Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals — October 8, 2026

The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 8, 2026, handling administrative business and two public hearings for residential variances. The board approved meeting minutes from August 27, 2026, and accepted a notice of voluntary dismissal regarding an appeal on petition 1234 involving a dog kennel on County Road. Administrator Andrea reported no new petitions had been submitted for the upcoming cycle.

The board heard public hearing number 1241 for petitioners Michael and Christine Ryan regarding 174 New Bedford Road. The applicants sought a variance under Chapter 20.40, Section E-2 to place a 16-by-26-foot shed in the front yard. While board members expressed general support for the request, the applicant did not possess a newly stamped and certified engineering plot plan because engineer Rick Sharon was still reviewing archival files from retired engineer Al Ewing. Following discussion on proposed conditions—including prohibiting livestock, plumbing, commercial activity, and residential living space—the board voted 5-0 to grant a continuance to November 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

The board then conducted public hearing number 1242 for Amy Barabee regarding 113 Walnut Plain Road, represented by Dennis Duree of DNP Builders and husband Brian. The petitioner requested relief under Chapter 20.40, Section D1 to construct a 12-by-12-foot office addition to accommodate at-home work and HIPAA compliance, encroaching into the 40-foot side setback. The board voted 5-0 to approve the variance permitting the addition no closer than 32 feet from the side property line, conditioned on matching the existing home's architectural features.

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