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WEST SENECA COMMUNITY CENTER Zoning Board of Appeals 1300 Union Road Minutes #2025-11 West Seneca, NY 14224 December 3, 2025 Chairperson Hicks referred to the area variance balancing test: 1) Is there an undesirable change to the neighborhood - no, there are neighbor letters in support; 2) Is there an alternative – no, there is no alternative to achieve the applicant's objective; 3) Is the request substantial – no, the applicant owns the property around the proposed pole barn; 4) Does the variance have an impact on the environment – no, there is no impact on the environment; 5) Is this a self-created difficulty – yes, but this is not the determining factor. Motion by Bedient, seconded by Greenan, to close the public hearing and grant a variance for property located at 923 Orchard Park Road to allow construction of a pole barn with a midspan of 17' 6". On the question, Chairperson Hicks stated Erie County Department of Environment and Planning responded to the ZR-1 notification, has no recommendation, and determined the request is a local concern. In addition, NYSDOT indicated that the project does not appear to have a significant impact on traffic on the State Highway System, has no opinion, and is determined to be a local concern. Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried 2025-046 Request of Christine Schwarzott for property located at 147 Reserve Road to allow construction of a accessory building 7.25’ from the existing house (front setback 10’ from the house). Christine Schwarzott stated she is requesting to build a shed in the side yard. The shed is approximately 8' x 12' and is requesting a variance of less than 10' from the house. Chairperson Hicks asked Mr. Busse why the deck is also marked on the survey. Mr. Busse stated the deck was a previous project and does not require action by the Zoning Board. Chairperson Hicks asked what the shed would be used for. Ms. Schwarzott stated she would store her riding lawnmower and snowblower in the shed. Mr. Busse stated there is a steep slope at the rear of the property which limits the possible location of the shed. Ms. Schwarzott stated she plans to place the shed on a concrete pad. Mr. Busse confirmed that a concrete pad would be sufficient in this location and fill would not be needed. Chairperson Hicks stated NYSDOT indicated that the project does not appear to have a significant impact on traffic on the State Highway System, has no opinion, and is determined to be a local concern. In addition, Erie County Department of Environment and Planning responded to the ZR-1 notification, has no recommendation, and determined the request is a local concern. Chairperson Hicks stated neighbor signatures with no objection to the variance were received from residents at 137 Reserve Road noting it is the neighbor nearest the proposed shed. Mr. Busse stated he does not anticipate runoff issues with the neighbor. Chairperson Hicks referred to the area variance balancing test: 1) Is there an undesirable change to the neighborhood - no, there are neighbor letters in support; 2) Is there an alternative – no, other 11 Page 13 of 40