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ZBA grants variance to expand historic mixed‑use building at 278 Central Street to cover structural repairs
Summary
The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing the owner of 278 Central Street to expand a rear portion of a historic mixed‑use building and exceed the floor‑area‑ratio cap to fund structural repairs. The board attached Planning Board conditions (parking signage, utility plan, review of encroachments).
The City of Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on June 9 approved a variance that allows the owner of 278 Central Street to expand the rear wood portion of a historic mixed‑use building, increasing the building’s floor‑area ratio from 3.4 to approximately 4.2 to finance necessary structural repairs.
Attorney Aiden Church told the board that while no new dwelling units will be added, the building’s existing wooden rear section is structurally deficient and required more extensive work than the owner anticipated. Church said the modest increase — roughly 650 square feet over the zoning FAR limit — will permit reconstruction of the rear portion on a slightly enlarged footprint while preserving commercial space on the ground floor and boarding rooms above.
Church said the property dates to the early 19th century and that much of the structure “takes up the majority of the lot,” creating practical limits on compliance with the 4:1 FAR standard without forcing the owner to under‑invest in needed structural work. The applicant previously received site plan review and special permits from the Planning Board for related work and told the ZBA the rear expansion will comply with setback rules and not increase the number of units.
As a condition the applicant adopted three Planning Board conditions the board discussed: post signage limiting parking on adjacent lots, submit a full utility plan, and allow the City’s legal department to review longstanding encroachments on city layout/rights‑of‑way. Church said the applicant would accept the conditions. Board members voiced support for revitalizing the downtown building and agreed the variance was minor and consistent with reuse of historic structures.
Motion: “Approve variance for relief from maximum FAR for 278 Central Street with the three Planning Board conditions (parking signage, full utility plan and review of encroachments).” Motion by Member McCarthy; second by Member Briere. Roll call: Chairman Peck — approve with conditions; Member McCarthy — approve with conditions; Member Briere — approve with conditions; Member Prokop — approve with conditions; Member Javi — approve. Outcome: approved with conditions.
What’s next: The applicant will proceed with construction permitting and will satisfy the Planning Board conditions as part of the site work and building‑permit process.
