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Zoning board allows one‑story addition at 38 Cambridge Avenue, denies two‑story request
Summary
The board granted a one‑story front‑setback variance at 38 Cambridge Avenue but limited approval to a single story after learning the owner had already begun framing without permits and had no two‑story plans on file.
The Milford Zoning Board of Appeals approved a one‑story front‑setback variance at 38 Cambridge Avenue on Aug. 12 but declined to grant relief for a future second story that the applicant had not yet designed.
Applicant McConner Fernandez told the board she had begun partial work on a one‑story bump‑out after water damage to a first‑floor bedroom and stopped construction when she learned permits were required. Fernandez said the addition is roughly 6½ by 8 feet and that the contractor had framed the single‑story portion before the zoning office advised a hearing.
Board members confirmed the proposed one‑story addition would extend 4½ feet farther into the front setback and that the owner requested the variance to reduce the setback from 20 feet to 16.2 feet. Several members said they were sympathetic because the existing front of the house already encroaches on the setback and because the owner acted early to seek permits. The board accepted a modification limiting approval to a single‑story addition, saying it will not grant a variance for an unspecified future second‑floor expansion.
Members also cautioned the owner to hire licensed, local contractors and to obtain necessary permits before work resumes. The motion to approve with the one‑story limitation passed unanimously.
The board recorded that the owner must return if she later seeks to add a second story; she was advised the later work will require a separate variance application.
