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 existing basement. He said the proposal includes window wells for emergency egress and that the condominium association had previously submitted a letter consenting to unit modification work.

The application changes the reported number of dwelling units in the building from 41 to 42 and shows a negligible change to the reported building height (listed in the filing as 45.5 to 45.53). In moving the motion, Jim Monteverde, chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals, said the lot size, building configuration and the proposed addition of a living unit supported a finding of hardship for a variance. The board’s approval is conditioned on the work conforming to drawings titled "1783 Massachusetts Avenue, Unit B," prepared by Timothy Burke (dated Nov. 21, 2023), and on incorporation of the supporting statements and dimensional form filed with the application.

Replacement of rear porch at 157 Auburn Street The board also voted 5–0 to grant relief to allow the owner at 157 Auburn Street to remove an oversized rear porch and install a spiral stair, mirroring work on the adjacent unit. Proponent Thomas (Tom) Russell described the project as a replacement to address a deteriorated wood stair and to match the neighboring unit’s configuration. The board approved the work on the condition that it conform to the submitted drawing titled "157 Auburn Street;" the chair noted the drawing did not list a preparer or a date and said he would date and initial it as part of the record.

Continuances and procedural conditions Two matters were continued to March 13, 2025: BZA case 1142420 (18 Clinton Street) and BZA case 1145011 (527 Green Street). In both continuances the board required that the petitioner change the posting sign to reflect the new hearing date and 6 p.m. start time; sign and return a waiver of statutory timing requirements available from the Inspectional Services Department (contact persons named in the meeting were Maria Pacheco and Olivia Rote/Olivia Ritay); and file any new submissions, drawings or dimensional forms by 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to the continued hearing. Jim Monteverde said failure to return the signed waiver by the requested deadline would "de facto" result in an adverse ruling.

Public comment and attendance No members of the public testified verbally on the matters heard that evening. The board and applicants handled most matters with limited discussion; the board repeatedly noted a relatively light agenda and observed that fewer cases may be pending because of impending zoning code changes.

Votes at a glance - BZA 114-4785 (1783 Massachusetts Ave., Unit B): variance granted; vote 5–0; motion moved by Chair Jim Monteverde; condition: conform to drawings by Timothy Burke (11/21/2023) and supporting materials incorporated. - BZA 114322157 (157 Auburn St.): variance granted; vote 5–0; motion moved by Chair Jim Monteverde; condition: conform to drawing titled "157 Auburn Street" (chair to date/initial the drawing) and supporting materials incorporated. - BZA 1142420 (18 Clinton St.): continued to March 13, 2025; vote 4–0 (one member not present for the vote); motion moved by Chair Jim Monteverde; conditions: update posting sign, sign statutory-waiver form and return by deadline, file new submittals by 5 p.m. the Monday before the continued date. - BZA 1145011 (527 Green St.): continued to March 13, 2025; vote 5–0; motion moved by Chair Jim Monteverde; same procedural conditions as above.

What the board cited The chair referenced multiple sections of the Cambridge zoning rules when granting relief, including Sections 5.31 (table of dimensional requirements), 5.26 (conversion rules), 4.31.g (multifamily dwellings), 8.22.3 (nonconforming structures) and 10.30 (variance procedure). The board characterized the basement conversion’s hardship as arising from lot and building configuration and as furthering the city’s stated interest in adding housing units.

Looking ahead The board scheduled multiple continued hearings for March 13, 2025. Applicants were instructed to follow the board’s posting and filing conditions to ensure matters are placed on the next agenda.