I had to go in front of the town zoning board to get a variance to build my deck. Turns out the builder build the house basically right up against the set-back line. To get the deck, I had to have the zoning board give a variance so I could build the deck. I could put in a pool, shed or many other things without the variance, but for a deck I needed it. I guess because it's attached to the house.

So, I did what I needed. Sent registered mail to all my neighbors saying I was applying for the variance. Filled in the application, and went to the zoning board meeting.

There were no problems, and my variance was approved. There was just one board member who said "no" to it. It really got my goat that he said no. He only did it because he goes into a rant about people building a house against the set-back, then coming in for a variance to "expand" it. I, and two other board members, pointed out to him that when you build a house you don't really tell the builder where to build it on the property. It's in the contracts that they choose the location. Also, not like I decided where the setback line is. I don't know who does, but I have a feeling it's the town zoning people.

So, I think he voted no just to make a point. The only point he made to me was that I think he's a jerk. Make a point on your own time. You don't like the fact that builders build on a set-back, they vote no on the builders things. Don't make a point by going on the record with a 'no' when a family comes in just wanted to build a deck on their house.

The rest of the board said yes, so it was approved. They didn't need to use the platform to make a point. They know I didn't decide where either the set-back line is or where the home was positioned and did the right thing.

Next month, the deck should be built. This should be good timing as my grass is growing and it'll be nice to hang out back there watching all the trees turn color.