Two single-home extensions were granted special permits during the October 14 meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals.
Janvrin Demler applied for a Special Permit under Section 230-6.1c of the town’s zoning bylaws to allow the extension of an existing non-conforming residence at 80 Front Street.
Will Saltonstall of Saltonstall Architects, representing the Demlers, said the couple is looking to create a more “fuller-time residence” in Marion.
As Saltonstall described the plan while sharing the plans with his computer screen, two areas of addition will be made, one toward the back razing an old structure and expanding the existing house over part of that footprint, while also adding a smaller addition toward the front of the house. A screened-in porch and deck will be replaced, the latter in a slightly smaller footprint.
The old structure to be turned down as part of the project sits 4.4 feet from the side yard lot boundary; Saltonstall is proposing an addition to the existing house that will bring it to within a 9.6-foot setback of the same lot line.
ZBA member Will Tifft asked about the foundation and the potential for closing in areas presently planned for outdoor porch space.
“We have some ledge issues on the site that are going to be fun … so the screened porch will not be built in a manner than can be closed in later,” explained Saltonstall.
There are two bathrooms in the existing house, and there will be two in the revised property.
ZBA members Margie Baldwin and Ed Hoffer looked at the site and both said the new plan will improve the property for abutters as well as the residents.
Saltonstall also represented Steve Sughrue, who applied for a Special Permit under Section 230-6.1c of the town’s zoning bylaws to allow the extension of an existing non-conforming residence at 663 Point Road.
Saltonstall told the ZBA that he lives two doors down and has a strong personal interest.
Zoned as Residence D, only the 17.3-foot side yard setback to the south property line is non-conforming.
The addition is compliant with the other side yard and rear setbacks, so the request is confined to the one side yard setback of 17.3 feet, which will not change with the addition, according to Saltonstall.
According to Saltonstall, Sughrue has discussed his plan with direct abutters to the north and south, and both support the proposal.
ZBA member Dana Nilson asked about the bulkhead, which sits on the short side yard, and after Saltonstall explained that it is not required to comply with the side yard setback, Building Commissioner Scott Shippey confirmed that Marion’s bylaws allow bulkheads, chimneys, and the other non-inhabitable spaces to encroach the setback area.
Applicant Jay Flanagan requested a continuance to his application for a variance under Section 230-5.1 of the town’s zoning bylaws to allow a covered entry to sit 4 feet closer to the street than the current non-conforming structure and for a Special Permit under Section 230-6.1c of the town’s zoning bylaws to allow the extension of a non-conforming garage at 267 West Avenue.
The ZBA voted to continue the public hearing to November 18 at 6:40 pm.
The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, November 18, at 6:30 pm.
Marion Zoning Board of Appeals
By Mick Colageo