19 Winter Island Rd. Statement_of_Grounds_(2)_Wed_Feb_15_2023_14-08-34 (1) STATEMENT OF GROUNDS
The property that is the subject of this petition is located at 19 Winter Island Road (the
"Property") in the R-1 Zoning District. There is one single-family dwelling situated on the
Property. The lot is a corner lot as defined in the Salem Zoning Ordinance and therefore is
considered to have two front yard setbacks and two side yard setbacks. The petitioner is
proposing to add a deck with stairs on one side of the house at the first-floor level with a balcony
above at the second-floor level. The proposed improvements are illustrated on the plans
submitted with this petition. These new structures will encroach slightly into the side setback
requirements of the Ordinance and will cause the existing non-conformity with respect to lot
coverage to increase minimally.
The existing structure on the Property is legally non-conforming under Section 3.3.1 of the
Zoning Ordinance and may be altered by a Special Permit issued under Sections 3.3.3 and 3.3.5
upon a finding that the alteration is not substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood than
the existing nonconforming structure.
Based on the criteria set forth in Section 9.4.2 of the Ordinance authorizing the issuance of
Special Permits, the benefits of the proposed change to the building will outweigh any adverse
effects for the following reasons:
- The improvements to the outside living space will create a more desirable home and will
enhance the neighborhood.
- There will be no changes to parking or traffic flow as a result of the proposed
improvements;
- Adequate public utilities and services already exist to serve the Property and demand on
those services will not be impacted by the proposed changes.
- The height of the building will not be increased so there should be no significant impact
on neighborhood character, the natural environment or the view of others. Further, many
of the surrounding homes have similar decks/balconies.
- The proposed rehabilitation of the Property will cause its assessed value to increase and
result in a positive fiscal impact on the City.
For these reasons, there are adequate grounds for the Board to grant the requested relief.