Board of Adjustments Packet - November 25, 2025 with Presentations

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convenience or larger storage capacity does not constitute a practical difficulty. Therefore, the request does not represent a reasonable use that is otherwise prohibited by the ordinance. 4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property, not a consequence of the petition's own action or inaction; and Applicants’ response: The property’s unique site conditions—including the shoreline location, wetlands, and easements—limit alternative placement of both the shed addition and the deck. These constraints create practical difficulties in meeting zoning requirements while still allowing safe and reasonable use of the property. The request is not the result of actions or inactions by the property owners. There are no circumstances unique to the property that has created a hardship. The lot is a standard lakeshore parcel with adequate buildable area for compliant accessory structures outside the shore impact zone. The request results from the applicant’s desire for additional space, which is a self-created condition, not a hardship. 5. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Applicants’ response: The requested variance will not change the essential character of the neighborhood. Nearby lakeshore properties commonly have decks and small water-oriented storage structures. The proposed improvements are modest in scale, consistent with surrounding properties, and will preserve the residential and recreational nature of the lakeshore. Granting the variance would permit a structure nearly twice the size allowed within proximity to the lake, setting a precedent inconsistent with surrounding lakeshore development patterns. Approval would alter the essential character of the locality by introducing a more intensive level of lakeshore development than intended by ordinance. Findings Staff find that the requested variance does not meet the required criteria for approval. There is no demonstrated hardship or unique property condition that justifies exceeding the allowed size for a water- oriented structure. The property already benefits from a permitted structure that serves the intended purpose and expanding it would conflict with the intent of the ordinance to protect lakeshore character and water quality. Financial Impact None Mission/Policy/Goal Ethical, efficient, and responsible. Attachments 1. Location Map 2. Staff Site Plan 11-25-25 3. Correspondence 4. Board of Adjustments Staff Report 10-28-2025 5. Handout - Poythress 6. 5.1 Poythress Page 8 of 97