HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-08 456 Ridge Rd AREA VARIANCE FINDINGS AND DECISION
TOWN OF LANSING ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Applicant: Sharon Olin Variance No: 21-08
456 Ridge Road Zoning District: RA
Lansing, NY 14882 Public Hearing
Published on 12/2/2021
Mailed 600' Notices
Property Location: 456 Ridge Rd on: 12/1/2021
Tax Parcel #: 32.-1-34
Requirement for which Area Variance is requested: Town of Lansing Code (the "Code"): Section
270-24 E. Fences and Walls
RESOLUTION AND FINDINGS
WHEREAS, Sharon Olin, Applicant, is proposing to construct an 8' high fence at her residence
located at 456 Ridge Road, where 6 feet is the maximum permitted height (Section 270-24 E.
Fences and Walls).
WHEREAS, on December 14, 2021, the Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals (the "ZBA")
thoroughly reviewed and analyzed: (i) the information and evidence submitted by the applicant
in support of the requested area variance; (ii) all other information and materials properly before
the ZBA; and (iii) the issues and impacts raised for consideration by neighbors, the public, and
the ZBA; and
WHEREAS,this application is classified as a Type II Action under 6 NYCRR Part 617.5 (c)(17) (such
that no further environmental review is required) and this matter also does not require General
Municipal Law §239 -1, -m, and -n referral as the items are excluded per an Inter-Governmental
Agreement between the Tompkins County Planning Department and the Town of Lansing dated
December 17, 2003; and; so, upon due deliberation upon the foregoing, the application, and all
evidence and testimony presented to the ZBA,
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1.The Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals ("ZBA") hereby makes the following findings with
respect to the specific criteria for an Area Variance as set forth in Town Law § 267-b(3)(b), and
other applicable provisions of law and of the Zoning Ordinance:
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a. Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the neighborhood or a
detriment to nearby properties will be created by the granting of the area variance?
Yes _ No x Findings: The Zoning Board finds that the fence is far enough away from
the neighboring home, the shared property line, and the road.
b. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method, feasible for
the applicant to pursue, other than an area variance?
Yes _ No x Findings: The Zoning Board finds that other options, such as planting trees,
are not feasible in a timely manner.
c. Whether the requested area variance is substantial?
Yes _No x Findings: The Zoning Board finds that the variance is not substantial. It is a
2 ft variance on the downhill side of a slope.
d. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on
the physical or environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district?
Yes _ No x Findings: The Zoning Board finds that this will not have an adverse
effect. The applicant has support from most neighbors.
e. Whether the alleged difficulty was self-created?
Yes x No Findings: The Zoning Board finds that the difficulty was self-created, as
the applicant began constructing the fence before getting approval.
2. DETERMINATION BASED ON THE ABOVE FACTORS (choose one):
It is hereby determined by the Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals (the "ZBA") that the
following area variance is GRANTED, with any conditions hereafter stated (if any), it being
further found and determined that (i) the benefit to the applicant OUTWEIGHS any potential
negative impacts or detriment to the neighborhood or community; and (ii) such area variance
are the minimum necessary as adequate to grant relief and, at the same time, preserve and
protect the character of the neighborhood and the safety and welfare of the community.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC VARIANCE GRANTED: Construction of an 8' heigh fence where 6' is
the maximum permitted height.
ARE CONDITIONS IMPOSED WITH RESPECT TO THE AREA VARIANCE AS GRANTED?
Yes x No
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STATEMENT OF CONDITIONS:
1. As variances are exceptions based upon exigent need or emergency, should applicant fail
to avail itself of the benefits of the above-described area variance within one year from
the date hereof, this approval and such area variance shall expire. In cases where
construction may be applicable, "avail itself of the benefits' shall mean a building permit
obtained (if necessary) and substantial construction as commenced. Said one-year
approval period may be extended for good cause by the ZBA if application for an
extension is submitted before the expiration of the then applicable variance period.
2. These conditional area variance approvals are not, and do not constitute, a determination
upon, or concurrence respecting, the nature or quality of underlying rights in title or in
the littoral use of Cayuga Lake, but are only issued in respect to the bulk, density, setback,
yardage, and any other dimensional requirements of zoning respecting the lots and
parcels of the subject application.
3. The applicant shall prune the Lilac bush to the extent that provides good visibility during
all seasons.
4. The fence shall not extend closer than 34 feet from the white line on the eastern edge of
Ridge Road.
5. The fence shall be no longer than 75 feet in length.
THE VOTE ON THE FOREGOING DECISION, DETERMINATIONS,AND RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN
OF LANSING ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS WAS AS FOLLOWS:
Motion by: Richard Hayes
Seconded by: Maureen Cowen
Maureen Cowen—Aye
Judy Drake—Aye
Richard Hayes— Aye
Mary Stoe—Aye
Jack Young— Aye
Dated: December 14, 2021
Received in the Lansing Town Clerk's Office on ) L-2/
Debbie Munson, Town Clerk
Town of Lansing
Tompkins County, New York
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