Zoning Board Application 534 Forest Lawn 2026 03 23 submitted

March 19, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Webster 1000 Ridge Road, Webster, NY 14580 Re: Variance Request for addition to 534 Forest Lawn Rd, Webster, NY 14580 Dear Members of the Board, I am writing to respectfully request approval of two variances for the construction of a 727 square foot addition to the existing two-story single-family residence located at 534 Forest Lawn Rd, Webster, NY 14580. The project scope includes a first-floor master suite to allow for aging in place, as well as interior kitchen renovations, including the relocation of the existing central stairs into the new addition area. Variances requested are as follows:  Side setback relief per R-1 district (20’). The current home is ‘existing non-conforming’ for side setbacks. The request is to maintain the existing side setbacks of 6.99’ and 11.41’, so the new addition can align with the existing home.  The owner is also asking for a variance for the lot coverage percentage. The max. allowed per R-1 district is 20%. The owner is asking for an increase to 25.3%. The purpose of the proposed addition is to improve the functionality and livability of the home while maintaining the residential character of the property and surrounding neighborhood. The addition has been carefully considered to complement the scale of the existing residence and to serve the long-term needs of the household. Due to the existing conditions of the property, strict compliance with the current zoning requirements would create practical difficulty in allowing a reasonable expansion of the home. The requested variance is necessary to permit the proposed addition in a manner that is consistent with the lot’s existing development pattern and the layout of the home. The design has been prepared to minimize any adverse impact on neighboring properties and to preserve the overall aesthetic and character of the area. This project is not intended to alter the essential character of the neighborhood, create an undesirable change in the community, or negatively affect nearby properties. Rather, it is intended to allow for a thoughtful improvement to the home that remains in harmony with surrounding residential development. To the best of my knowledge, the addition will not create any significant environmental, drainage, traffic, or safety concerns. In support of this request, I respectfully note the following:  The proposed addition is a reasonable residential improvement to an existing home.  The request arises from the existing configuration and size limitations of the property.  The addition has been designed to be compatible with the existing house and neighborhood.  The requested relief is the minimum variance believed necessary to allow the project to proceed.  The project will not produce any substantial detriment to neighboring properties or the community. I respectfully ask the Board to grant this application and allow this improvement to proceed. Thank you for your consideration. Very truly yours,

Rebecca Barone, AIA, NCARB

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AREA VARIANCE STATEMENT OF DIFFICULTY An area variance shall be granted only if the applicant can establish EACH of the following, in accordance with Section 350-102 of the Zoning Ordinance: A. Essential Character. Indicate how the variance will impact the essential character of the neighborhood. No undesirable change in the essential character of the neighborhood will occur and no detriment will be created to nearby properties if the area variance is granted because: ___ No change in the character of the neighborhood is expected as current home side setbacks are existing non-conforming. The owner is asking to maintain existing side set backs. Please note most homes in the neighborhood have non-conforming items due to the character of the lake front cottage neighborhood qualities. The lot coverage increase is required do to the undersized nature of the lot. Front and Rear setbacks are maintained per code. B. Alternates Considered: Indicate the benefit sought by the granting of the variance and why the benefit cannot be achieved by some other feasible method other than an area variance. Identify the alternatives to the variance that have been pursued, and why they are not feasible (include evidence where necessary to support your conclusion): Due to the small lot size compliance with district zoning would make any addition to the home infeasible. Existing lot width is 45'. C. Significance. Indicate why the requested variance is not a substantial or contextually significant deviation from the current code/regulations (is the difference between what the code requires and what you’re requesting significant): The requested lot coverage increase from 20% to 25.3% is not substantial or a significant deviation. 5.3% difference from what is required. The side set backs requested are to remain in line with the existing home, therefor not deviating from what is existing or significant to the existing context. D. Physical and environmental conditions. Describe any potential impacts on factors such as drainage, traffic, dust, noise, odor, public services (e.g., compliance with the Town Code requirements to be varied would result in structures over an easement, removal of mature trees) provide mitigation efforts if any are to be utilized: No potential impacts E. Not self-created. The alleged difficulty was not self-created because (consideration shall be relevant to the decision of the Board of Appeals but shall not necessarily preclude the granting of the area variance): The difficulty was not self-created due to the existing small lot size and the existing side setbacks are deemed existing non-conforming already. The existing neighborhood is a special, lake front area that was built prior to the R1 overlay.

** THIS FORM IS REQUIRED FOR ALL AREA VARIANCE REQUESTS**

Steven Smith 534 Forest Lawn Road Webster, NY 14580 March 18, 2026

Sincerely,

Steven Smith