The Lowell City Board of Appeals voted unanimously to approve a variance that will allow an addition to a single-family home at 24 Light Ave.

The petition, listed on paperwork under the name Saukworth Koi, was presented in person by the speaker who identified himself as Okaar Rod Koi, owner of 24 Light Ave. He told the board the lot is small — about 5,000 square feet with roughly 50 feet of frontage — and that the proposed, modest addition would remain part of the single-family house. "I respectfully request for your approval," he said.

Board members questioned whether the addition could become an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) but accepted the applicant’s repeated statement that it is intended as a family-oriented extension, not a separate unit. Mr. Prokop summarized that it is "just an extension to the house," and Mr. McCarthy said the side-yard setback is mostly a preexisting condition and that the applicant’s request is "a small request" compatible with the surrounding homes.

After discussion the board voted on a motion by Mr. McCarthy, seconded by Mr. Prokop, to grant the requested relief from the maximum floor-area ratio and the minimum side-yard setback. A roll call recorded approval by the full board.

The approval allows the homeowner to proceed with the addition under the zoning relief granted; any building-permit review or enforcement regarding potential future conversion to an ADU remains with the city’s building department, which the board noted is the appropriate enforcement authority.

The Board moved on to the next agenda item after announcing the vote.