13 Raymond Road Statement of Hardship - UpdatedStatement of Hardship
To the Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals,
I am submitting this request for a Variance pursuant to Section 4.1.1 of the Zoning Ordinance in
connection with my property located at 13 Raymond Road, Salem, MA, which is currently an
occupied two-family home with an unused, structurally sound attic space.
1. Special Conditions and Circumstances
The property is unique in that it contains an existing attic level with sufficient ceiling height,
structural integrity, and access to support a modest third dwelling unit without any expansion of
the building footprint. The existing lot, layout, and parking configuration can safely
accommodate the additional unit. Strict application of the two-family limitation creates a
hardship in this case, as the property’s design and structure are ideally suited for conversion to a
three-family dwelling while remaining consistent with the surrounding neighborhood.
2. Substantial Hardship
Literal enforcement of the zoning ordinance results in a substantial hardship by preventing
reasonable and productive use of the existing space. The attic, which meets structural and life-
safety requirements, could provide a much-needed additional housing unit within the existing
building envelope. Without the requested variance, this space must remain unoccupied and
underutilized despite its suitability for safe and compliant habitation. This hardship is unique to
the physical characteristics of the property and is not generally shared by other two-family
homes in the district.
3. Relief Without Detriment
Granting the requested variance to allow conversion of the existing two-family dwelling into a
three-family dwelling will not be detrimental to the public good or contrary to the intent of the
Zoning Ordinance. The proposed conversion will maintain compliance with dimensional and
life-safety standards, will not alter the exterior character of the structure, and will remain in
keeping with the residential nature of the neighborhood.
This project also aligns with the City of Salem’s housing goals by creating an additional quality
housing unit through adaptive reuse rather than new construction. The improvements will
enhance the condition of the property, increase the city’s housing stock, and contribute positively
to the neighborhood without creating additional density beyond what the area already supports.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Board grant the variance to allow conversion of
the existing two-family dwelling into a three-family dwelling.
Sincerely,
Ben Pyburn
Owner, 13 Raymond Road