ground water at 2’ to 12’ below the surface depending on location with the soil
conditions comprised of cobbles and boulders over granite bedrock which would
preclude any significant excavation of the site. The site configuration is irregular with
acute angles and is further encumbered by easements for Iron Horse Way and utilities
that severely limit the size of the building envelope.
2) The plight of the owner is due to natural and unusual circumstance affecting the site
including the previously referenced topography, wetlands, hydrology, geology, the site
configuration. Further, the impact of the present conditions limiting the availability of
lumber and steel resulting in Lot 1B being required to employ precast concrete twin tee
panels for the structure which are thicker than steel girders or frame beams/trusses
resulting an overall increase in building height.
3) The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality. The variance to allow
a 69’-6” height on the subject property is consistent with height and midrise character of
the existing adjacent Iron Horse properties as well as buildings in the WP Resort village
which range from 4 to 6 stories in height.
Reasons Why the Variance Should Be Granted:
1) This variance is requested based on the issues of a steep site (topography), further
limitations based on existing wetlands (surface and subsurface flows), site hydrology
(water table) and site geology (large boulders and bedrock) that adversely impact the
size and configuration of the building envelope and that further results in extensive
excavation of the site not being viable.
2) Many other sites within the zoning classification do not share the same degree of
severity as it relates to topography, wetlands, soil conditions and site configuration that
impact the subject site.
3) The purpose of the variance is not based the desire to generate a higher yield or make
more money from the subject property. The proposed project is designed to be consistent
with the density and site coverage allowed under the zoning code. The variance will not
result in increasing the project density, adding more square footage to the project than is
allowed under the zoning code, nor based upon the desire to make more money out of the
property.
4) The hardships are a result of the natural conditions affecting the site and were not
created by the applicant including topography, wetlands, hydrology, geology and
building envelope configuration. Further, given the ongoing limited supply of lumber
and steel necessitates the use of a precast concrete twin tee structure resulting in greater
separation between floors to given the thickness of the concrete twin tee structural
components.
5) Granting the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare nor injurious to
other property in the neighborhood since the proposed building height on the subject site