!!!Update to 30 Northey St ADU applicationUpdates to 30 Northey St ADU application
I am proposing to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) within an Existing
Detached 20ft x 30ft-10inch Accessory Building located at 30 Northey St., in the
R-2 Zoning District as defined in Sec 3.2.8.
Because the garage is right on the corner edge of the property line, we need side
and rear setback relief. The side setback requirement is 10ft and the rear setback
requirement is 30ft.
The roof will be a flat roof with the minimum 12/1 pitch. The rear roof height will
be 17'1". The front roof height will be 15'6". The proposed structure extends 8'6"
above the existing 8'7" high masonry walls of the garage. This extension requires
a variance from the East Side and Rear Setbacks by code as follows:
Side (East):
0'7" -1'4.5" @ ground level and 3'7" @ second level <10'0" Minimum required by
code: In need of Variance.
Rear:
0'3" < 30'0" Minimum required by code: In need of Variance.
The ADU consists of a flexible creative space/bed room, eat in kitchen, one full
bath and an office/storage loft.
Proposed Height: 17' 1" < 18'-0" allowable
Proposed Area: 709 sq.ft. < 900sq.ft. allowable
Which dimensional requirement(s) will not be met? Describe what is allowed and
what you are proposing (sq. ft., stories, etc.). *
The 10ft side setback & 30ft rear setback.
Special permit under which section of the Zoning Ordinance? *
Sec 3.3.3 Relief: Non-conforming Structure expansion (going up)
Why is the special permit being sought? *
to create an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Please refer to the statement of hardship.
Statement of Hardship - ADU 30 Northey Street, Salem MA 01970
For all Variance requests a written Statement of Hardship demonstrating the following must be
attached:
a) Special conditions and circumstances that especially affect the land, building, or structure
involved, generally not affecting other lands, buildings, and structures in the same district;
a) The location of the existing garage is the only possible location for an ADU on the property.
The garage “was in existence by 1938” according to City Preservation Planner Patti Kelleher,
and the location of the garage on the rear and side property line create special conditions
requiring relief from the minimum requirements for side and rear yard setbacks of 10ft and 30ft
respectively. Additionally, the ADU is meant to enable my daughter to live close to me in Salem,
resulting in special circumstances. In order for her live in Salem and continue her work, we need
to construct a living space where she can also practice her art, which requires a studio with 11ft
ceiling heights for her hanging installations.
b) The ADU can not be built without the setback reliefs, and the program of a living space and
flexible creative space cannot be achieved without changing the roof from hip to flat. The only
way to accommodate the ADU is to obtain these variances. Without the ADU, my ability to
sustain my small business will be compromised as my health already has and will most likely
dictate less physical activity in the future.
c) Desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good, and
without nullifying or substantially derogating form the intent of the district or the purpose of
the ordinance.
c) The setback relief for the ADU would not negatively affect the view from the street as there
is currently a three-car garage in the location, with a high pitched roof. The proposed ADU
would occupy the same footprint of the existing structure. The flat-ish roof will pitch from rear
17’1” to 15’6” in the front, only slightly higher than the high point of the existing roof. The
proposed ADU will be visually an improvement in program (added housing) and design - natural
wood as compared to the CMU block garage. The height of the ADU is minimal. The ADU will be
in dialogue with the existing natural wood porch, and welcoming backyard garden.
As I have more off-street parking than rooms utilize for the 3 room B&B and my own (the
B&B/Inn requirement is one for each room), there will be no additional street parking needed.
I’m the founder and chair of the Bridge Street Neighborhood Association since 2014 and take
much pride in the neighborhood. I’ve worked diligently with City staff and others to re-
invigorate Gonyea Park at the end of Northey Street, planting 15 new trees and organized a
block party this year. In the last 2 years, I won a Beautification award for the planter containers
at the house in August 2023 and a Historic Salem Inc. Preservation award for restoration work
at the house in 2022. I’m friendly with my neighbors and know most of them and no one have
expressed any complaints in the past.