Charlestown zoning board approves special-use permit for small deck at two-family property on West Beach Road

The Charlestown Zoning Board of Review on April 15 approved application 1653, granting a special-use permit to allow a 231-square-foot deck with stairs at 283 A & B West Beach Road, a two-family dwelling in an R-3A zoning district.

Richard Thompson, the applicant, testified that the property includes two dwelling units and that his sister wants a small front deck "so she can enjoy the fresh air and the pond field from the front of the house." He said the proposed deck is within required setbacks and that the only reason for board review was the property's two-family status.

The board's discussion emphasized that the proposed deck is modest and appears consistent with neighborhood character. Jim Abbott, a zoning board member and the board's secretary, said he was "very favorable leaning" toward approval, describing the deck as "very modest" and within setbacks.

After discussion, a motion to approve application 1653 was made and seconded. The board voted in favor; the clerk announced a vote of 4-0 and application 1653 was approved.

The permit authorizes the addition of a 231-square-foot deck and stairs to the two-family dwelling on Lot 149, Assessor's Plat 3. The board's approval relied on findings that the hardship arose from the lot's existing two-family condition, was not caused by the applicant, the request would not alter the character of the area, and denial would cause more than a mere inconvenience.

No abutters or members of the public spoke against the application during the meeting, and the board noted that required certified mail notifications to abutters within 200 feet were returned to the office and no correspondence had been received.

The board moved on to the next agenda item after the vote.