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

Browse Search

Minutes of the Lexinqton Zoninq Board of Appeals Selectmen's Meeting Room November 14, 2019 Board Members: Chair— Ralph D. Clifford, Jeanne K. Krieger, Martha C. Wood, David G. Williams, Norman P. Cohen and Nyles N. Barnert Alternate Sitting: Hank Manz Administrative Staff: James Kelly, Building Commissioner and Sharon Coffey, Administrative Clerk Address: 24 Manning Street The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) sections 135-9.4, 135-8.4.2, 135-9.2.2.2 and 135-4.1.1, Table 2 (Schedule of Dimensional Controls) to allow modification to a non-conforming structure and to allow a side-yard setback of 12.7 ft instead of the required 20 ft. The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and justification, plot plan, and plans. Prior to the meeting, the petitions and supporting data were reviewed by the Building Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Board of Selectmen, the Planning Director, the Historic District Commission Clerk, Historical Commission, Economic Development, and the Zoning Administrator. Comments were received from the Conservation Administrator and the Zoning Administrator. Presenter: Brent Li and Sophie Li The Hearing opened at 7:04 PM. Ms. Li presented the petition. She stated her family has lived in their single family house since 2008 and it was built in 1949. They are looking for a larger living space and kitchen space. A Board Member, Nyles N. Barnert, questioned the hardship (Mr. Li stated the property is a corner unit. The existing building is located toward the right side in the corner of the lot. The shape of the lot is unique, it is not a square). A Board Member, David G. Williams, questioned the new plan conservation discussed in their comment and asked what had changed in the plan (Mr. Li explained the plan and stated the new plan shows the buffer zone). Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, stated they don't have a plan showing the layout of the house. It is a high standard to grant a variance. They need to show the Board why there are no other choices or options. He then confirmed all development is outside the buffer zone (Ms. Li agreed) A Board Member, Jeanne K. Krieger, stated part of the reason to push the development to Milk Street is to avoid the wetlands. Mr. Williams stated the side yard setback is troubling.