2008-05-08-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals Selectmen's Meeting Room, Lexington Town Hall May 8, 2008 Board Members Present: Chairman — Arthur C. Smith, Nyles N. Barnert, John J. McWeeney, Judith J. Uhrig and Carolyn C. Wilson Staff present: Dianne Cornaro, Administrative Clerk and David George, Zoning Administrator Petition Address: 2 Essex Street, Map and Lot: 0072000462 The relief sought is for a variance in accordance with section 135 -35, Table 2 of the Dimensional Controls of the Zoning Bylaw to allow a front -yard set back of 16.56 feet instead of the required 30 -foot front yard set back. The Chairman opened the hearing at 7:30 PM by reading the legal notices and described information received from the petitioner relative to the petitions. Prior to the hearing, the petition and supporting data were reviewed by the Building Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Health Agent, Board of Selectmen, Zoning Administrator and the Planning Board. Comments were received from the Zoning Administrator and the Conservation Administrator. William Bush, owner of the property, presented the petition. The petitioner seeks to construct a 26 -ft. by 6 -ft. porch to the front of the house. Also, the petitioner seeks to renovate the existing structure and add a second floor. Because the porch would encroach into the front -yard setback, a variance is required. As justification to grant the variance, the petitioner cites the original location of the structure on the lot as a limiting factor in constructing a front porch. Also, the applicant cites topography issues affecting the lot. Apparently, the topography was basis for constructing the structure in its present location. The Board asked if the second floor would be encroaching into the setback. They would not be since they are putting on a different pitch to the roof. There were no questions from the audience. Gladys Bingham of 0 Essex Street spoke in favor of the petition. No one spoke in opposition The hearing closed at 7:34 PM. On a motion by John J, McWeeney and seconded by Carolyn C. Wilson, the Board voted 5 -0 to approve the variance to allow a front -yard setback of 16.56 ft instead of the required 30 -ft. Topography and the location of the house was the justification for the variance. Submitted by: Dianne Cornaro, Administrative Clerk