CHICHESTER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
AUGUST 18, 2010
Case #230B-Signs for Jesus appealing the administrative decision of the Planning Board stating that the proposed sign use of the property on Map 4 Lot 168 is not a business and does not comply with zoning under Article III, Section 3.07.
Members Present: Mark McIntosh, Chairman; David Dobson; Richard Millette; Tom Wainwright; Mike Paveglio, ex-offico; Steve MacCleery, Alternate.
Others: Fabrizio & Jennifer Cusson, Maurice Cusson, Gary Cote, Donald Worster, Faye & Robert McAnney, Amy Adams, Allen Mayville, Michael Tierney, Chet McPhail, Valerie Fradette, Vanessa Wiley, Joey Tucker, Walter Sanborn, Lucille Noel, Sally Kelly.
Fab Cusson explained to the board that Signs for Jesus is a registered business in the State of NH located at 136 Dover Road in Chichester. He plans to display bible scriptures on the sign so faith will be inspired by all those who choose to read it. He doesn’t need 10 acres for a sign. At the moment this is a small business. He feels he is being penalized because of limited use on the site. The town has no business use regulations and he feels the PB erred in their decision
Fab proposed a 12’x12’ control building to the PB. There is a well and septic already on the property but he doesn’t intend to use them at this time. He does have plans to grow in the future. The PB agreed it would be okay to have a portable toilet on site. He would like to know if he is a business or not. The sign is the business, promoting Jesus. The main focus is to reach people who are open to the message of scripture. This is the first sign with a small office. He needs to start somewhere. This is not a business for profit. He will rely on donations when other signs are erected.
Maurice Cusson added that this sign won’t cause traffic congestion, endanger the public or have any impact on the town.
Gary Cote, pastor of a church, added that his church is incorporated. It is a business which promotes the welfare of others.
BOARD DISCUSSION
*Is there any difference between this sign and a billboard? Billboards advertise for someone to go to some other place of business.
*Is the concept of the sign with a small building & portable toilet a business?
*This is a registered business with a site plan showing a control room/office.
*Cell towers are a business so why not this?
MOTION
Dave Dobson moved to reverse the denial of the Planning Board. The BOA finds that Signs for Jesus is a business use of the property under Article III, Section 3.07.
Mark McIntosh seconded.
VOTE ON MOTION
Mike Paveglio – Yes
Tom Wainwright – Yes
David Dobson – Yes
Mark McIntosh – Yes
Richard Millette – Yes
Request is granted 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly MacCleery, Secretary
Mark McIntosh, Chairman
Chichester Board of Adjustment
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