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

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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: 7 Calvin Street The petitioner is requesting a SPECIAL PERMIT in accordance with the Zoning By-Law (Chapter 135 of the Code of Lexington) section(s) 135-9.4 and 135-8.4.2 to allow modification to a non-conforming structure. The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification, Plot Plan, Elevations 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 Zoning Administrator. Presenter: Michael McNeil, contractor and Ravish Kumar, homeowner The Hearing was opened at: 8:20 PM. Ravish Kumar presented the petition. He explained they need extra space for their family. The plan is to expand the second and third floor. Mr. McNeil stated the Special permit is required because the setback currently sits at 26.4 feet and the required setback is 30 feet. The proposed addition will stay within the confinement of the existing house. The height restriction caused them to move the pitch of the roof from a 10 pitch to a 9 pitch, which made them in compliance with height. A Board Member, Jeanne K. Krieger, stated she is worried about the height at 29 feet 6 inches. It is incredibly close to the allowed 30 feet and they are leaving themselves only 6 inches (Mr. McNeil stated this would bring this house to be more similar with what is in the neighborhood). A Board Member, David G. Williams, stated he agrees with Mr. McNeil after seeing the houses on both sides of this property it would make it more similar with the neighborhood. Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, stated the builder should measure twice. The roof cannot be too high. Mr. McNeil stated he is working with the building commissioner and they are trying to do everything right. An audience member, Henry Wong of 25 Ivan Street, stated his objection to a taller house.