HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-17 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes2001 0C
MEMBERS PRESENT
S-
COPHER VACCARO, CHAIRMAN
BERNARD O'SHAUGHNESSY
SUSAN MILLER, ASSOCIATE MEMBER
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 at 7:00 PM. Building Inspector
Glen Redmond was also present.
Case #00-07
A Public Hearing on the petition of James A. Lyons who seeks a special permit under
Section 4.3.2.8 of the Zoning By-Laws in order to create an accessory apartment on the
property located at 3 Balsam Road in Reading, MA
Christopher Vaccaro swore in the applicants.
James Lyons reviewed the conditions of Section 4.3.2.8 and stated the following:
a. The present owners, Mr. & Mrs. Booth, have owned this property since 1960.
b. The house is 1,909 sq. ft. and the accessory apartment is 583 sq. ft. This
apartment would occupy less than 1/3 of the total floor plan.
c. One of the owners would live there.
d. It appears as though it is a one family house with a second modified egress.
e. The driveway will be elongated, to the rear of the house, to accommodate all
three cars.
f. There is no other apartment on the property.
g. The property meets all building codes and fire prevention regulators.
Mr. Lyons stated this apartment is strictly for the use of his in-laws. He has no intention
of renting this apartment. Mr. Lyons expects to live in this house-, with his family, for a
very long time.
The Zoning Board of Appeals discussed the ratio of gross floor area to total land area.
The ratio can not exceed 1: 5. The total of the applicant's land is 10,117 sq. ft. and the
gross floor area is 2,400 sq. ft. This exceeds the Zoning By-Laws ratio of 1:5. The Board
asked Mr. Lyons if the basement was finished or unfinished. If the basement has a
finished floor, walls, ceiling and heat it would be considered part of the total gross floor
area. Glen Redmond will make a site visit to determine the status of the basement.
Christopher Vaccaro discussed with the Zoning Board whether this addition would need a
Special Permit or could it be done as a right of way. He stated the applicant is not
charging rent and the addition is only for his family's use. Bernard O'Shaughnessy was
concerned with the future use of the apartment.
t !y As Ow'N OF READING
~G BOARD OF APPEALS
OF FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes of 2/17/00
page 2
Building Inspector Glen Redmond disagreed with the Zoning Board and stated that this
addition would need a Special Permit. He stated the Zoning By-laws do not discuss if the
occupants are relatives.
An abutter questioned whether this property could become a two family house if the
accessory apartment is added? Christopher Vaccaro stated it could become a two family
house if a special permit is issued. He also stated that if this is allowed as a right of way
they could not rent it. The owner would need to return to the Zoning Board of Appeals
and request a special permit.
On a motion by Bernard O'Shaughnessy, seconded by Susan Miller, the Zoning Board of
Appeals voted to continue the Public Hearing on James A. Lyons, 3 Balsam Road,
Reading, MA until March 2, 2000.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously voted to adjourn their meeting at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
,r
Joy Mot r
Recording Secretary