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Zoning board approves special permit for driveway at 24 Lewis Street with conditions
Summary
Chelsea Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit to open a driveway at 24 Lewis Street to allow two cars to park in tandem, subject to retaining walls, permeable paving and a required DPW curb-cut approval.
The Chelsea Zoning Board of Appeals on a motion approved a special permit for a driveway opening at 24 Lewis Street for Adone (Anani/Adanai) Cortez Amaya, allowing two cars to park in tandem despite setbacks that do not meet the zoning minimums.
The action implements conditions recommended by the Planning Board and the city department: install retaining walls to prevent erosion, submit construction plans to the department before a building permit is issued, use permeable pavers or pavement, and obtain a curb-cut permit from the Department of Public Works.
At the hearing the applicant described the project as a two-car, tandem driveway. "I'm here for the purpose of seeking approval for a driveway opening for to be able to park 2 cars," the applicant said through a Spanish interpreter. Planning staff told the board the parcel is about 100 feet deep and the proposed driveway extends roughly 30–35 feet, long enough for two vehicles in tandem, and recommended the Planning Board's standing conditions be applied.
Board members and staff discussed erosion control and construction materials; the board directed the applicant to work with the Planning Department on retaining walls and material selection before starting work. Planning staff also reminded the applicant that a curb cut must be approved by the Department of Public Works before any driveway work begins.
The board voted to approve the special permit with the conditions described and the added requirement that the applicant apply to DPW for the curb cut and bring final plans to the department before construction. The applicant thanked the board after the vote.
Why it matters: The approval allows on-site parking for a property that otherwise lacks the required front-yard setbacks and could reduce on-street parking demand but requires coordination with DPW and adherence to erosion-control and permeable-surface conditions.
