Undue hardship

[shastaw]

ConnecticutWhat is the name of your state? Connecticut

I am applying for a variance to put 2 horses on my property. The property is 2.8 acres with an original 3 story barn with 3 horse stalls (built in 1875 along with the house) The zoning regulation for my town is 3 acres for one horse and 6 acres to be considered a farm to have more than one horse on the property. I also have roads on all sides of my property so there is no way to purchase anymore land to meet the zoning requirements. I would also like to mention that this is a very rural area with a 40 acre horse farm directly across the street from my property.

The question is, how do I prove "undue hardship"???

Is "undue hardship" the only way you can get your variance?

When the horse stall and house were built, how much land went with the place?

What kind of horses?

What kind of horses do the folks across the street have?

Would they be willing to testify for you?

Do you have horse-proof fences all around your property?

What kind of fences?

[shastaw]

I think that this was the original property, I am not 100% sure. I did not put up fencing yet because I just bought the property and I am still boarding the horses down the street. I have quarter horses and and farm behind me has saddlebreds and yes she is willing to come to the meeting and speak on my behalf.

There are 3 criterium I need to meet to be approved for this variance, they are: undue hardship, uniqueness of my property from any other property and maintaining the character of the area.

The saddlebred across the street should help, I would think. It's not like you have mustangs.

Anyway, pile up all the documents you have on how much you have to spend to board these critters.

Do you feed or does the boarder do that? Add up the time you have to spend on health care, grooming, feeding, etc.

Show how difficult and expensive it is for you to do this while they are being boarded. Make sure your horses are fat and shiny and show ready. Have the big wigs look at them too to see how much you care for your babies.

I have had horses before and even when it was down to one and in my back yard, they are still an exceptionally high maintenance animal. So, convince them that it would be better for you to have this variance.

I would also have your place spanking clean and invite the zoning whoevers out to visit you. Get as many neighbors as you can to come testify.

Please keep me posted...I've run out of ideas!!!