver for the third unit.

Zones:             VR 20/SHOD

Present: Robert Falker. Mr. Lusk stated it would be review under Sec. 3.6 (7) (a) (b)    

Mr. Falker stated he originally planned to extend the building back but DRB did not agree so agreed to stay with 3 units on the same footprint. The front house with 5 bedrooms and 5 baths, middle unit and barn unit ( 2 story addition) exist. Requesting to split the house into 2 units (top and bottom units) No exterior changes being proposed except the second floor goes out onto a deck. 29,184 s.f VR zone; 12,841 in the rear in VR 40. Requires 2 additional parking spaces. The Board agreed that under Sec. 3.6 7 (b) the waiver could be granted. Sec. 3.7 Adequate water and sewer capacity. 9 parking spaces exist. No changes are proposed for exterior lighting. Board did not feel the character of the area would be affected. Mr. Leven moved to instruct the Zoning Administrator to draft Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law finding that Sec. 3.6 (7) (b) has been met and waiving the density requirement. Mr. Ramos seconded the motion with all present in favor .

   (1) Any change to the plans or the proposed use of the property shall be brought to the attention of the Zoning Administrator, prior to its implementation, for a determination if an amendment shall be required.    

Project #:       4052

Owner(s)        Matthews, David & Ruth

Location:       76 Clark Road 

Project:          To create a two-lot subdivision

Zone:              RR 2  

Present was Darrow Mansfield representing the Matthews. Property is located at the corner of Dewey Hill and Clark Road in RR 2 zone. A road extends along the northern property line, which the applicant would like to use the driveway (old woods road) to access a proposed new dwelling. A memo was submitted from the neighbors, Pesters who have .7 acres (located to the west of the new lot) and the driveway would come in their backyard, asked to landscape the proposed entrance or relocate driveway to other side. Mr. Mansfield stated his client would agree to plant trees along the property line. 10’ setback is required for a driveway from the property line and 12’ exists. Mr.Altadonna asked how the water run-off would be handled because of the slope of the land, especially because of the 10’ buffer required. Mr. Mansfield stated the property line is long with ditches/swale so water will run to the brook. Mr. Altadonna reminded Mr. Mansfield the neighboring property is uphill so it appears a swale will be needed on both sides of the drive. Mr. Mansfield agreed. Mr. Mansfield suggested the Board require a formal landscaping plan. Sec. 5.1 reviewed. Lot # 1= 4.5 acres with existing home; Lot # 2= 2.5 acres. Building zone is located on the sketch. A 50’ buffer is required to be maintained from the top of the stream bank. tape 1 side 2 Sec. 3.1(2) Storm Water Management reviewed and  Sec. 4.2 satisfied. Mr. Leven moved to instruct the Zoning Administrator to draft Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law re: Project 4052 with the following CONDITIONS:

   (1) Any change in the plans or the proposed use of the property shall be brought to the attention of the Zoning Administrator, prior to its enactment, for a determination if an amendment shall be required.

(2)    The Zoning Administrator shall require a landscaping plan to be developed to help alleviate the impact of the driveway before a zoning permit is issued. The landscaping plan shall as a minimum, include 5-foot-high evergreens planted at least 15’ apart along the Pester property boundary.

(3)    The Zoning Administrator shall require a detailed driveway construction and storm water management plan be developed before a zoning permit is issued. The plan shall meet the requirements of Sec. 3.12, Storm water Management, of the Ordinance.

   (4) All other conditions as delineated in the Bylaws.

Mr. Ramos seconded the motion with Mr. Ramos, Altadonna, Lusk, Leven, and Mr. Collotta voting in favor. Ms. Brittin absent and there are 2 positions vacant.

Project #:         4051

Location:        1677 Mountain Road

Project:           Construct enclosed dining area connected to restaurant with open breezeway. Revise previously approved planting, lighting and parking plans.

Present were owners Jeff Grab and Jim Goldsmith as well as Darrow Mansfield. Mr. Mansfield stated the proposal is to construct covered breezeway out and attach to a 20’ x 24’ pavilion for indoor use. No additional seating (36 exist and approved) with chairs will be put from the inside out and outside in depending on weather. Exterior colors/material to match existing. Mr. Mansfield explained that the existing building is partly in the front-yard setback and side yard towards Sun & Ski is 7-8’. The rear of the pavilion within the existing setback.. Sec. 3.9 (1) ( c) (4) It was agreed not to exacerbate the setbacks and the expansion is less than the 50% of the non complying building. 15’ setback for parking is required from the lot-line and Mr. Mansfield stated they will be either eliminating parking space # 1 or push parking the space over because of the proximity of the Mt. Road and backing out. Mr. Lusk encouraged space # 1 be eliminated. Sec. 3.7 reviewed. MRV zone with the use in compliance. No additional water capacity required and septic is on site. Sidewalk to the lower parking area in place.                        

Addition will be one story. Adequate parking. Mr. Altadonna questioned how the parking works with the Farmer’s Market. Mr. Goldsmith stated they work with FM to allow parking in their lot at this time. Mr. Baker stated this lot is not approved for the Farmer’s Market. Mr. Lusk asked if the owners have experienced any problem with people parking along Rte 108 going to the Farmer’s Market. Mr. Goldsmith said they see different kinds of parking along the road but the cones help on Sundays. There is also a police presence. There is internal sidewalk/steps to the lower parking area. No curbing is being planned to define the driveway. There is presently a light on the corner of the property. Mr. Mansfield described the landscaping in detail (plan on file) tape 2 side 1 Mr. Ramos moved to instruct the Zoning Administrator to draft Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law re: Project # 4051 with Mr. Collotta seconding the motion. Voting in favor: Mr. Altadonna, Collotta, Leven, Ramos and Lusk. No one voted no. Ms. Brittin absent. .

(1)   Any change to the plans or the proposed use of the property shall be brought to the attention of the Zoning Administrator, prior to its enactment, for a determination if an amendment shall be required.

(2)   The parking plan shall be amended to show a 15-foot setback from front lot line (Route 108) before a zoning permit is granted.

(3)   No outside music shall be permitted after 9:00 P.M. 

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M.