ZBA approves raise-and-replace at 2 Andrena Road with conditions limiting bedrooms and attic use over garage

The Grama Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 27 approved a special permit allowing Mark and Julie Haley (trustees of the Haley Family Living Trust) to raise and replace the preexisting dwelling at 2 Andrena Road, West Yarmouth, subject to conditions that limit the finished home to four bedrooms and restrict the space above the existing garage to non‑habitable finished storage after removal of an existing half bathroom.

Attorney Chris Kelly presented plans showing a new house with a larger footprint and a modernized appearance; the petitioners also provided a new septic design sized as a six‑bedroom system to accommodate the proposed interior layout. Board members discussed whether the application required variance relief or a special permit; the board concluded this was a raise‑and‑replace special permit rather than a variance and voted to approve under the special‑permit provision.

Board members raised concerns about potential future conversion of the garage upper room to habitable space. As a condition of approval, the board required that any plumbing or kitchen facilities above the garage be removed and that the space be limited to finished storage (non‑habitable). The board also limited the approved dwelling to four bedrooms despite the larger septic design; the board said the septic sizing and bedroom limitation were intended to keep future conversions and rental uses constrained.

The applicant withdrew the separate variance request the board had on the agenda. The motion to approve the special permit with conditions carried unanimously. The board reminded the applicants that, once the decision is filed with the town clerk, a 20‑day appeal period applies before the special permit can be recorded and used to obtain building permits.