HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-15 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesTown of Reading
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Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Zoning Board of Appeals J,A ; I A 0 59
Date: 2015 -10 -15 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business Session: General Session
Attendees: Members - Present:
David Traniello, Vice Chair; John Jarema, Erik Hagstrom, Kathleen Hackett
Members - Not Present:
Robert Redfern, Damase Caouette
Others Present:
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kim Saunders
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Redfern opened the meeting at 7:03 PM.
Case 415 -10
The Zoning Board of Appeals held a Public Hearing on the petition of Laurie Anne Sciacca (My
Furry Dogmother, LLQ who seeks a Special Permit under 5.3.1 of the zoning bylaws in order to
operate a pet grooming business on the property located at 145 Washington Street in Reading,
Massachusetts.
The petitioner, Ms. Sciacca, introduced herself and stated her work credentials. She said she
currently rents in another dog grooming salon. She explained how her Reiki business for dogs
would operate.
After Mr. Traniello explained the ramification of a four member Board, the petitioner stated she
still wanted to continue the Public Hearing.
Ms. Hackett asked if the business would be a day care or if any dogs would be staying overnight.
Ms. Sciacca said there would not be any dogs staying over and it is not a daycare. The business
is run by appointment only and there will be only one dog at a time.
Mr. Jarema asked if the clientele would be dogs only. Ms. Sciacca stated that cats would come in
at the end of the day. She said the business will be Tuesday through Saturday and the hours of
operation will be 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Mr. Jarema said the property is located in the Business B District. He questioned the floor plan
and asked about the space. Ms. Sciacca explained the minor renovations she will be doing. She
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said she will be grooming 4 to 6 clients a day. She stated if someone rents space, they will be
doing the same type of grooming she proposes.
After Ms. Sciacca commented the space above the proposed area is residential, Mr. Jarema
questioned if the Board of Health was approached for approval of mixed residential use and the
proposed dog grooming business.
Mr. Hagstrom referenced the Table of Business in the zoning bylaw, and said it states a
residential property is not allowed in a commercial district. He said it could be a legal non -
confirming property. Mr. Hagstrom read the prior decision issued by the ZBA under the
former bylaw. He reviewed the current bylaw and commented what would be referenced in the
decision.
Mr. Traniello commented on the previous Special Permit decisions. He stated Mr. Jarema had a
valid statement in regards to mixed use. He asked if the Board would consider a Special Permit if
the Health Agent certifies that the use is acceptable.
The Zoning Board exchanged their views on a dog grooming business being located beneath a
residential unit in a Business B district.
After a discussion, Mr. Traniello explained to Ms. Sciacca what the end result would be if a
Special Permit with conditions is not approved. She was asked if she wanted to approach the
Health Agent and landlord to satisfy the conditions before the Board votes. She asked the Board
to vote tonight.
Ms. Hackett asked for the conditions to be narrowed down. She questioned if the landlord is
losing the right of a residence above by allowing a dog grooming business.
Mr. Jarema said he was not comfortable, he would like to make sure the attorneys are in
agreement with the decision for the Town, petitioner, and future aspects of the proposal.
On a motion made by Mr. Hagstrom, seconded by Ms. Hackett, the Zoning Board of Appeals
approved the petitioner's request for a Special Permit under Section 5.3.1 of the zoning bylaws
in order to operate a pet grooming business at the property located at 145 Washington Street,
Reading, MA.
The Special Permit is conditioned upon the following:
1. Pets will not be housed overnight at the premises.
2. Petitioner will not operate a pet day care at the location.
3. Petitioner will not conduct any outdoor pet activity on -site.
4. Satisfactory approval of the health inspector for both the site location and approved
use of the Special Permit as a pet grooming business.
5. Zoning enforcement officer making a determination that the apartment above the
business has an allowable use as a residential dwelling.
Vote was 4 -0 -0 ( Traniello, Jarema, Hackett, Hagstrom).
MINUTES
September 17, 2015
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On a motion by Mr. Jarema, seconded by Mr. Hagstrom, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to
approve the September 17, 2015 minutes.
Vote was 4 -0 -0 (Traniello, Jarema, Hackett, Hagstrom).
Adjournment
On a motion by Mr. Hagstrom, seconded by Ms. Hackett, the Zoning Board of Appeals moved to
adjourn the meeting at 8:20 PM.
Vote was 4 -0 -0 (Traniello, Jarema, Hackett, Hagstrom).
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