Woburn Zoning Board grants variance for rear-yard setback at 3 Perry Place, citing topography

The Woburn Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance on an application for 3 Perry Place to reduce the rear-yard setback for a proposed addition and deck, the board announced at its meeting. A board member said the motion to approve was based on the property's topography, and the vote passed 4–1.

Applicants identified themselves as Marissa Milano and Krisha Coloney and said the property’s lot and topography — including steep slopes and potential ledge — constrained where an addition could be built. The applicants and the board reviewed several plans and a recent survey submitted to clarify lot lines; the chair noted that a mortgage-inspection plan in the packet did not show certified existing-condition measurements and asked the applicants for a certified plot plan with measurements.

Neighbors spoke in support and described the slope behind the house. Amy Ryan, who said she lives at 58 Elm Street directly behind 3 Perry Place, told the board that the rear yards are separated by only a narrow paper trail and described a “one big slope” behind the properties. Ryan noted retaining walls and stepped grades and said the right side of the subject lot is steep. She told the board, “I live at 58 Elm Street, so it would be right behind … their yard,” and described the multi-level yard and retaining walls.

Board members reviewed topographic lines in the applicants’ materials and discussed elevations and slope. One board member said the topography showed a roughly four-foot change in elevation at the side yard and another member described a roughly 25-foot rise from the corner of Elm and Perry back to the abutter’s property. The chair asked whether applicants had direct evidence of ledge on their side yard; the applicants said the package did not include proof of ledge, though they reported encountering ledge and said the area has not been altered in more than 40 years.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve the variance “based on the topography.” The chair called for a vote; the board approved the motion 4–1. The chair instructed that a written decision must be prepared and filed with the city clerk’s office and noted that there is a 20-day appeal period; no building permit may be issued until the appeal period expires without an appeal being filed.

The board acknowledged the submission of 10 letters of neighbor support by the petitioner; the materials were circulated to the board and included residents from Elm Street and Ward Street, the chair said.