Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals — August 13, 2026

The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals met on August 13, 2026, to consider previous business, administrative updates, and two public hearings. At the start of the meeting, the board unanimously approved several sets of minutes from June 11, 2026, and reviewed a Chapter 91 public notice regarding a temporary floating dock on 52 Pond, directing Board Administrator Andrea to submit a letter of no objection to the Department of Environmental Protection. The board also welcomed new member Dave Dattata and received an update from Andrea regarding her upcoming maternity leave starting in late January.

The board then conducted two public hearings. In Petition 1238, applicant Michael Ferreira (referenced also as LaPierriere) requested a 19-foot variance from the required 40-foot side setback at 374 Walnut Plain Road to construct a two-car garage addition and convert an existing garage into living space. Finding that the 0.72-acre pre-existing nonconforming lot presented a hardship, the board unanimously approved the variance 5-0 with conditions that the garage not be used for commercial purposes and that the old driveway be removed or covered if relocated. Following a brief recess, the board opened Petition 1239, submitted by New England Rodeo for town-owned property at 65 Pine Street. Representative Elias da Silva requested a special permit for a 4-by-16-foot seasonal entrance sign. The board unanimously approved the special permit 5-0, subject to conditions that the sign be erected no earlier than April 1, removed at the conclusion of the rodeo season, and use dark-sky compliant lighting.

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