By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(March 15, 2018) Meeting for the first time in more than a year, the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals last Wednesday wasted little time approving a variance for lot 21 in the Henry’s Mill subdivision.

Applicant Mary Greenwood requested a setback variance for two areas in the rear and side yard of the trapezoid-shaped property. She is in the process of purchasing the property to build a home there.

According to the application, the Henry’s Mill homeowner’s association already granted a 1.02-foot variance for the side yard and 8.49-foot variance for the rear yard offset. The deck and sunroom on the submitted plans will not be built.

Commission Chairman Joe Moore said a variance could be granted if several conditions were met: if the lot was an unusual shape or size, if it was necessary for enjoyment of property rights, and if authorizing the variance would not be a detriment to neighboring properties.

Planning Director Dave Engelhart said he believed all those conditions were met. Mary and William Greenwood and Realtor Cindy Crockett concurred.

No other members of the public spoke for or against the variance and the commission voted unanimously, 3-0, to approve it.

Election of a new commission chairman did not occur because one member, Woody Bunting, was not present.