Westfield BZA approves variances to apply subdivision lot standards to 1.3-acre Birch Street parcel

The Westfield Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 10 approved variances to apply subdivision-lot development standards to an undeveloped 1.3-acre parcel immediately north of 801 Birch Street, reducing the front-yard setback from 80 feet to 30 feet and each side-yard setback from 30 feet to 12 feet.

The action, item 2510BS14, was presented by Dane Crabtree of the Community Development Department. Crabtree said the subject property has never been subdivided, so non‑subdivision standards currently apply; the petitioner asked that subdivision-lot standards be applied because they are more consistent with surrounding development.

Board members voted to approve the staff-recommended conditions and adopted the findings of fact. The motion to approve the variance was moved by Mr. Plummer and seconded; the roll call recorded yes votes from Mr. Boller, Mr. Clarino, Mr. Plummer and Mr. Bogavist, and the motion carried. A subsequent motion to adopt the findings of fact passed on a recorded roll call with the same affirmative votes.

Crabtree noted the department received one prior written comment but said the author appeared to have been referring to a different, occupied property and indicated verbally that they had no concerns after clarification; the author did not submit an official rescission. The petitioner did not make a presentation and was available to answer questions.

Board members asked for confirmation that rear-yard standards would remain unchanged; Crabtree confirmed the rear-yard (subdivision and non‑subdivision) standard for SF‑2 is 30 feet and would not be modified.

The approvals change how the parcel will be regulated for building placement if developed, aligning its setbacks with adjacent subdivided lots in the neighborhood. No additional public commenters spoke on the item during the hearing.