Opinion ID: 2379774
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: [¶ 2] In February 1999 J. Russell Tarason purchased a two family building located at 77 Norton Street in South Berwick. Tarason sought to renovate the building to create an additional living unit. Because the dimensional requirements in his zoning district did not permit three units, Tarason sought a zone change, which was denied in March 2000. [¶ 3] While the South Berwick Planning Board was considering the zone change request, Tarason began to renovate the property for use as a three-family building, and sought several building permits from the Town. In January 2000 Tarason applied for and was granted a plumbing permit. In July 2000 he obtained a building permit to construct a second floor deck for the apartments and handicap access. Finally, in June 2001 Tarason obtained a building permit to demolish an existing shed on the property. None of Tarason's applications indicated that he would be constructing three separate residential units. [¶ 4] In October 2002 the current CEO became aware of Tarason's three units. The CEO issued a letter to Tarason stating that he was in violation of the zoning ordinance and, as a result, one of the units in his building had to be vacated. After various attempts to resolve the issue failed, Tarason filed an administrative appeal to the ZBA, challenging the CEO's determination that the use of the building was in violation of the zoning ordinance. [¶ 5] The ZBA held a public hearing in February 2003 regarding Tarason's appeal. The ZBA heard from witnesses, considered evidence, and made factual findings, after which, the ZBA upheld the decision of the CEO. Tarason subsequently requested that the ZBA reconsider its decision. Tarason indicated that the prior CEO, who issued him the building permits, was unable to attend the February hearing, and his testimony would be useful in the disposition of the case. The ZBA denied Tarason's request and indicated that Tarason could have presented the prior CEO's testimony at the February hearing. Tarason appealed to the Superior Court pursuant to M.R. Civ. P. 80B. The Superior Court affirmed the decision of the ZBA. Tarason now appeals from the Superior Court's decision.