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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-20 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutesr� Town of Reading ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Minutes of October 20, 2011 Members Present: Jeffrey Perkins, Chairman John Jarema Robert Redfern Damase Caouette Kristin Cataldo John Miles Members Absent: <fIEGE'iV� TOWN CLERK READING, MASS. 1011 JAN 1.1 P 1*. 33' A meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts, beginning at 7:00 P.M. Also in attendance was Glen Redmond, Commissioner of Buildings. Case # 11 -22 A Public Hearing on the petition of Brian Boutiette who seeks a Variance under Section(s) 5.1 of the zoning bylaws in order to construct a two story addition 10.3' from the right hand sideline rather than the required 15.0' on the property located at 68 Charles Street in Reading, MA. This property is located in a Residential 5 -15 District. John Jarema recused himself from the Board for this case because he is a neighbor. Brian Boutiette presented his proposal for a Variance request. They are outgrowing the dwelling but want to stay in their neighborhood so they would like to add an addition. Their lot is 6,542 square foot. He presented what he thought were the four criteria required for a Variance. A literal enforcement would be a financial hardship. There are not many ways in which to add an addition. The proposed addition will fit well in the neighborhood. The neighbors signed a letter in favor of this addition. He also submitted a letter from the direct abutter who shares the property line where the addition will be built and she is also in favor of the addition. The Building Inspector said he told the Applicant that variances are hard to obtain but where his neighbor had received a Variance it might help his case. Mr. Caouette thought there really weren't many ways in which to add an addition and if it were added to the back of the house it would incur significant expense. He thought they had chosen the most effective plan available due to the lot constraints. Mr. Redfern said the lot was small and rectangular but not uniquely shaped. Mr. Boutiette responded to the various comments trying to substantiate his argument for the Variance. Mr. ZBA Meeting, October 20, 2011 Redfern agreed with Mr. Caouette that the Applicant's solution to add living space appeared to be the best alternative. The Building Inspector mentioned the case where the Applicant's abutting neighbor was granted a Variance. Mr. Boutiette said this neighbor is 11+ feet from their property line. His addition would not be overly close to her former garage that was attached to her house via a breezeway when she obtained a Variance. Ms. Cataldo said there was not much they could do to the lot due to its size. The Chairman said the lot size and other issues make the proposal the most practical and he did not have a problem granting a Variance. Joe Connolley of 23 Vine Street voiced his approval of the project. On a motion by Robert Redfem, seconded by Damase Caouette, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to grant the Applicant a Variance from Section 5.1.2 of the Zoning Bylaws in order to construct a two -story addition to the existing single- family dwelling as depicted on the Certified Plot Plan and architectural renderings. This Variance is conditioned upon the following: 1. The Petitioner shall submit to the Building Inspector a Certified Plot Plan of the proposed construction and proposed foundation plans, prior to the issuance of a foundation permit for the work. 2. The Petitioner's final construction plans for the new structure shall be submitted to the Building Inspector, along with the as -built foundation plan(s), prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 3. As -built plans showing the completed construction shall be submitted to the Building Inspector immediately after the work is completed and prior to the issuance of an Occupancy Permit. The vote was 5 -0 -0 (Caouette, Perkins, Redfern, Miles, Cataldo). Minutes September 8, 2011 On a motion by Damase Caouette, seconded by John Miles, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to approve the minutes of September 8, 2011. The vote was 5 -0 -0 (Caouette, Perkins, Redfern, Miles, Jarema). September 22, 2011 ZBA Meeting, October 20, 2011 On a motion by Kristin Cataldo, seconded by Damase Caouette, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to approve the minutes of September 22, 2011. The vote was 4 -0 -0 (Caouette, Perkins, Miles, Jarema). Open session for topics not reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Mr. Jarema distributed copies of the decision made by the Board to grant Angelo Salamone an extension for the comprehensive permit previously granted by the Board. The Board reviewed the decision due to the fact Mr. Jarema was having computer problems and could not get it to the Board for their review any other way. There were no comments and The Chairman signed the document. Adjournment On a motion by John Miles, seconded by Robert Redfern, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to adjourn the meeting. The vote was 6 -0 -0 (Caouette, Perkins, Redfern, Miles, Jarema, Cataldo). Respectfully Maureen M. Recording S ZBA Meeting, October 20, 2011