All requests for zoning variances are reviewed by the Health Department for septic system impact and an opinion is rendered as to the site suitability for future septic system repair assuming the variance is approved. Zoning variances are not approved or denied based on septic system criteria, so it is possible that the requested variance could be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, but the building permit that follows denied by the Health Department. The various Town agencies and departments each have unique criteria against which they weigh applications.

Requests for zoning variances or appeals can require a significant amount of work and expense. For that reason, applicants for zoning variances (or any building permit) are advised to consider septic system concerns first and consult the Health Department with their plans.