13 Raymond Road Stamped Petition Form ��aKnfT'9 CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Iv " SF _( PM 3: 23)8 WASHINGTON STREET,2ND FLOOR
�'` SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
SEP 0 9 2025 ,v 1
3 LE; !°
y 1 K Brennan Postich,Staff Planner
,y,�,,,:f_. �•, � ,-�,3 S Phone:978-619-5685
T. OF PLANNING Fa
(10MMUNITY DEVELOPMLONTinick Pangallo Stavroula Orfanos,Director of Inspectional Services
Phone:978-619-5641
Mayor
Zoning Board of Appeals Application
Application ID: ZBA-25-36 Date submitted: September 6, 2025
TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS:
The Undersigned represent(s)that they are the owner(s)of a certain parcel of land located at:
Address: 13 RAYMOND ROAD Zoning District:R1
An application is being submitted to the Board of Appeals for the following reason(s):
Dear Members of the Zoning Board,
I am writing to formally request a Special Permit for a proposed remodeling project at my property,
which is an existing two-family residence located at 13 Raymond Road in Salem, Massachusetts. The
intent of this project is to thoughtfully utilize the currently unused attic space by converting it into a third
rental unit, classified as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
The scope of work will include the addition of dormers to the existing roofline in order to create livable
headroom and a functional floor plan. Importantly, the proposed alterations will not involve any
expansion of the building's existing footprint, and all ingress and egress points will remain within the
current structure.Additionally, the overall height of the building will remain well below the city's 35-foot
maximum height limit.
While we understand that current Salem zoning bylaws limit the size of an ADU to no more than 50%
of the square footage of the largest existing unit—which in this case is approximately 1,200 square feet
—this would restrict the new unit to 600 square feet. We are requesting a Special Permit to allow this
unit to exceed that limitation, as doing so would make effective use of the otherwise wasted attic
space, and allow for a more functional and comfortable living unit that meets modern standards.
The property currently has ample off-street parking to accommodate the additional unit without
impacting the surrounding neighborhood.As part of this project, we also plan to fully update the
exterior of the home, including new siding and windows, which we believe will significantly enhance the
appearance of the property and contribute positively to the character of the neighborhood.
This project reflects a long-term investment in the property. I plan to maintain and manage the home for
many years to come, and this renovation is a critical part of ensuring its continued viability, utility, and
contribution to the community.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this request.
For this reason,1 am requesting:
[.]Variance(s)from provisions of Section of the Zoning Ordinance,specifically from.
[jLuej A Special Permit under Section The ADU Zoning Ordinance of the Zoning Ordinance in order to To make use of the existing attic
space and create an apartment space that exceeds the 600 square feet we would be allowed by right.
L]Appealing a Decision of the Building Inspector:
L]Comprehensive Permit:
Current Property Use:Two-family home Are Lot Dimensions Included:Yes
The Undersigned hereby petitions the Board of Appeals to vary the terms of the Salem Zoning Ordinance and allow the project to be
constructed as per the plans submitted,as the enforcement of said Zoning By-Laws would involve practical difficulty or unnecessary
hardship to the Undersigned and relief may be granted without substantially derogating from the intent and purpose of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Statement of Hardship(for Variances):
Statement of Grounds(for Special Permits):
Statement of Grounds for Special Permit Application
13 Raymond Road, Salem, MA
Zoning Board of Appeals —City of Salem
As the applicant and owner of the property located at 13 Raymond Road, Salem, I respectfully submit
this Statement of Grounds in support of my application for a Special Permit to allow the addition of one
residential rental unit within the existing attic space of the property. This application is made in
accordance with the applicable zoning ordinances and is intended to ensure a safe, code-compliant,
and beneficial expansion of housing availability in Salem.
a) Social, Economic, or Community Needs Served by the Proposal
The proposed project serves an important community need by providing safe, modernized housing in
a well-situated part of Salem. 13 Raymond Road is in close proximity to Salem State University and
other amenities, making it an ideal location for tenants seeking quality housing in a desirable and
accessible neighborhood. The additional unit will contribute to addressing the increasing demand for
housing in Salem, particularly in walkable, transit-accessible locations. By utilizing existing building
space efficiently, this project supports smart growth and responsible housing development within the
city.
b) Traffic Flow and Safety, Including Parking and Loading
The proposed additional unit will not negatively impact traffic flow or neighborhood safety. The
property currently includes ample off-street parking sufficient to accommodate an additional tenant
without burdening surrounding streets. Any occasional loading or move-in/move-out activity will be
managed within the property's existing parking area, and no alterations to traffic patterns are proposed.
The small scale of the unit ensures that any additional vehicular traffic will be minimal and well within
the neighborhood's capacity.
c)Adequacy of Utilities and Other Public Services
The property currently has sufficient utilities on-site to serve the additional unit.As part of this project,
all utility systems—including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC—will be updated, modernized, and
brought fully to code. These upgrades will not only support the new unit but also improve service
reliability and efficiency for the entire property. Public services, such as water, sewer, and emergency
access, are already in place and adequately serve this location.
d) Impacts on the Natural Environment, Including Drainage
This project involves interior renovation only, with no alteration to the building's footprint or site
layout.As such, existing drainage patterns will remain unchanged, and the natural environment
will be preserved.All construction activity will follow standard environmental and safety procedures to
ensure proper material disposal and environmental protection throughout the build process. There will
be no disruption to landscaping, green space, or stormwater systems. As part of my construction plan I
intend to update the landscaping at the conclusion of our construction.
e) Neighborhood Character
The proposed renovation will enhance the character of the neighborhood through thoughtful exterior
improvements and updates to the building's appearance. These aesthetic upgrades are designed to
complement the existing streetscape while adding value to both the subject property and surrounding
homes. The new unit will be fully integrated into the existing structure, preserving the building's
residential appearance and scale. Overall, this project will be a positive addition to the
neighborhood and help sustain its vibrancy and appeal.
f) Potential Fiscal Impact, Including Impact on City Tax Base and Employment
The creation of an additional unit will result in increased assessed value for the property, thereby
contributing additional tax revenue to the City of Salem. Furthermore, the project will generate
temporary construction employment and long-term economic activity associated with new tenancy. By
improving housing stock and increasing local investment, this proposal aligns with the city's goals for
responsible economic development and residential growth.
Conclusion
The proposed project at 13 Raymond Road represents a responsible and beneficial use of existing
space within the property. It supports Salem's goals of enhancing housing availability, maintaining
neighborhood character, and promoting economic and community wellbeing. I respectfully request the
Zoning Board of Appeals to approve this Special Permit so that the project can move forward in
accordance with all applicable codes and regulations.
Ben Pyburn
Petitioner: Ben Pyburn If different from petitioner
Address: 11 Gilbert Heights Road, Marblehe d A,01945 Property Owner:
Telephone:978-766-6069 Address: ,
Email:eastwindbuilder@gma . Telephone:
Email:
Signature:
Signature:
Date: f Date:
If different from petitioner
Representative:
Address: ,
Telephone:
Email:
Signature:
Date: