Planning Board OKs special-use permit to convert 24 Nelson Street from three to four units

The Auburn Planning Board approved a special-use permit Wednesday to allow AJS Housing to convert a three-unit dwelling at 24 Nelson Street into a four-unit building, with conditions that the structure meet building-code requirements and maintain an agreed 2.5-foot driveway setback.

City staff told the board the conversion triggers a special-use permit under the R-2 zoning district even though a four-unit structure is permitted in the district; the conversion itself is what requires board review. The applicant previously presented to the planning board on Dec. 3 and received two letters of support, including one from the neighbor at 26 Nelson Street and one from the executive director of the Willard Chapel, staff said.

The applicant also obtained an area variance from the Zoning Board on Dec. 23 to allow a fourth unit that is 147 square feet smaller than the 500-square-foot…