ZBA approves conversion of 977 Warren Ave into two-family with rear stair egress
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
The Zoning Board approved a variance and special permit allowing the conversion of a vacant seven-bedroom single-family house at 977 Warren Ave into a two-family dwelling, with conditions on parking dimensions and a rear exterior stair serving the second-floor egress.
The Brockton Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to grant a variance and special permit for Emmanuel Lamy to convert a seven-bedroom, three-bathroom vacant house at 977 Warren Avenue into a two-family dwelling.
John Fink, attorney at Sims & Sims, represented Mr. Lamy and explained the request, describing the house as a large single-family structure in a dense R-3 district and arguing that the building’s size and location created a property-specific hardship. Fink said the conversion would place one kitchen on the second floor and that a rear exterior stair with a 6-by-6 deck would serve as the second means of egress for the second floor.
During questioning, the chair clarified the relief sought and the limits of approval: “Tonight, if this is granted, what you're being granted here is for a 2 family dwelling. It cannot morph into a 3 or 4,” he said. The petitioner confirmed the intention that the property would remain a two-family dwelling and that the top-floor attic space would not be a separate unit but could be used as living space by occupants of the second floor.
Building and zoning technical details drew board attention. The plan showed two side-by-side parking spaces in the rear; the chair noted the ordinance requires parking stalls to equal 180 square feet (either 9x20 or 10x18). The petitioner agreed there was adequate space to meet the 180-square-foot requirement and was not seeking relief on parking dimensions. Board members also discussed structural support for a mid-level landing on the proposed deck and asked the petitioner to clarify plans with a builder.
After deliberation the board moved to grant both the variance and the special permit in a single vote; the clerk recorded five affirmative votes. The decision included an explicit stipulation that the property be limited to two families and that the rear stair be restricted to serve the second floor as presented.
No members of the public testified for or against the application during the public-comment portion of the hearing.