135 NORTH STREET - ZBA �'
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1 Legal Notice
CITY OF SALEM
BOARD OF APPEAL
Will hold a public hearing for all i
persons interested in the petition
submitted by JASON & STEPHINIE{
WACHTEL seeking a Variance from
t number of stories allowed (2 1/2)1 '
to construct a 7x12 dormer oni
third floor for the property located at
135 NORTH STREET R-2. Said
hearing will be held on WEDNES-
DAY,MARCH 21,2007,at 6:30 P.M.,
3RD FLOOR, 120 WASHINGTON
STREET,ROOM 313.
Nina Cohen I
I Chairman f
i SIN—3/7,3/14/07
I �
1
o Illr CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF APPEAL tt��
120 WASHINGTON STREET. 3RO FLOOR'r,� �'� -Fi l-i-11' I•i�
SALEM. MASSACHUSETTS 01970 CLELH�S OFFICE
TELEPHONE. 978-745-9595
FAX: 978-740-9846
KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL
MAYOR 2CCl, 11AR 29 P 2�
March 29, 2007
Decision
Petition of Jason and Stephanie Wachtel requesting a Variance
for the property at 135 North Street
City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals
A public hearing on the above petition was opened on March 21, 2007 pursuant to
Massachusetts General Law Ch. 40A, Sec. 11. The following Zoning Board members
were present: Nina Cohen, Richard Dionne, Annie Harris, Elizabeth Debski and Robin
Stein.
The petitioners, Jason and Stephanie Wachtel sought a Variance from the required number
of stories of two and one-half(2 '/2) to construct a dormer addition for the property located at
135 North Street, Salem, in the Two-Family Residential (R-2) zoning district.
The Board of Appeals, after careful consideration of the evidence presented at the public
hearing, and after thorough review of the Petition submitted, makes the following
findings of fact:
1. Petitioner's property is in the Two-Family Residential (R-2) district and is a
pre-existing, non-conforming structure in a residential neighborhood.
2. The petitioner requested a Variance from the required number of stories from the
existing two and one-half(2 %2) stories to a proposed three (stories) to construct a
dormer addition to the existing residential structure.
3. The petitioner stated that she had spoken to approximately '/2 of her neighbors
and that they were in support of the petition.
4. The petitioner stated that she would consider the use of double-hung windows
and a revision of the dormer design to match the surrounding area.
5. A letter from Ward Six Councilor Paul Prevey in support of the petition was
received and filed by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
6. No members of the public spoke in opposition to the petition.
• r
On the basis of the above findings of fact, including all evidence presented at the public
hearing, including, but not limited to, the Petition the Zoning Board of Appeals concludes
as follows:
1. The petitioner's request to for a Variance does not constitute substantial
detriment to the public good as residential uses are permitted in the R-2
district and additions are common to these pre-existing non-conforming tots
and structures.
2. The requested relief does not nullify or substantially derogate from the intent
or purpose of the zoning ordinance as residential dwellings are a permitted use
in the R-2 district.
3. A literal enforcement of the zoning ordinance would create a substantial
hardship to the petitioner by restricting the allowed use of the site.
Alternatives would create a substantial financial hardship to the petitioner.
4. In permitting such change, the Board of Appeals requires certain appropriate
conditions and safeguards as noted below.
In consideration of the above, the Salem Board of Appeals voted, five (5) in favor
(Cohen, Dionne, Harris, Debski, Stein) and none (0) opposed, to grant the request for
Variances, subject to the following terms, conditions, and safeguards:
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. Unless this decision expressly provides otherwise, any zoning relief granted does
not empower or authorize Petitioner to demolish or reconstruct the structures(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 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.
8. The petitioner shall consider the use of double-hung windows and consider a
change in the architecture of the proposed dormer to better match the surrounding
area.
J'" l t^-
Nina Cohen
Salem 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 that
20 days have elapsed and no appeal has been filed,or that,if such appeal has been filed,that it has been
dismissed or denied and is recorded in the South Essex Registry of Deeds and indexed under the name of
the owner of record or is recorded and noted on the owner's Certificate of Title.