Southtowns Record

September 30, 2026 Workshop

Government
Town of Wales
Board
Zoning Board of Appeals Workshop
Meeting
Sep 30, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Zoning and land use, Water, sewer and drainage

Original document

Text · page 3 of 3

The applicants explained that the preferred location is near the front of the property because of the
placement of the house, garage, driveway, utilities, and existing mature maple trees. They stated that
locating the building farther to the rear would require removing additional mature trees and expanding
driveway areas, resulting in more disturbance to the site.
The Board reviewed the approximate location of the proposed building on the submitted materials. The
applicants identified the property line, existing structures, pond area, and proposed building location.
Discussion focused on whether the proposal would require one or two variances:
  ➢  A variance related to the building’s location in front of the principal structure.

  ➢  A possible side-yard or property-line setback variance, depending on the final verified location of
  an existing power line and the proposed building dimensions.

The applicants explained that the site measurements were preliminary because the power line had not
yet been precisely located. They expected to receive additional information from the Code Enforcement
Officer or Building Inspector following a site visit. If additional setback relief is required, the Board
agreed that the second variance request could be included in the same public hearing rather than
requiring a separate proceeding.
Board members indicated that the requested relief appeared limited in scope and noted that the proposed
location would minimize tree removal and driveway expansion. The applicants stated that the adjacent
neighbor was aware of the proposal and had not expressed an objection. They further noted that mature
vegetation would screen the building from neighboring properties.
Board members may conduct a site visit before the hearing. The applicants confirmed that stakes
identifying the proposed building location are in place and will remain available for inspection.
A public hearing for the second application was also scheduled for October 7 at 6:00 p.m. at the
meeting location, subject to confirmation of the final variance requirements.
Next Steps
  ➢ The applicants for Case #1 and #2 will attend a Planning Board meeting on September
  30, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wales Town Hall. It was posted and notices were sent.
  ➢ Applicants for Case #2 will get exact placement of the proposed structure with reference
  to property lines and distance from it. It will all be placed on a current property survey
  and submitted by Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
  ➢ A Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  at 6:00 p.m. at the Wales Town Hall.
  ➢ Notices will be sent to neighboring property owners and published as required.

ADJOURNMENT MOTION#__ by Zoning Board of Appeals Member Kevin Ingraham and seconded
by Zoning Board of Appeals Member James Cornell to adjourn the workshop meeting at 6:14 p.m.
Carried ayes-4 nays-0
Respectfully submitted, Michelle Homac, Zoning Board of Appeals Clerk