95 Boston Street U2 Petition FormDominick Pangallo
Mayor
CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
98 WASHINGTON STREET, 2ND FLOOR
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
Brennan Postich, Staff Planner
Phone: 978-619-5685
Stavroula Orfanos, Director of Inspectional Services
Phone: 978-619-5641
Zoning Board of Appeals Application
Application ID: ZBA-25-46 Date submitted: October 20, 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: 95 BOSTON STREET U2 Zoning District: 95
An application is being submitted to the Board of Appeals for the following reason(s):
SecƟon 4.1.1 of the Salem Zoning Ordinance for a Variance and SecƟon 3.3.5 of the Salem Zoning Ordinance for a Special Permit regarding the
construcƟon of the dormer. The Special Permit would allow construcƟon inside the required setbacks on the property, while the Variance would allow
an increase from a 2.5 to three story house.
For this reason, I am requesting:
[ true ]Variance (s) from provisions of Section Section 4.1.1 of the Salem Zoning Ordinance for a Variance of the Zoning Ordinance,
specifically from addition to 3rd floor bathroom to create dormer and head height createing the roofline to be extened out but not increse
any height .
[ true ] A Special Permit under Section Section 3.3.5 of the Salem Zoning Ordinance for a Special Permit regarding the construction of
the dormer of the Zoning Ordinance in order to construction of dormer
[]Appealing a Decision of the Building Inspector:
[] Comprehensive Permit:
Current Property Use: residential 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 Hardship
Property Address: 95 Boston Street, Salem, MA
The property located at 95 Boston Street has unique physical conditions that distinguish it from
other properties in the same zoning district. Specifically, the existing A-frame roofline prevents the
homeowners from standing fully upright in the master bathroom, limiting usable living space on
the third floor where the master bedroom and bathroom are located. These conditions were not
created by the applicant but are inherent to the original design and structure of the home.
Literal enforcement of the current zoning ordinance would result in substantial hardship to the
applicant, as it would prevent reasonable and functional use of the property consistent with other
homes in the neighborhood. The requested variance is necessary to allow reconstruction of the
master bathroom and the addition of a dormer with windows to provide proper head height and
ventilation. The proposed dormer will not alter the existing building footprint or overall height of
the structure but will significantly improve the functionality and safety of the master bathroom.
These improvements cannot be achieved within the existing dimensional requirements due to the
property’s unique roofline and layout.
Granting this variance will not result in substantial detriment to the public good and will not nullify
or derogate from the intent or purpose of the zoning ordinance. The proposed work is designed
to be fully compatible with surrounding properties and will maintain the character, safety, and
aesthetic integrity of the neighborhood.
Accordingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the Zoning Board of Appeals grant the
variance as proposed.
Statement of Grounds (for Special Permits):
Special Permit Statement
In addition to the requested variance, we acknowledge that the proposed dormer addition will
create or continue a nonconforming height condition under the Salem Zoning Ordinance.
Therefore, a special permit is also required to authorize this work. The proposed modification will
not intensify the existing nonconformity but will improve the overall usability and safety of the
structure while maintaining its residential character and compatibility with the surrounding
neighborhood.
The proposed project will not negatively affect any of the following considerations during or after
construction:
a) Social, economic, or community needs served by the proposal;
b) Traffic flow and safety, including parking and loading;
c) Adequacy of utilities and other public services;
d) Impacts on the natural environment, including drainage;
e) Neighborhood character; and
f) Potential fiscal impact, including impact on the City tax base and employment.
The proposed dormer addition is a small-scale improvement that will not alter existing site
conditions, utilities, or neighborhood dynamics. It will remain consistent with the residential use
and overall intent of the zoning district.
Petitioner: Chelsea McDonald
Address: 95 Boston St , salem Ma 09170
Telephone: 8055595778
Email: devinandchelseamcdonald@gmail.com
Signature: ________________________________
If different from petitioner
Property Owner:
Address: ,
Telephone:
Email:
Signature: ________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
Date: ________________________________
If different from petitioner
Representative: Luke Martini
Address: 15 Wenlock Rd, dorchester Ma 02122
Telephone: 6173082207
Email: luke@martinisonsgc.com
Signature: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________