2021-02-25-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Lexinqton Zoninq Board of Appeals Selectmen's Meeting Room February 25, 2021 Board Members: Chair— Ralph D. Clifford, Jeanne K. Krieger, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P. Cohen and Martha C. Wood Alternate Member: Beth Masterman Administrative Staff: Jennifer Gingras, Zoning Administrator and Sharon Coffey, Administrative Clerk Address: 18 Winthrop Avenue The petitioner is requesting FOUR (4) SPECIAL PERMITS 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 modify a non- conforming structure including the extension of the non-conforming left side yard setback, the extension of the non-conforming front yard setback, the extension of the existing nonconforming third and half story, and extension of the existing non-conforming height of structure. The petitioner submitted the following information with the application: Nature and Justification, Plot Plan, Plans and elevations. Also submitted was an abutter letter and the Historical Commission Decision Letter. 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 Historical Commission, Engineering Department, Conservation Administrator and the Zoning Administrator. Presenters: William Erickson, of Bechtel Frank Erickson Architects, and Donald Briggs of 18 Winthrop Road. Donald Briggs presented the petition. Mr. Briggs stated they have modified the rear addition removing the special requirement on the side yard setback. Any modification to the home would require the three special permits being proposed. He then referenced sections 6.2 and 8.4 of the Zoning Bylaw. They submitted a shadow study that shows no changes. The current house could be demolished and a taller structure could be built on the property without special approval. This proposal is beneficial to the neighborhood. Mr. Briggs then address a letter received by abutters at 16 Winthrop Road and discussed a previously granted variance at 16 Winthrop Road. Mr. Erickson, made a presentation showing images of the house, the revised plot plan and revised plan. He discussed the areas of the structure being removed which would remove a non-conformity. He then stated they wanted to add a reading loft but they understand it would need to be included in the gross floor area so it was removed. He stated they are only asking for three special permits instead of the originally requested four special permits. Everything they are proposing to build is within the side yard setbacks. He then discussed height. There is intentional language in the code that encourages special permits in order to save these homes. There have been many letters submitted in support of this proposal.