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Brentwood ZBA approves 1,073-sq.-ft ADU variance for Sanborn Way to accommodate accessibility
Summary
The Brentwood Zoning Board of Adjustment granted Shannon Stevens a variance to build a 1,073-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — above the 950-sq.-ft. limit — conditioned on obtaining a valid building permit and demonstrating appropriate septic capacity; the applicant cited ADA needs and a pending planning-board amendment expanding ADU size.
Frank Albert, chair of the Brentwood Zoning Board of Adjustment, announced Thursday that the board granted a variance to Shannon Stevens to allow an accessory dwelling unit of up to 1,073 square feet at her Sanborn Way property, exceeding the town’s 950-square-foot ADU cap.
Stevens, the applicant, told the board the larger unit is needed to provide ADA-compliant circulation — including wider hallways and turning radii — so her 78-year-old mother can live nearby and, if necessary, use future accessibility equipment. “The requested increase to 1,073 square feet represents a modest and reasonable adjustment that allows for necessary accessibility features,” Stevens said during the hearing.
The land-use administrator, Mark Kennedy, noted the planning board is proposing a ballot amendment that would allow ADUs up to 50% of the primary dwelling (capped at 1,300 square feet), a change Stevens and staff said would make the requested size consistent with the town’s anticipated policy direction.
After discussion about septic capacity and building-permit requirements, the board considered a motion to grant the variance conditioned on issuance of a valid building permit, including verification of septic sizing. The board voted in favor and the chair directed Stevens to contact building-permit staff; Kennedy said staff will issue a notice of decision and advised the applicant she could apply for a building permit once the notice is processed.
The vote was taken with a reduced panel after Way Morrill recused himself because his firm was working on an engineering plan for the project; the applicant waived the option to continue to a full five-member board. Chair Albert noted that a deadlock on a four-member panel would result in a failed motion, but the board’s voice vote approved the variance.
The variance approval allows Stevens to proceed to the building-permit stage, subject to the standard permit conditions and any septic-system requirements determined during permitting.
The board also recorded, for the public record, that Stevens’ proposed ADU will remain subordinate to the primary dwelling, meet other zoning requirements, and match the existing home’s architectural style. Kennedy reminded Stevens the planning-board amendment would appear on the March ballot and could affect future ADU standards.
Next steps: Stevens will receive a written notice of decision from town staff and may apply for a building permit once staff processes the notice.
