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6 Lawrence 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 June 26, 2026 Decision City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals The petition of PAUL CARON at 6 LAWRENCE STREET (Map 24, Lot 0173) (R2 Zoning District; Coastal Resiliency Overlay District) for a Special Permit per Section 3.3.3 Nonconforming Structures of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to add two additions to a nonconforming three-family house, constructing a two-story front porch and staircase with an approximate four-foot, four- inch front setback, and a two-story rear porch and staircase with an approximate two-foot, eight- inch side setback. On June 17, 2026, the following members of the Salem Zoning Board of Appeals were present: Hannah Osthoff, Peter Habib, Elena Eimert, Stephen Larrick, and Ellen Simpson (Acting Chair). Nina Vyedin and Christa McGaha were absent. Statements of Fact: 1. In the petition date-stamped May 14, 2026, the petitioner requests a Special Permit per Section 3.3.3 Nonconforming Structures of the Salem Zoning Ordinance. 2. Paul Caron owns 6 Lawrence Street and is the petitioner. Stephen Lovely is the representative, presenting on June 17, 2026. 3. 6 Lawrence Street is in the R2 Zoning District, Coastal Resiliency Overlay District (C-ROD), and Flood Hazard Overlay District (FHOD) (Map 24, Lot 0173). 4. The proposed architectural site plan dated May 16, 2026, by Lux Design Group, shows that the proposed front porch and staircase would be located inside the required fifteen- foot setback, while the rear porch and staircase would be partially located in the required ten-foot setback. 5. The City receives zero public comments on the proposal before the June 17, 2026 public hearing. One member of the public comments on the proposal at the hearing: Shane McCarthy, 8 Lawrence Street. 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: City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals June 26, 2026 Page 2 of 3 Special Permit Findings: 1. Community needs are served by the proposal. The proposal creates two safer means of egress from the front and rear of a three-family building. 2. The proposal has a negligible impact on traffic flow and safety. The proposal does not impact parking or driveway access to or from the property. 3. The proposal has minimal impacts on utilities and other public services. Adequate utilities and other public services already serve the structure. 4. The proposal has positive impacts on neighborhood character. The proposal will improve the property’s appearance and condition. 5. The proposal has minimal impacts on the natural environment, including greenhouse gas emissions and view. The proposal minimally increases the front porch’s footprint. 6. The proposal has a positive potential economic and fiscal impact, including impacts on the City’s services, tax base, and employment. The proposal will increase the property’s tax base while providing a temporary positive impact on City employment. Based on the above statements of fact and findings, the Salem Zoning Board of Appeals voted five in favor, (Elena Eimert, Stephen Larrick, Ellen Simpson (Acting Chair), Hannah Osthoff, and Peter Habib) and zero opposed, to grant PAUL CARON at 6 LAWRENCE STREET (Map 24, Lot 0173) (R2 Zoning District; Coastal Resiliency Overlay District) a Special Permit per Section 3.3.3 Nonconforming Structures of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to add two additions to a nonconforming three-family house, constructing a two-story front porch and staircase with an approximate four-foot, four-inch front setback, and a two-story rear porch and staircase with an approximate two-foot, eight-inch side setback. 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 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 City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals June 26, 2026 Page 3 of 3 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. __________________________ Hannah Osthoff, Secretary 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.