44 Hanson Street Decision
KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL
MAYOR
CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF APPEALS
98 WASHINGTON STREET ♦ SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
TEL: 978-619-5685
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November 30, 2022
Decision
City of Salem Board of Appeals
The petition of STEVEN MAHAR at 44 HANSON STREET (Map 15, Lot 256) (R1 Zoning
District), for a Special Permit per Section 3.3.5 Nonconforming Single- and Two-Family
Residential Structures of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to construct a kitchen addition
that will be 4’ X 11’.
A public hearing on the above petition was opened on November 16, 2022 and was
closed on November 16, 2022.
On November 16, 2022, the following members of the Salem Board of Appeals were
present: Rosa Ordaz, Peter Copelas (Acting Chair), Carly McClain, Nina Vyedin and
Steven Smalley.
Statements of Fact:
The petition is date stamped October 3, 2022. The petitioner seeks a Special Permit
per Section 3.3.5 Nonconforming Single- and Two-Family Residential Structures of the
Salem Zoning Ordinance to construct a kitchen addition that will be 4’ X 11’.
1. 44 Hanson Street is owned by Kellie Sacco.
2. The petitioner was Steven Mahar.
3. 44 Hanson Street is located in the R1 zoning district. (Map 15, Lot 256).
4. The requested relief, if granted, would allow the Petitioner to construct a 4’ X
11’ kitchen addition.
5. On November 16, 2022, Erin Hayes, representing Mother Construction and
Steven Mahar presented to the board. Ms. Hayes explained that house is
already non-conforming in the front yard setback. The requested relief would
be to expand the front of the structure to be in line with the right front side
nonconforming setback of the current structure for the kitchen addition.
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6. The proposed addition would improve the look of the house from the street.
It will also provide additional space in the current kitchen as well as space for
an at-home office.
7. Acting Chair Copelas expressed concern that some materials were incomplete
for the proposal and inquired with Board members if they felt the application
required a continuance for the materials to be submitted. The board felt that
with the modest renovation, they had enough information to make a decision.
8. Acting Chair Copelas inquired what was going to be done with the current
windows on the side of the house where the proposed addition would be. He
reiterated this is why the Board prefers to have more materials.
9. Ms. Hayes stated that the current windows would be reused for the proposed
addition and that they would be residing the house in congruence with the
current structure.
10. Acting Chair Copelas opened the meeting to public comment. They were
none.
11. Acting Chair Copelas went over the criteria for a special permit and special
conditions for the petition.
12. Carly McClain made a motion to approve the petition.
13. The November 16, 2022 meeting of the Board of Appeals was held remotely,
via the online platform Zoom in accordance with Chapter 107 of the Acts of
2022.
On the basis of the above statements of fact and findings, the Salem Board of Appeals
voted five (5) in favor (Steven Smalley, Peter Copelas (Acting Chair), Rosa Ordaz, Carly
McClain, and Nina Vyedin and none (0) opposed to grant of STEVEN MAHAR at 44
HANSON STREET a Special Permit per Section 3.3.5 Nonconforming Single- and Two-
Family Residential Structures of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to construct a kitchen
addition that will be 4’ X 11’.
Receiving five (5) in favor votes, the petition for a Special Permit is
GRANTED.
Standard Conditions:
1. Petitioner shall comply with all city and state statutes, ordinances, codes
and regulations.
2. All construction shall be done as per the plans and dimensions submitted
to and approved by the Building Commissioner.
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3. All requirements of the Salem Fire Department relative to smoke and fire
safety shall be strictly adhered to.
4. Petitioner shall obtain a building permit prior to beginning any
construction.
5. Exterior finishes of the new construction shall be in harmony with the
existing structure.
6. A Certificate of Inspection is to be obtained.
7. Petitioner is to obtain approval from any City Board or Commission having
jurisdiction including, but not limited to, the Planning Board.
8. All construction shall be done per the plans and dimensions submitted to
and approved by this Board. Any modification to the plans and dimensions
must be approved by the Board of Appeals unless such changes are
deemed a minor field change by the Building Commissioner in consultation
with the Chair of the Board of Appeals.
9. Petitioner shall schedule Assessing Department inspections of the
property, at least annually, prior to project completion and a final
inspection upon project completion.
Special Conditions:
1. Structure addition may not be more than eight (8) feet within front yard
setback.
2. Layout of addition windows may not change from current layout unless
petitioner returns to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board deems
the change to be minimal.
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Peter Copelas/ Acting Chair
Board of Appeals
A COPY OF THIS DECISION HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE PLANNING BOARD AND THE CITY CLERK.
Appeal from this decision, if any, shall be made pursuant to Section 17 of the
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, and shall be filed within 20 days of filing
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of this decision in the office of the City Clerk. Pursuant to the Massachusetts General
Laws Chapter 40A, Section 11, the Variance or Special Permit granted herein shall not
take effect until a copy of the decision bearing the certificate of the City Clerk has
been filed with the Essex South Registry of Deeds.