Chelsea, Vermont, Development Review Board
Meeting Minutes August 26, 2026
Members Present: Johanna Welch (Chair), Patricia Swahn, Jennifer Chase
Staff Present: Kyle Hansen (Zoning Administrator)
Others Present: Margaret Pinello-White and Carl White (Applicants)
Johanna Welch (chair), called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm. A quorum was present.
Application: ZP26-11
Address: 115 Washington Turnpike
Applicants: Margaret Pinello-White and Carl White
Reason: Request for a Setback Waiver
Project: 28’ X 32’ detached garage, 20’ from the side property line
Johanna opened the hearing for Application ZP26-11. Margaret Pinello-White and Carl White were present for the applicant. No interested parties were present.
Margaret explained that the proposed location of the garage is the only reasonable spot to build the garage. This is due to topography, a stream, an existing Letter of Map Adjustment (LOMA), a private well, and the existence of other residential buildings on the property, this site is the best location. Carl further explained that when siting the garage, they also tried to achieve compliance by locating the garage as far from the property line as possible. This location is as far from the property line as it could realistically be and is located outside of the mapped floodplain; it is the site of best fit.
Johanna asked for clarification about where the well is located on the drawn site plan. Carl answered that the well is located behind the proposed garage and to the west of the existing single-family dwelling. Everything lower in elevation than the dwelling is located in the floodplain. The land to the south of the house site is too steep and impractical or impossible to build.
Johanna asked if it will be a single-story garage. Carl answered there may be a loft over the garage bays, but not a full second story. There will be electricity running to the garage, and it will only be used for personal use. The building will be climate controlled but will not have running water or septic connection.
Margaret explained that even though the proposed location is near the property line, the neighbors are aware, and it is not close to any neighboring dwelling units. The applicants discussed the project with their neighbors, though none were present to provide testimony.
Jennifer motioned to close testimony and proceed to other business. Patty seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Other Business:
Election of DRB Clerk
Johanna explained that the Zoning Administrator (ZA), will take minutes during normal DRB hearings. A DRB clerk must be elected to record meeting minutes in the event of a hearing wherein the DRB is reviewing an appeal of an action of the ZA. Johanna motioned for Jennifer Chase to be the temporary clerk. Patty seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Johanna motioned to adjourn the hearing and enter into a deliberative session at 6:45pm. Jennifer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Kyle Hansen, Zoning Administrator