HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-10-20 Zoning Board of Appeals MinutesZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
READING, I'diA
I:IINUTES--OCTOBER 20, 1988
Members Presents Stephen G. Tucker, Vice Chairman
Carol Scott
Ardith Wieworka
.5
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Stephen Tucker opened the scheduled public hearing at 7:35 Piq in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, 6 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. The first
order of business was the petition of Paul and Roberta Carson who
were seeking a variance under Section 5.1.2 (Table of Dimensional
Controls) to allow for construction of a two car garage on the
Tennyson Road side of the property known as 75 Whittier Road, Reading,
i4iA.
Iy,r. Carson explained to the Board that he wished to build a two car
garage on one side of the present house. The placement of the house
on the lot makes it impossible to build the garage without violating
the requested clearance from the side lot lines. He also said the
proposed location of the garage was the best aesthetic location and
the most practical as the side door to the house would come in from
the garage making it convenient to bring the family in and out without
being subjected to weather conditions. Mr. Carson also felt that the
garage wouldn't bother his neighbors, and he would have storage space
for yard tools, ect.
The Board then discussed the criteria of the case. Carol Scott sugg-
ested to Mr. Carson that they build a detached garage in the rear side
yard which would only require a five foot setback from the lot lines.
She also suggested that he talk to his wife about this possibility.
irlr. Carson stated that they really wanted an attached garage and he
would prefer a ruling at this time.
The Board then discussed the amount of encroachment and that convenience
was not relevant to the criteria.
At 8%24 Piv! Carol Scott moved to grant a variance under Section 5.1.2
(Table of Dimensional Controls) to allow for construction of a two
car garage on the Tennyson Road side of the property known as
75 Whittier Road-said distance to lot lines varies from 9 feet to
5.5 feet as shown on plot plan dated June 2, 1988 by James R. Keenan,
Winchester. Ardith Wieworka seconded and a vote was taken. The
motion failed 0-3, denying Paul and Roberta Carson's petition.
_ Members. Presents Stephen Tucker, Vice Chairman
John Jarema
- Ardith Wieworka
*Carol Scott
*Indicates non-voting member present.
I ' 1"
Zoning Board of Appeals
October 200 1988
Page 2
The second public hearing was called to order at 8:29 PM on the
petition of Richard and Debra Waterman who were seeking a variance/
and or Special Permit under Section 5.1.2 (Table of Dimensional
Controls) or 6.3.3.4 (Special Permits Section) for the purpose of
converting an existing attached garage to living space at the property
known as 103 County Road, Reading, lviA.
Mr. Waterman explained to the Board the reasons they were seeking a
permit and or variance. He stated that their lot was very small making
it impossible to build another addition onto the house. Their family
consisted of two adults and three children, who were using two bedrooms
and another small room as a bedroom. The conversion of the garage,
primarily a bedroom, would be the only affordable way to add needed
space as they financially could not build upward. Also, by converting
the use of a structure already in existence he felt that it would not
be detrimental to the public good.
The Board asked that, if by taking the garage for living space would
there still be sufficient parking space on the lot. Mr. Waterman
confirmed that there was a semi-circle in front of the house and also
plenty of driveway parking.
The Board then discussed the criteria of the case. There was some
concern that if the garage was taken for living space, an owner in the
future would want to add one. There was then discussion of granting
a Variance with a condition that no other structure be put on the lot.
1'•'r. Waterman then inquired if in the future he could extend the addition
on the right side front yard. It was explained that he could build
upward but could not add to the footprint of the house.
At 9:38 Ardith Wieworka moved to grant the petitioners a Variance
from Section 5.1.2 of the heading Zoning by-Laws for the purpose of
converting an attached garage to living space, varying the fifteen
foot setback requirement by five feet for a setback of ten feet from
the side lot line on the northerly side of the property on the condition
that the footprint of the entire structure (house) shall not be in eased
nor shall any additional permanent structures by placed on the property
known as 103 County Road. John Jarema seconded the motion and it
was approved unanimously .
At 9:42 PM a motion was made to adjourn and the board voted unanimously
to do so.
Respectfully submitted by Karen:Saporito, Recording Secretary to the
Zoning Loard of Appeals.
Signed:
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