MINUTES November 5, 2018 approved
Meeting held at Otis Town Hall
1 North Main Road, Otis, MA
7:00 pm – 7:31 pm
ZBA Members: (Present) Therese Gould, Michael Ernst, James Kauffman, Geoffrey Geane, Sara Skibski, and RoseAnn DeRupo, Kathy Couch
ZBA Members: (Absent)
Applicant: Donald Chartier
Public Attendees: Larry Gould and Charles Schwartz
Meeting at convened 7:00 pm
Therese Gould opened the meeting at 7:00 pm. Introductions of the board members were made.
Introduction of RoseAnn DeRupo was made. She is an alternate/associate board member. A discussion of RoseAnn becoming a full member took place.
Agenda item #1 – To hear and act upon the application Subject of said hearing will be the application of
Donald N. Chartier, for a Zoning By-Law Special Permit under Section 3.3.3 of the Otis Zoning by-laws, as to construct a second story addition, construct a 17’ x 6’ covered deck on the front and a 30’x 6’ covered deck on the rear to the existing building. The rear deck will encroach into the required setback. The current rear setback is 13’5” and the applicant is requesting a 7’5” rear setback.
Terry read the public notice. The abutters’ notifications were mailed on October 17, 2018. No abutters’ notices were returned. The town boards were notified on October 16, 2018. The public notice was printed in the Berkshire Eagle on October 22, 2018, and October 29, 2018. A letter from
Eric B. and Dianne R. Remmington was read into the record. The Remingtons are abutters on 641 Pine Road and are supportive of the application of Mr. Chartier
Donald Chartier explained his project to the board. He purchased the 600 sq. ft. 3 bedroom house. He would like to add a second story to the house. The first floor would be an open floor plan with kitchen, living room, dining room, and full bath. The second floor would contain the three bedrooms and a full bathroom.
The house is currently on piers that will be able to hold the weight of the new addition. There will not be any new digging. The side deck will become part of the house. Don stated that he is a general contractor and that he will be doing the work himself.
The septic has passed for a three bedroom home.
Michael asked to see the location of well, septic and leach field.
Terry said the only encroachment is the proposed 6’ deck. The current setback is within the 15’ required setback, at 13’5”.
RoseAnn asked about the age of the house and the septic age. Don stated it was built in the 1930s. and the septic passed the inspection for a three bedroom house.
Sara asked if any trees are being cut down. Don stated that Mr. Parsons was going to go in front of the Conservation Commission.
Geoff question whether that the application should have already been in front of Conservation Commission.
Michael Ernst made a motion to approve the application for the special permit. Jim Kauffman seconded the motion. Sara Skibski, Geoff Geane, and Therese Gould voted in the affirmative. The special permit is granted.
Terry Gould advised the applicant that the special permit will sit in abeyance for 20 days with the town clerk. The applicant can pick up the “Notice of Decision” and “Notice for Filing” on the 21st day. Then the applicant needs to file the permit with the Registry of Deeds in Pittsfield. Then they bring the receipt of filing to the building inspector for the building permit. Failure to file or act upon the permit within two years will make the special permit null and void.
Agenda item #2 – Receive update from Building Inspector, Larry Gould
Discussion: Larry Gould has nothing to report.
Agenda item #3 –Update for next meeting
Discussion: Next meeting is scheduled for December 3, 2018. The deadline for applications is 2 pm, November 8, 2018. Michael Ernst will not be available for the January meeting.
Agenda item #5 – Mail
Discussion: Nothing to hand out
Agenda item #6 – Minutes
Discussion: The minutes from June 4, 2018, and September 5, 2018, were accepted as written. A unanimous vote of the board members.
Agenda item #7– Old/New business:
Discussion: RoseAnn DeRupo is willing to become a full board member. She filled out the paperwork and it was placed in the Selectmen’s mailbox.
Geoff Geane made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jim Kauffman seconded the motion, all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:27 pm.
Katherine Couch
Clerk Zoning Board