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ZBA Approves Two‑Story Garage at 36A Barrows Road; Owner Must Meet Building‑Code Requirements
Summary
The board approved a variance permitting a 27‑foot tall two‑story detached garage and minor front‑yard placement at 36A Barrows Road (property straddles Worcester/Holden), with recommended plan and waiver conditions and usual building‑permit checks.
Applicant Scott Barrows asked the Zoning Board for two variances for 36A Barrows Road: relief from the 15‑foot maximum height for accessory structures (proposed 27‑foot height) and permission for an accessory structure to occupy the front yard. The property is an unusual lot that straddles the Worcester‑Holden boundary; the existing primary dwelling is in Holden and the Worcester portion is where the garage is proposed.
Planning Division staff (Amy Bethley) said the board had two by‑right alternatives: build in Holden where setbacks are met or reduce the accessory height to 15 feet; staff also noted the applicant’s explanation that the extra height accommodates a vehicle lift and additional storage space on a second floor. Staff requested a dimensionally correct architectural plan, limit of clearing depiction and a short list of standard conditions; the applicant agreed to provide a scaled architectural set and to seek three listed waivers.
Board members said they were comfortable approving the variances given the lot configuration, the limited clearing proposed and the applicant’s willingness to secure required building permits and meet structural/snow‑load/anchoring requirements. The board voted in favor of the variances and attached staff recommendations and waivers; the applicant must still obtain a building permit and comply with Inspectional Services requirements, including engineered anchoring and snow‑load design where required.
The vote authorizes the garage subject to the listed staff recommendations and waivers; inspectional/structural review remains a separate, required step before construction can begin.
