Board approves lot-coverage variance for small Palmar Street lot

The Planning and Zoning Board approved a variance Oct. 7 allowing an increase in maximum lot coverage for a property on Palmar Street (approximately 815 square feet) so the owner could build a modest two-bedroom house.

Staff presented the application as a request to exceed the RS-2 district’s maximum lot coverage and noted that the lot is significantly smaller than a typical RS-2 lot. The applicant said the requested footprint (approximately 750–775 square feet) would permit reasonably sized bedrooms in a two-story house for the owner and spouse.

Nut graf: Board members noted that many lots in the Lincolnville area are similarly small and nonconforming; after reviewing the criteria the board concluded the parcel’s dimensions place the owner at a practical disadvantage, and approved the variance.

Board members weighing the historical lot pattern in the neighborhood and the project’s modest scale voted to approve PZB 2025-071. The approved plan maintains required setbacks and does not add significant impervious surface beyond the requested coverage allowance.

Ending: The applicant may proceed to building-permit review consistent with the approved variance; staff will continue to review construction details for code compliance.