During the October 29 meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals, several hearings dealt with applicants petitioning to add multi-family structures to existing single-family residences.
First up was Town Planner Donald Spirlet, 9 Coombs Road. Spirlet’s filing requested a variance that would grant the construction of a garage and mudroom with a fourth bedroom over the proposed garage. Spirlet had previously received a variance for the same plans, but that variance had expired. Finding nothing objectionable about the application, the board granted the variance.
Things were a bit less straightforward for Daniel and Carrie Costa, 173 Pierce Street, who sought a variance to construct an apartment addition. While the board members agreed that the request was reasonable and plans acceptable, the applicant’s failure to meet a requirement caused the hearing to be continued.
Zoning Bylaw Chapter 20 mandates that the property owner must have owned the property for seven years before requesting a multi-family conversion.
After explaining the need based on personal hardship, the board members asked the applicants to consult with Town Counsel Blair Bailey to ascertain if there was a way to accommodate their application. The hearing was continued until November 12.
Also seeking a multi-family conversion were Wayne and Diane Knapp, 99 Hartley Road. The Knapps explained their desire to remain in their home but need to downsize into a smaller space. They said the large area above the garage could be converted into an apartment they could occupy while renting out the main home. Once again, finding nothing objectionable with the proposal, the board approved the variance and special permit. Conditions were applied to the permits, including stipulations that all parking must be off-street, and the dwelling must meet all other requirements of regulatory boards.
Variances were also granted to John and Michelle Vinagre, 7 Ginny Drive, for the construction of a new garage situated in the front of the property. After discussing the hardships associated with placing the garage on the oddly shaped parcel, along with considerations requested by the Conservation Commission that the building did not intrude into bordering vegetated wetlands, the permit was granted. One condition was placed on the project: The space above the garage cannot be converted into living space at any point in the future.
The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for November 12 at 7:00 pm.
Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals
By Marilou Newell