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Commission grants variance to legalize reconstruction after unpermitted demolition at 243 Alma
Summary
The commission approved a mandatory discretionary review and variance to legalize the reconstruction of a carriage house at 243 Alma Street after the owner said a contractor exceeded the permitted scope and demolished the structure; neighbors pressed for privacy screens and removal of roof access.
The Planning Commission on Oct. 23 approved a mandatory discretionary review and variance to legalize reconstruction of a dwelling at 243 Alma St. after an unpermitted demolition occurred during permitted renovation work.
Owner Daniel Rabin told the commission he had permitted a renovation but returned from work to find the contractor had demolished the carriage house. Rabin said he immediately fired the contractor, engaged counsel and sought to rectify the violation through the Department’s processes. Counsel for the sponsor outlined the proposed reconstruction and changes made to respond to neighbor privacy concerns: removal of roof access and property‑line windows and provision of a privacy screen on the north property line.
Neighbors testified they had documented construction activity over several weeks and said new windows and an apparent stair could create privacy intrusions; they requested a full screen on the east side of the rear notch. The sponsor agreed to the north‑line privacy screen and removal of north‑facing windows; staff confirmed that adding a roof deck or stair penthouse later would require additional notice and likely a variance.
Commissioners balanced preservation of a dwelling unit that predates 1980 against the unpermitted demolition and the neighbors’ privacy concerns, and approved the reconstruction with the agreed conditions. The motion to approve passed unanimously.
