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ZBA approves rear‑setback variance for accessory dwelling at 115–117 Andrew St.
Summary
The Zoning Board approved a variance to allow the construction of an egress 'doghouse' addition to create an accessory dwelling unit at 115–117 Andrew Street, reducing the rear setback from 20 feet to about 11 feet 9 inches; approval is conditioned on required fire protection equipment.
The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on July 14 approved a variance allowing an addition at 115–117 Andrew Street to create an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that will reduce the rear yard setback.
Jared Jamal, representing the property owner Jorge Hernandez, said the existing building is nonconforming — about 16½ feet from the rear lot line where the zoning requires 20 feet — and the proposed enclosed entry ('doghouse') will bring the setback to 11 feet 9 inches to provide safe egress for the ground‑floor unit. Jamal told the board he met with the building department before filing and relayed that a sprinkler system and an alarm panel will be required because the project converts living space into a configuration that the fire department treats as a multi‑unit building.
Member Prokop asked about fire‑safety systems; Jamal confirmed the owner will install the sprinkler system and hardwired detection as required when the building permit is issued. Other board members said the addition is a small, neighborhood‑consistent change and supported the application.
Member McCarthy made the motion to approve the variance for minimum rear yard setback; Member Prokop seconded. The board approved the motion by roll call with no recorded opposition. The approval was entered as a variance under section 5.1 for relief from dimensional requirements in the TTF (traditional two‑family) district.
