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Brentwood ZBA grants ADU variance for Sanborn Way home to accommodate elderly relative
Summary
The Brentwood Zoning Board of Adjustment approved Shannon Stevens’ request to increase the allowable ADU size to 1,073 square feet—above the 950‑sq‑ft town limit—contingent on a valid building permit and septic verification; the applicant said the larger unit is needed to meet ADA accessibility needs for her 78‑year‑old mother.
Shannon Stevens received approval from the Brentwood Zoning Board of Adjustment to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) of 1,073 square feet at her Sanborn Way property after the board found sufficient rationale to grant a variance to the town’s 950‑square‑foot limit.
The applicant told the board the additional square footage is required to provide an ADA‑compatible layout — “wider hallways, door clearances, and turning radii” — so her 78‑year‑old mother can live nearby and, if needed in the future, accommodate mobility aids. Stevens said the ADU will remain subordinate to the primary dwelling and meet all other dimensional requirements.
Mark Kennedy, the town’s land use administrator, read the five variance criteria into the record and confirmed the Planning Board is pursuing an ordinance amendment that would allow ADUs up to 50% of the primary dwelling (up to 1,300 sq ft) on the March ballot; Kennedy noted the applicant’s request would align with that proposed change if adopted.
Board members asked about septic sizing and site setbacks; Stevens said Jones and Beach Engineers is preparing a pocket plan for the septic reserve area and that the proposed ADU meets the lot’s dimensional setbacks. One board member recused himself from this hearing because his firm is involved in the septic work; the applicant waived her right to continue the hearing to a full five‑member board and agreed to proceed with four voting members.
A motion to grant the variance, conditioned on obtaining a valid building permit (including septic verification and compliance with dimensional requirements), was moved and seconded and the board announced the motion passed. Kennedy said the town will provide a written notice of decision and that Stevens may apply for a building permit after the Thanksgiving holiday.
The board’s approval does not waive building‑permit requirements; the applicant must still submit site and septic plans and secure any required inspections or state approvals before construction begins.
