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Danvers ZBA approves special permit to add kitchen EFLA at 3 Lorraine Road
Summary
The Danvers Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously granted a special permit under section 9.2 to allow a conforming extended family living area (about 750 sq ft) and a kitchen on a nonconforming 9,640 sq ft lot at 3 Lorraine Road; the board noted the addition began under a standard building permit and found no substantial impact on neighbors.
The Danvers Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to grant a special permit under section 9.2 to create a conforming extended family living area (EFLA) with a kitchen at 3 Lorraine Road, despite the lot’s nonconforming size.
John Parsons of Parsons Contracting, representing the owner and filing on behalf of Scott Harris, told the board the addition includes a roughly 750-square-foot living area and a kitchen so grandparents can live adjacent to their daughter, son‑in‑law and two children. Parsons said the foundation was poured in mid‑September and the project began after a building permit was submitted in late spring; staff explained the work advanced because the addition otherwise complied with setback and dimensional requirements until the kitchen component required zoning relief.
Planning staff told the board the building permit application was routed to zoning after reviewers identified the EFLA element; they said the building inspector allowed foundation work and interior construction (everything except a kitchen) to proceed once the design was revised to meet a 30‑foot front setback requirement.
During questioning, board members clarified that the addition will share common living space with the main residence, that the existing front door remains the primary entrance, and that each dwelling will have rear egress. The applicant confirmed that if the board denied the special permit for the kitchen, the kitchen would be omitted from the project.
No members of the public spoke on the record. In deliberations, members described the proposal as modest and consistent with surrounding residential character. Corinne Doherty moved to grant the special permit; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous voice vote.
The permit approval allows construction of the extended family living area as described; the board did not add additional conditions beyond the motion. The applicant and staff indicated they will follow up with building‑department inspections and any standard permitting steps required to complete the work.
