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Lynn Zoning Board approves conversion of 12–14 Maple Street to three-family with egress condition
Summary
The Lynn Zoning Board of Appeals on Oct. 7 approved a special permit to convert a preexisting two-family at 12–14 Maple Street into a three-family dwelling. The board conditioned that, if exterior egress is required after building-permit review, the applicant must return to the board for zoning review.
The Lynn Zoning Board of Appeals voted Oct. 7 to approve a special-permit application to convert the preexisting two-family building at 12–14 Maple Street into a three-family dwelling.
Lisa McMullen, representing the petitioner, told the board the application is for an interior conversion of the existing third-floor living space into a three-bedroom unit and that new plans had been submitted after an earlier hearing. She said the proposal does not alter the building's exterior envelope except potentially for fire egress features that might be required during the building‑permit review.
McMullen said she contacted the city’s fire‑prevention office and believes the building will meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards once sprinklering and egress windows are installed, and therefore exterior egress stairways may not be needed. “Once they evaluate the building for a building permit, that issue will be determined,” McMullen said.
Board members noted that whether exterior stairs are required is a building‑inspection and fire‑code determination rather than a zoning decision. The board adopted a clarifying condition that if the building‑permit review determines exterior egress that would implicate zoning (for example, encroaching into setbacks) the applicant must return to the Zoning Board for review.
McMullen also described on‑site parking: an existing keyed garage plus three side spaces and additional neighborhood parking. She said other three‑family houses exist nearby at 146, 148, 170, 220 and 224 Maple Street.
There were no public speakers in favor or against the petition. Mister Olson moved to approve the special permit; the motion was seconded, and a roll‑call vote approved the application by a majority of members present.
The board’s action allows interior conversion to a three‑family. Any exterior changes that arise during building‑permit or fire‑prevention review that affect zoning will require the applicant to return to the Zoning Board for additional review.
