Vassalboro planners approve only application on agenda

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members approved the only application on their Nov. 4 agenda, with conditions; and they again discussed the unpermitted Rage Room Monica Stanton is running in North Vassalboro.

The application was from David Drasba, on Threemile Pond, to add living space – he called it an in-law suite – for himself and his wife to the house now occupied by his son-in-law and family.

Because the house is only about 30 feet from the water, changes are subject to shoreland zoning regulations. Issues board members considered included lot size; amount of the lot covered and to be covered by impervious surfaces; location and potential expansion of the existing septic system; and erosion controls.

They concluded the lot is large enough for one dwelling unit, but not for two. Board Chairman Virginia Brackett helped Drasba adjust some of his measurements to determine the maximum allowable size of the addition’s footprint on the ground.

Looking at definitions in town ordinances, board members ruled that the original house and the new suite must remain in the same family. Two separate families would be defined as living in two dwellings, and the lot is too small to accommodate more than one.

After discussion of various ways to expand the septic system, board member and former codes officer Paul Mitnik concluded the prohibition on increasing non-conformity with regulations, in this case by making part of the system closer to the water, applied only to structures. The discussion was therefore unnecessary.

Drasba and his son-in-law, Brian Hanson, said the house sits on top of a high riprapped bank that slopes steeply to the pond. At board member Douglas Phillips’ suggestion, board members added a requirement that a buffer be planted along the top of the bank, to protect water quality.

With the two conditions (single-family and buffer plantings), a permit for an addition with a footprint no larger than 499 square feet was unanimously approved. Codes Officer Eric Currie will help work out details of the building plan and the plantings.

Not on the Nov. 4 agenda was Monica Stanton’s application for a permit for the Rage Room she has been running in North Vassalboro since last summer. At their Oct. 7 meeting, board members explained to Stanton procedures for applying for a permit, expecting to review it Nov. 4 (see the Oct. 16 issue of The Town Line, p. 2).

Last summer, Currie issued Stanton a cease and desist order until a permit was approved. Stanton has ignored it, he said.

Board members agreed to refer the issue to the town’s attorney. They discussed what fines can be levied, and whether Stanton or the landowner or both would be responsible for paying them.

The next Vassalboro Planning Board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the town office meeting room.