Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals grants two variances, continues two cases to March 13

CAMBRIDGE — The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 30 approved two variance requests and continued two other matters to March 13, 2025, setting conditions on public notice and paperwork.

The board granted a variance to convert a basement space at 1783 Massachusetts Avenue, Unit B, into a dwelling unit and approved work at 157 Auburn Street to replace an oversized rear porch with a spiral staircase. Both approvals were made by voice vote. The board also continued hearings on cases at 18 Clinton Street and 527 Green Street to March 13, 2025, requiring updated posting signs, a signed waiver of statutory hearing-timing requirements, and any new submittals to be filed by 5 p.m. the Monday before the continued date.

Why it matters: The approvals add an additional dwelling unit at a downtown Mass. Ave. property and allow exterior modifications at a neighborhood two-family house. The continuances preserve applicants’ options while requiring procedural steps intended to keep abutters and the public informed before the next hearings.

Conversion at 1783 Massachusetts Ave. The board voted unanimously to grant dimensional relief to convert an existing basement space at 1783 Massachusetts Ave., Unit B, into a residential dwelling. Timothy Burke, the project architect, told the board the unit has an 8½-foot ceiling and that the work would be limited to the…