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20 Williams Street ZBA Final Decision DOMINICK PANGALLO MAYOR CITY OF SALEM ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CITY HALL ANNEX 2ND FLOOR, 98 WASHINGTON STREET SALEM MA 01970 February 2, 2026 Decision City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals The petition of THOMAS J. MCMURRY at 20 WILLIAMS STREET (Map 35, Lot 0123) (R2 Zoning District) for a Special Permit per Section 3.3.5 Nonconforming Single- and Two-Family Residences of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to replace a 6.5-foot by twelve-foot addition with a fourteen-foot by fourteen-foot addition inside the property’s side setback. The proposal would not change the nonconforming house’s side setbacks. On January 21, 2026, the following members of the Salem Zoning Board of Appeals were present: Nina Vyedin (Chair), Hannah Osthoff (Acting Chair), Peter Habib, Christa McGaha, Stephen Larrick, and Ellen Simpson. Statements of Fact: 1. In the petition date-stamped December 18, 2025, the petitioner requested a Special Permit per Section 3.3.5 Single- and Two-Family Residences of the Salem Zoning Ordinance. 2. Thomas J. McMurry owns 20 Williams Street and was the petitioner. Thomas J. McMurry and Lynn J. McMurry presented on January 21, 2026. 3. 20 Williams Street is in the R2 Zoning District (Map 34, Lot 0123). 4. On January 21, 2026, Thomas McMurry and Lynn McMurry presented plans to replace a 6.5-foot by twelve-foot addition with a fourteen-foot by fourteen-foot addition. 5. The City received zero public comments on the proposal before the January 21, 2026 public hearing. Zero members of the public commented on the proposal at the public hearing. The Salem Zoning Board of Appeals, after carefully considering the evidence presented at the public hearings, and thoroughly reviewing the petition, 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: City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals February 2, 2026 Page 2 of 3 The Board finds that change or extension of the use will not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming use to the neighborhood. 1. The proposal serves community needs. The proposal allows a safer means of egress from the rear kitchen, allowing functional space for a well-insulated kitchen. 2. The proposal has a negligible impact on traffic flow and safety. The proposal still provides three parking spaces, where two are required. 3. The proposal has a negligible impact on utilities and other public services. Adequate utilities and other public services serve the structure. 4. The proposal has minimal impacts on neighborhood character. The proposal increases the addition inside space occupied by an existing deck while maintaining the circa 1800 house’s architectural style. 5. The proposal has minimal impacts on the natural environment, including greenhouse gas emissions and view. The proposal largely retains the property’s existing garden area. 6. The proposal has a positive potential economic and fiscal impact, including impacts on City services, tax base, and employment. The proposal will increase the property’s tax base. Based on the above statements of fact and findings, the Salem Zoning Board of Appeals voted five in favor, (Nina Vyedin (Chair), Hannah Osthoff, Peter Habib, Christa McGaha, and Stephen Larrick) and zero opposed, to grant THOMAS J. MCMURRY at 20 WILLIAMS STREET (Map 35, Lot 0123) (R2 Zoning District) a Special Permit per Section 3.3.5 Nonconforming Single- and Two- Family Residences of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to replace a 6.5-foot by twelve-foot addition with a fourteen-foot by fourteen-foot addition inside the property’s side setback. The proposal will not change the nonconforming house’s side setbacks. 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. A Certificate of Inspection is to be obtained. 8. Petitioner is to obtain approval from any city board or commission having jurisdiction including, but not limited to, the Planning Board. 9. 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 City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals February 2, 2026 Page 3 of 3 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. 10. 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. 11. 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 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 Southern Essex Registry of Deeds.