186 Federal Street ZBA Final DecisionDOMINICK PANGALLO
MAYOR
CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF APPEALS
98 WASHINGTON STREET ♦SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
TEL: 978-619-5685
October 4, 2024
Decision
City of Salem
Board of Appeals
The petition of DENISE CARRIA at 186 FEDERAL STREET, UNIT 1.(Map 25, Lot 0063)(R2
Zoning District) for a Special Permit Section 3.3.3 Nonconforming Structures to enclose
an existing porch in order to use as a three-season sunroom. The proposed enclosed
porch has a nonconforming side setback of 4.7 feet. In the R2, the required side setback
is 10 feet.
A public hearing on the above petition was opened on September 18th, 2024, pursuant
to M.G.L Ch. 40A, § 11 and was closed to September 18, 2024.
On September 21, 2024, the following members of the Salem Board of Appeals were
present: Nina Vyedin (Chair), Paul Viccica, Hannah Osthoff, Stephen Larrick, Ellen
Simpson and Carly McClain.
Statements of Fact:
The petition is date-stamped July 22, 2024. The petitioner is seeking the Board of Appeals
approval to enclose their porch to make it into a three-season porch.
1. 186 Federal Street is owned by Denise Carria.
2. The Petitioner were Denise and Jim Carria.
3. 186 Federal Street is located in the R2 Zoning District (Map 25, Lot 0063).
4. Mr. Carria stated that the porch located at 186 Federal Street was approved by
the Salem Historic Commission and was constructed with the benefit of a building
permit.
5. Mr. Carria stated that when he went to the Building Department to apply for a
building permit to enclose the already constructed porch, he was informed that
due to setback requirements he would need to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
6. Mr. Carria has gone back to the Historical Commission to receive approval for the
design plans for the enclosed porch. The Historical Commission has approved the
proposed design plans.
City of Salem Board of Appeals
October 4, 2024
Page 2 of 4
7. Mr. Carria reviewed the plans with the board and the request for relief from the
side yard setback.
8. There were no comments from the public.
The Salem Board of Appeals, after careful consideration of the evidence presented at the
public hearings, and after thorough review of the petition, including the application
narrative and plans, makes the following findings that the proposed project meets the
provisions of the City of Salem Zoning Ordinance:
Special Permit Findings:
The Board finds that the adverse effects of the proposed use will not outweigh its
beneficial impacts to the City or the neighborhood, in view of the particular characteristics
of the site, and of the proposal in relation to that site. In addition to any specific factors
that may be set forth in the zoning ordinance, the determination includes consideration
of each of the following:
1. Social, economic, or community needs are served by this proposal: the proposal
will provide the property owner with more enjoyable space of the porch once
enclosed.
2. Traffic flow and safety, including parking and loading: there will be no impact on
traffic flow or parking.
3. Adequacy of utilities and other public services: there will be no change in utilities
with this petition.
4. Impacts on the natural environment, including drainage: there will be no impact
on the natural environment.
5. Neighborhood character: the project is in keeping with the neighborhood
character.
6. Potential fiscal impact, including impact on city tax base and employment: this
petition potentially will increase the tax base for the city.
On the basis of the above statements of fact and findings,the Salem Board of Appeals
voted five (5) in favor (Nina Vyedin (Chair), Paul Viccica, Stephen Larrick, Ellen
Simpson and Hannah Osthoff)) and none (0) opposed to grant DENISE CARRIA a
Special Permit Section 3.3.3 Nonconforming Structures to enclose an existing porch in
order to use as a three-season sunroom, subject to the following terms, conditions and
safeguards:
City of Salem Board of Appeals
October 4, 2024
Page 3 of 4
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.
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 Occupancy 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. Unless this decision expressly provides otherwise, any zoning relief granted does
not empower or authorize the petitioner to demolish or reconstruct the structure(s)
located on the subject property to an extent of more than fifty percent (50%) of
its floor area or more than fifty percent (50%) of its replacement cost at the time
of destruction. If the structure is demolished by any means to an extent of more
than fifty percent (50%) of its replacement cost or more than fifty percent (50%)
of its floor area at the time of destruction, it shall not be reconstructed except in
conformity with the provisions of the Ordinance.
9. 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.
10.Petitioner shall schedule Assessing Department inspections of the property, at least
annually, prior to project completion and a final inspection upon project
completion.
__________________________
Nina Vyedin, Chair
Board of Appeals
City of Salem Board of Appeals
October 4, 2024
Page 4 of 4
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 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.