I.            CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

        II.            NEW BUSINESS:

A.    The application of Blake D’Angelo, Applicant and Owner of property located at 165A School Land Woods Rd., Exeter, RI; Zoned CR-5 and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 66, Block 3, Lot 1; a request for dimensional relief under Zoning Ordinance Article II, Section 2.4.2.6 (side setback) for a proposed addition of a 30’ x 30’ garage.

The Vice Chair introduced the application of Blake D’Angelo and asked Mr. D’Angelo to step forward and be sworn in. Mr. D’Angelo explained to the Board that he would like to construct a 30’x30’ garage at his home. He explained that the location of the garage was chosen based on the need to access the driveway with farm equipment and trailers and that the location was the best site for the new garage.

Mr. D’Angelo noted that he had had a previous conversation with the former Zoning Inspector Mr. Morgan before he passed and Mr. Morgan asked that he submit a sketch to him and anticipated that the only problem would be with the applicant’s brother whose home abuts his own.

The Vice Chair asked if Mr. D’Angelo had been in contact with Mr. Thornley, the new Zoning Inspector. He indicated that he had not, but had spoken to Karen Ellsworth, who had been the acting Zoning Inspector. Ms. Ellsworth asked him to complete a building permit, which he did, which was denied and that she would not issue a certificate without the variance, requiring him to come before the Zoning Board. 

Vice Chair McMillan reviewed with the applicant the ownership of the property. Blake

D’Angelo indicated that his father, Rocco D’Angelo, owns both lots, one lot is Brandon and Rocco and the other lot is Blake and Rocco.

The Vice Chair opened up questioning to the Board. Loren Andrews inquired whether the sought-after relief was correct and accurate. He also inquired regarding whether the proposed location was the only reasonable location based on the site conditions. Mr. Andrews noted that while the sketch was not to scale, it shows the relief 50 feet from the property line to the corner of the proposed garage. Mr. Andrews observed that the property is 150 feet from Mail Road to the edge of the lawn. Mr. D’Angelo stated that both lots have an easement with the Audubon Society. That although his home is in a CR-5 zone their property abuts Audubon Society property.

Board members Stephen Sovet and Susan Franco-Towell indicated that they understood the request and had no additional questions for the applicant. Richard Quattromani asked about the height of the garage and Mr. D’Angelo stated that the building would be a metal building with 12’ eves.

Vice Chair McMillan felt the applicant had answered the Board’s questions satisfactorily and understands the conservation and agricultural aspects of the D’Angelo property. Mr. Andrews wanted to clarify who held the conservation easement on the property and the applicant indicated it was the Audubon Society.

The Vice Chair then inquired whether any person in attendance wished to offer testimony or comment on the application. No comments were offered.

Richard Quattromani made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Loren Andrews. All in favor 5-0. The Public Hearing was closed. (Tom McMillan, Richard Quattromani, Loren Andrews, Susan Franco-Towell and Stephen Sovet).

Board Member Loren Andrews made a motion to approve the application of Blake D’Angelo, Applicant and Owner of property located at 165A School Land Woods Rd., Exeter, RI; Zoned CR-5 and further designated as Assessor’s Plat 66, Block 3, Lot 1; a request for dimensional relief under Zoning Ordinance Article II, Section 2.4.2.6 (a right-side setback of 50 feet) for a proposed addition of a 30’ x 30’ garage. 

Mr. Andrews then reviewed the five criteria required for the granting of a dimensional variance based on the requirements of Section 1.3.3.E.C 1-4 of the Exeter Zoning Code as follows:

1.       That the hardship from which the applicant seeks relief is due to the unique characteristics of the subject land or structure and not to the general characteristics of the surrounding area; and is not due to a physical or economic disability of the applicant;

2.      That said hardship is not the result of any prior action of the applicant and does not result primarily from the desire of the applicant to realize greater financial gain;

3.      That the granting of the requested variance will not alter the general character of the surrounding area or impair the intent of purpose of the Exeter Zoning Ordinance or the Exeter Comprehensive Plan, upon which this ordinance is based; and

4.      That the relief to be granted is the least relief necessary;

Additionally, Section 1.3.E.D as follows:

The Exeter Zoning Board of Review shall, in addition to the above standards, require that evidence be entered into the record of the proceedings showing that:

In granting a dimensional variance, that the hardship that will be suffered by the owner of the subject property if the dimensional variance is not granted shall amount to more than a mere inconvenience. The fact that a use may be more profitable or that a structure may be more valuable after the relief is granted shall not be grounds for relief.

Based on the foregoing, a motion was made by Board member Mr. Andrews and seconded by Ms. Franco-Towell to approve the application for the issuance of the following dimensional variance under Zoning Ordinance Article II, a right-side yard setback of 50’ where 100’ of setback is required on the subject property and in accordance with the testimony and evidence entered into the record of the hearing on this matter.

The motion to approve the requested dimensional variance was approved five in favor (Mr. McMillan, Mr. Quattromani, Mr. Andrews, Ms. Franco-Towell and Mr. Sovet) and none opposed. Therefore, the requested relief was granted.

      III.            OLD BUSINESS:

A. Review: Zoning Board Rules of Procedure

       The Board agreed to table this review to the June 12, 2025 meeting (if a meeting is necessary).

      IV.            ADMINISTRATIVE:

        V.            ADJOURNMENT:

Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Richard Quattromani; Seconded by Loren Andrews.

The Vote was all in favor, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. (T. McMillian,

R. Quattromani, Loren Andrews, S. Franco-Towell and S. Sovet)

Meeting Minutes prepared by:

Rebecca Lukowicz