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Neighborhood visibility question stalls action on 75 Southfield Falls addition; board to drive by before resolution
Summary
A proposed addition at 75 Southfield Falls raised ridge‑preservation and color‑consistency questions. Planning staff flagged potential visibility from the view corridor and pointed out that white siding is not normally permitted as an accent; the board asked staff and the applicant to confirm visibility by drive‑by before drafting a resolution,
The Planning Board reviewed an ARB and ridge‑preservation submission for a one‑story addition at 75 Southfield Falls and directed staff to confirm whether the addition would be visible from designated view corridors before final action.
Architect Larry Hartman submitted comparison photos and a photo taken from Route 32 intended to show possible visibility from the view corridor. Planning staff said that if the house is visible from the corridor, the board may not be permitted to waive some ridge‑preservation requirements; staff also noted the application proposes white vertical siding as an accent, and white is not a permitted accent color under the code unless the board approves a waiver.
Board members asked to perform a drive‑by inspection while vegetation is minimal and then reconvene to determine whether a waiver is appropriate. The board authorized counsel to draft a resolution of approval conditioned on the outcome of that visibility check: if the property is not visible from the view corridor or if prior development prevents the code’s intent from being met, the board may grant relief; otherwise the accent color and visibility must be reconsidered.
Why it matters: Ridge‑preservation rules are intended to protect scenic corridors; visibility determinations can trigger stricter material and color rules that affect design and approval.
Next steps: staff and the applicant will perform a site visit to confirm visibility. Counsel will prepare a draft resolution conditioned on the drive‑by findings and the board’s decision on whether to allow the proposed white accent.
