2020-04-23-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Lexinqton Zoninq Board of Appeals Selectmen's Meeting Room April 23, 2020 Board Members: Chair— Ralph D. Clifford, Jeanne K. Krieger, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P. Cohen and David G. Williams Alternate Member: Hank Manz Administrative Staff: Jennifer Gingras, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey, Administrative Clerk Address: 24 Swan Lane The petitioner is requesting a VARIANCE in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-9.2.2.2 and 135-4.1.1 Table 2 (Schedule of Dimensional Controls) to allow a front yard setback of 10 feet instead of the allowed 30 feet. The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification, Topographic Map, Plot Plan, Elevations and Plans. Also received was abutter letters. 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 Building Commissioner, the Zoning Administrator, Engineering, Planning Department and Conservation Administrator. Presenter: Alexandra Elliot, homeowner, Howard Raley, architect and Colin Flavin, architect The Hearing was opened at: 7:28 PM. Alexandra Elliot presented the petition. She stated they have three children who are going to have driving permits soon. Swan Lane is narrow and there is not enough parking. The property line is actually 10 feet from the road. They tried to make it in compliance but that created a 40 foot driveway and lifts the garage 20 feet in the air. It would have required a large bridge that would be unattractive. From there they changed the garage to a carport. The design is slatted and it will be transparent. They spoke to the Engineering Department and stated they are happy to turn add a berm at the end of the driveway if that would be more amenable to future ROW work. Mr. Flavin stated the goal is to accommodate an art studio which is in compliance with zoning regulations. Also to propose a carport. They wanted to set the building back as far as possible without making it overly imposing. If they followed the setback of 30 feet they would run out of room on the rear property line for the art studio. A Board Member, Jeanne K. Krieger, confirmed this was a carport and not a garage. She also asked for clarification on location (Mr. Flavin stated that was correct and location was clarified).