Quincy ZBA delays decision on Bayswater paving variance after questions about drainage and material used

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted to continue a variance petition for 18 Bayswater Road to Oct. 7, 2025, after board members asked the applicant to provide documentation about the material installed and the exact paving overage.

Kimberly Rodriguez, representing the property owner identified in the application as the Bolch Andrew Trust, told the board that the owner sought relief under Quincy’s Section 5.1 to allow expanded front parking. Rodriguez said the property’s unusual shape and preexisting nonconforming setbacks made compliance with the 30 percent lot coverage rule infeasible and that the owner had installed what the contractor described as permeable asphalt on May 1, 2025.

Board members said runoff and drainage were their main concerns. One member said the pavement looked like “regular asphalt” during a site visit and asked the applicant to provide contractor documentation; another board member suggested inspectional services compute the exact percentage of lot coverage now used. The ward councilor’s office, the board said, had communicated that Councilor McCarthy was not in favor of the petition.

The board asked the applicant to obtain (1) independent or contractor documentation confirming whether the installed pavement is permeable, (2) a precise calculation of the lot coverage over the 30% limit, and (3) remediation or design options to reduce runoff if the pavement proves impervious. Rodriguez said she would approach the contractor and gather documentation. The board continued the case to Oct. 7, 2025 to allow staff and the applicant time to provide the requested confirmation.

What the board asked for

- Proof of permeability from the contractor or an independent inspection. - A calculation of how much the paving exceeds the 30% coverage limit. - A plan or options to address runoff if the pavement is impervious.

The motion to continue to Oct. 7, 2025 carried.