boa_138_north_street_-_stamped_decision 4.28.2020 r
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CITY OF SALEM MASSAC USETTS
' BOARD OF APPEALS
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98 WEASHINGTON STREET♦SALEM,MASSACHUSETI'5:01970 rn
KIMSERLEY DRISCOLL TEL.978-619-5685 Ca Co
MAYOR
April 28,2020
decision W
City of Salem Board of Appeals
Petition of THOWS J.PELLETIER for a,special permit per Section 3.3.5 NoncoAfomdag Single-
and Two-Family Residendal Strictures of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to expand.a nonconforming
two-famR.y home by adding a rear shed dormer at 138 NORTH STREET(Map 27,Lot 272) (R2 and
ECOD Zoning Districts).
A public hearing on the above Petition was opened on April 1,2020 pursuant to M.G.L Ch.40A,§ 11 and
closed on that date with the following Salem Board of Appeals members present:Peter A.Copelas,Mike
Duffy(Chair),Carly McClain,Rosa Ordaz,Steven Smalley,and Paul Viccica.Board member Jimmy Tsitsinos
was absent.
The petitioner seeks a special permit per Section 3.3.5 Nonconfarm&g Single-and Two Farm Kaderstial Strtsctcrrer
of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to expand a nonconforming two-family home by adding a rear shed dormer.
Statements of Fact:
1. In the petition date-stamped February 18,2020,the petitioner requested a special permit per Section
3.3.5 Nonconforming Single-and Tnv-Family Raddmfial Stncdmres of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to
expand a nonconforming two-family home by adding a rear shed dormer at 138 North Street.
2. 138 North Street is a two-family home in the Residential Two-Family(R2) zoning district.Ile two-
family residential use is allowed in the R2 district.
3. 138 North Street also includes a residential unit in a carriage house,as authorized in a previous
Zoning Board of Appeals decision.
4. Between the primary structure and the accessory carriage house structure,the property is
nonconforming to all setbacks.The property is also nonconforming to minimum lot area and
minimum lot area per dwelling unit.
5. The proposal is to add a stied dormer to the rear of the primary building(rear.relative to North Street
—the addition is proposed to be located on the"driveway side of the building,"as described on the
application).The dormer is proposed to be 211"x 14'4'.
6. Therequested relief,if granted,would allow the petitioner to expand a nonconforming two-family
home by adding a rear shed dormer.
7. The April 1,2020 meeting of the Board of Appeals was held remotely,via the online platform Zoom.
8. At the April 1,2020 meeting of the Board of Appeals,petitioner Thomas.Pelletier discussed the
petition.Mr.Pelletier explained that the proposed shed dormer is to provide headroom for an existing
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City of Salem Board of Appeals
April 28,2020
Project:138 North Street
Page 2 of 3
master bedroom on the third floor.Mr.Pelletier presented floor plans and elevations.Mr.Pelletier
noted that there are existing shed dormers in the neighborhood.
9. At the April 1,2020 public hearing,the Board discussed the proposal. Paul Vccica asked whether a
chimney would be removed.Mr:Pelletier confirmed that a chimricy associated with fireplaces that no
longer function wilt be removed.Peter Copelas asked:about the number of units in the building,
noting that is a large two-family house and there are four electric meters,which could indicate three
units.Mr.Copelas noted that there is a carriage house on site but wanted to make sure there are only
two units in the main building.Mr.Pelletier explained that the primary dwelling used to be a three-
family home but was reduced to a two-family home when a unit was created in the carriage house.
10. At the April 1,2020 public hearing,no (0)members of the public spoke in favor of or in opposition
to the petition.
11. At the April 1,2020 public hearing,Chair Duffy discussed the special permit criteria.
The Salem Board of Appeals,after careful consideration of the evidence presented at the public hearing,and
after thorough review of the petition, including the 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:
The Board finds that the proposed nonconforming structure is not substantially more detrimental than the
existing nonconforming structure to the neighborhood.
1. Social,economic,or community needs are served by the proposal by making the property more useful
and having better headroom in the master bedroom.
2. Traffic flow and safety,including parking and loading:No impact is anticipated.
3. Adequacy of utilities and other public services:Existing utilities and public services are adequate.
4. Impacts on.the natural environment,including drainage:No negative impacts are anticipated.
5. Neighborhood character: This type of dormer (shed dormer) exists in the neighborhood and is
consistent with neighborhood character.
6. Potential fiscal impact,including impact on City tax base and employment: In increasing the usability..
of the property,the proposal may have a positive fiscal impact,including on the City tax base.
On the basis of the above statements of fact and findings,the Salem Board of Appeals voted five (5) in favor
(Mike Duffy(Chair), Steven Smalley,Rosa Ordaz,Paul Viccica, and Peter A. Copelas) and none (0) opposed
to grant the requested Special Permit per Section 3.3.5 Nonconforming Singh and Two-Family Residential Sdrwc srref
of the Salem Zoning Ordinance to expand a nonconforming two-family home by adding a rear shed dormer at
138 North Street,subject to the following terms,conditions, and safeguards:
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.
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City of Salem Board of Appeals
April 28,2020
Project:138 North Street
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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. All construction shall be done per the plans and dimensions submitted to and approved by this Board.
No change,extension,material corrections,additions,substitutions,alterations,and/or modification
to an approval by this Board shall be permitted without the approval of this Board,unless such
change has been deemed a minor field change by the Building Commissioner in consultation with the
Chair of the Board of Appeals.
Mike IDuff;;,'.._lair
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 puisuant 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
Essex South Registry of Deeds.