2024-03-28-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals Virtual, Via Zoom March 28, 2024 Board Members: Chair – Ralph D. Clifford, Nyles N. Barnert, Norman P. Cohen, James A. Osten, and Martha C. Wood Alternate Member: Kathryn Roy Administrative Staff: Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner, and Olivia Lawler, Administrative Clerk Address: 12 Cedar 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, Floor Plans, Existing and Proposed Elevations, Average Natural Grade Worksheet, Gross Floor Area Calculations, GSF Take Off Delineation, and an Abutter Support 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 Building Commissioner, Conservation Director, and Zoning Administrator. Revised garage plan and plot plan were submitted for this hearing. The Hearing was opened at previous meeting on February 22, 2024. Petitioner: Katy Finkinzeller Katy Finkinzeller presented the petition. She described her background as registered architect and the home owner of this property. Ms. Finkinzeller outlined how she has changed the design of her garage proposal and has also gone back in front of the Conservation Commission. She described that the Chairs of both Boards, along with the Zoning Administrator and Conservation Director had a joint meeting to discuss this proposal and she hopes she has met all concerns with her revised plans. Ms. Finkinzeller shared the plot plans of the existing and proposed garage, highlighting the preexisting non-conforming nature of the lot and home. She discussed the family’s need for a larger garage for storage while still keeping it a one-car garage. The plan attempts to stay as far away from the 25ft wetland boundary as possible to be in compliance with Conservation Commission requests. The proposed garage’s north eastern corner is the main area of zoning concern as the roof overhang will be 8.7 ft from the property line. She emphasized how separation between property for the purpose of fire safety was raised during the last meeting. She highlighted how with this proposal there will still be 26 ft between her garage and the neighbor’s home. Even if the neighbor built a home as close to their property line as allowed, there would still be 20.4 ft between the dwellings.