20 Williams Street Petition FormDominick Pangallo
Mayor
CITY OF SALEM
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-25-52 Date submitted: December 16, 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: 20 WILLIAMS STREET Zoning District: R2
An application is being submitted to the Board of Appeals for the following reason(s):
Our one family home is located at 20 Williams Street in the R-2 Zoning District and has multiple existing non-conforming zoning aspects.
We are proposing to replace an existing non-conforming 6.5x12’ addition in need of repair with a ~14x14’ addition. Due to the existing
non-conforming aspects of this property and structure, the proposed addition location will require relief.
The proposed addition will replace a poorly insulated structure in need of repair and will be designed to enhance the utility of the space as
we age in place. In addition, the new addition will improve our home’s energy efficiency. Portions of the addition will be non-conforming
and require a special permit and we believe will not substantially change its nonconforming use and will not alter the character of the
neighborhood.
For this reason, I am requesting:
[ ]Variance (s) from provisions of Section of the Zoning Ordinance, specifically from .
[ true ] A Special Permit under Section R2 of the Zoning Ordinance in order to To replace and construct a non-conforming addition
[ ]Appealing a Decision of the Building Inspector:
[ ] Comprehensive Permit:
Current Property Use: Residential One-Family 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):
Our existing home has multiple existing non-conforming aspects and we believe the proposed change will not be substantially more
detrimental than the existing non-conformity. As background, the existing addition (6.5’ x12’, 78 sqft) is in need of repair and is also
poorly insulated, which has led to frozen pipes and uncomfortably cold winter conditions in the east side of our house, including the
kitchen where we spend a great deal of time. The increased size of the proposed structure (14’x14’, 196 sqft) and improved functionality
of the space would enable us to live on the first floor as we age in place, thus extending the time we can maintain our family home and
preserving the existing social structure of the neighborhood. The new construction would also address the need for improved energy
efficiency and cold weather comfort.
The proposed addition does not impact traffic, parking or loading in any way.
We believe that all utilities and public services are adequate to support the proposed addition, including our home’s electrical service that
was upgraded in 2023. As part of the design process, we will evaluate the need for additional heating/cooling capacity, for example a
mini-split.
There is no anticipated impact on the natural environment including drainage as the footprint of the proposed dwelling addition plus stair
and landing is a small increase of 36.4sf of impervious area. Garden areas are also largely retained.
The proposed design will maintain the character of the circa 1800 house and does not adversely impact abutters. We believe that this
improvement enhances the value of our home and the neighborhood in general, and would not have any adverse impact on city services
or employment.
Petitioner: Thomas J McMurry
Address: 20 Williams St, Salem
Telephone: 508-314-7031
Email: tjmcmurry@gmail.com
Signature: ________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
If different from petitioner
Property Owner:
Address: ,
Telephone:
Email:
Signature: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________
If different from petitioner
Representative:
Address: ,
Telephone:
Email:
Signature: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________