The Board of Appeals meeting held on July 30, 2025, in Lewiston, Maine, focused on a significant zoning variance request related to a residential pool installation. The meeting addressed the requirements of local ordinances and state statutes concerning zoning variances, emphasizing that the board must find all criteria met before granting any variance.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that the board has the authority to impose limitations on any variance granted, ensuring that it only relieves proven hardships as outlined in Article 9, Section 6 of the ordinance. Additionally, it was noted that any rights secured through the board's actions would expire if the related work is not initiated within six months and substantially completed within one year. Extensions may be granted upon written request prior to expiration.

The applicant, represented by attorney Ben Hartwell, presented a case involving a pool that was installed without adhering to the required 20-foot setback from the property line. This oversight was discovered two years later when the applicant sought to build a deck. The situation was described as unfortunate, as the initial permit had been issued correctly, but the contractor failed to follow the setback requirements during installation.

The board is now tasked with deliberating on the variance request, considering the circumstances surrounding the installation and the implications of granting the variance. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar situations in the future, highlighting the importance of compliance with zoning regulations in residential projects.