2019-11-14-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Miller stated they are below the overall height and could be almost 4 feet taller than what it is now. Chair, Ralph D, Clifford, stated he shared the concern of Mr. Williams. Because of the wetlands there will almost certainly be a variance needed but this proposal would not get his support. It is a small lot and a small street, it is not a place that calls for a house of this size. The granting of variance is justified on soil conditions, lot size and topography but he stated he does not buy the hardship. He then asked to clarify why they are going up the three stories. Mr. Miller Explained the existing average grade is at 180 feet. As soon as you do anything over 6 feet it is considered a story. Mr. Clifford asked why they couldn't do 5 '/2 feet and stated that takes away the hardship (Mr. Miller responded they could but the home owners want space for storage. When the site slopes there is a building code minimum from the soil to the top of the foundation wall. He prefers to go above the minimum by a foot). Mr. Clifford stated they want this big house and by designing the big house they have hardships. If they were to design a smaller house most of the hardships would disappear. Mr. Miller Stated if they did lower the house a foot they wouldn't be here for story count and lose the basement. The size of the house does not cause the story count, it's the elevations that are causing the story count. Mr. Clifford stated that's part of building on this lot in Lexington. The project can be redesigned. He stated he is not compelled they have a hardship. The hardship is self-caused. The proposed house is bigger than this lot can support. Mr. Williams agreed with Mr. Clifford's concerns regarding hardship and house size. The hardship and Zoning By-Law were further discussed. There were no questions or comments from the audience. A Board Member, Jeanne K. Krieger agreed with the previously stated concerns. Mr. Clifford stated there is a degree of trade off that has to be done. Minimizing the size of the Variance is the best approach. The house needs to be a lot smaller. The applicant agreed to a continuance. On a motion by Jeanne K. Krieger and seconded by Nyles N. Barnert, the Board voted 5-0, to continue to January 9, 2019 Hearing.