Ruiz variances

Ruiz explained the canopy and pavers were built himself as medical accommodations for his wife and elderly uncle, read from a prepared statement, and declined staff's invitation to modify the 75% coverage request.

A retired firefighter whose home backs across the lake, he praised the property as the prettiest around, said the canopy isn't a windstorm risk, and testified the streets never flooded even during Hurricane Irene's 17 inches of rain.