The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals held its first meeting of the new year on January 9. Two special permits were requested.
Susan Billings of 17 Kabeyun Road sought a special permit to allow for the reconstruction of a non-conforming single-family dwelling. The building has a 7.8-foot deviation towards the property line. The owner will see to the demolition of the home and the garage, and a new, FEMA-compliant home be built with 15-foot setbacks from the property line. The new home will be raised above the new garage with a 728 square foot footprint compared to the existing 670 square-feet. The special permit allows for the addition of a deck on the back and around the sides.
The primary owners are three sisters in a joint-trust who would take turns vacationing at the property. They did not rule out using the property as a rental, citing the financial benefits.
A continuance was put in place for January 23 to allow time for clarification of the property’s setback, addressing possible inconsistencies between architect drawings and site plans, possible deck alterations, and to answer other questions.
The next item was that of Giblin Ludes & Ludes, Trustees of 11 Hiller Street for a special permit for reconstruction and expansion of the properties rear deck. The current covered porch would be enclosed with a 14-foot extension of the deck. The current setbacks are non-conforming, though the work would address this. The special permit was approved by the board unanimously.
The previous hearing for 70 Water Street was continued from the last meeting on the construction of a 10-by-15 shed. It was stated the board’s request to attain average setbacks for dwelling units and sheds was unfeasible as it would require a large-scale ground field survey. Board Member Dana Nilson said he disagreed with the assertion that the survey would be “impossible” saying it “is a very regular request that comes up and we are asking other folks to do exactly the same thing.” It was added that the Conservation Commission met the night before and approved the shed’s current placement on the plans. Through this, the board unanimously approved the request.
The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals will take place January 23 at 6:30 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference room.
Marion Zoning Board of Appeals
By Sam Bishop