CLAY — A local family’s request to expand their home to accommodate remote work needs received unanimous support from the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals this week. During a brief meeting on Monday, March 9, the board approved area variances for Michael J. Taylor, owner of the residence at 8111 Maple Road. The decision permits Taylor to construct a 12-by-24-foot addition on the northwest side of his home, a project he says is necessary to create office space for two adults currently working from the residence. The project required relief from the town’s zoning code regarding both front and side yard setbacks. According to the meeting minutes, Taylor applied to reduce the front yard setback from the required 75 feet down to 72 feet. Additionally, he sought a reduction for the side yard setback, asking to build 17 feet from the property line rather than the mandated 25 feet. Taylor explained to the board that the expansion is driven by practical needs. The addition is intended to provide home offices for two adults, as well as accommodate two children living in the three-bedroom ranch. Taylor noted that the new construction would also add value to the property. When addressing the board, Taylor acknowledged that while the side yard variance was partially a result of his own plans, the front yard issue was pre-existing. "The need for the front yard Area Variance is not self-created, as the home was not in compliance when purchased by the applicant," Taylor stated, according to the minutes. He argued that there were no other feasible options for the addition due to the location of the existing patio and septic system. He also assured the board that the reduction in setbacks would not be substantial enough to alter the character of the neighborhood or cause any adverse effects. Planning & Development Commissioner Brian Bender reported that there were no letters of concern received from neighbors and that the project did not require input from the Onondaga County Planning Board. He did note that the applicant would need to secure a standard building permit before beginning construction. Following a public hearing where no comments were offered for or against the proposal, the board moved quickly to approve the request. Member Ryan Frantzis made the motion to approve the variances, contingent on the project being in substantial compliance with Exhibit "A." The motion was seconded by member David Porter. The roll call vote was 5-0 in favor. Chairperson Vivian Mason, Deputy Chairperson Karen Liebi, and member Mary Lou DesRosiers joined Frantzis and Porter in voting "yes." The board also conducted standard procedural business, accepting minutes from their January and February meetings. They established a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) for the evening's actions, determining the project would not have a significant impact on the environment. The meeting was adjourned at 6:09 p.m.