Vote Row 17C

Letter to the Rivereast Editor

Robert P. Hart - Zoning Board of Appeals

What's Legally Required?
The Connecticut General Statutes grant to zoning boards of appeal the power to determine and vary the application of zoning regulations (grant-a variance) in harmony with their general purpose and intent. The power may only be used with respect to land having unusual conditions not generally encountered within a zoning district that would make development extremely difficult or in legal terms: present "exceptional difficulty or unusual hardship." This does not mean that a variance should be granted simply because a property owner wants a bigger house or garage and can't do it within zoning requirements.

I believe that this power has often been abused by the East Hampton Zoning Board of Appeals. I believe that variances are routinely granted with insufficient justification, which is not in accordance with the intent of the Connecticut statutes. This means that buildings are then allowed to be built too close to their neighbor's property, exceed lot coverage limitations, or built with other exceptions to zoning regulations. However, zoning regulations are designed to minimize adverse impact on neighborhoods and the environment and should be circumvented rarely, only when unusual conditions exist that cause unusual hardship for property development.

As a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, I will apply my judgment on zoning regulations variance petitions more carefully and in a manner more in accordance with the intent of Connecticut statutes. This means that I will vote more consistently in favor of protecting our neighborhoods and the environment from unwarranted and excessive building practices.

If you agree with my position, please vote for me on Nov. 3 for a five-year term as a member of the East Hampton ZBA.

Robert P. Hart
Zoning Board of Appeals Candidate

Vote row “C” for the Chatham Party ticket this Election Day.

"As a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, I will apply my judgment on zoning regulations variance petitions more carefully and in a manner more in accordance with the intent of Connecticut statutes."

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