The Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously on Dec. 11 to approve a special permit allowing a two‑story rear addition at 13 Wilson Ave, an application submitted by Maria Chow. Elizabeth Silver, a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, presided over the hearing; Nathan Chung, the city staff liaison, was present to advise the board.

The applicant’s representative described a roughly 700‑square‑foot, two‑story addition placed toward the backyard to match the neighborhood’s massing and to preserve the streetscape. The representative said the addition largely occupies the footprint of a former attached garage that collapsed and was demolished, and described exterior plans including painted hardiplank siding and large south‑facing windows to capture views and sunlight.

The board heard numeric setback details from the presenter: the existing closest point of the dwelling is 16 feet 1 inch from the rear property line (about 4 feet into the setback), and the proposed back corner of the addition would be 13 feet 7 inches from the property line — approximately 3 feet 6 inches further into the setback at the addition’s furthest point. Nathan Chung noted a minor rounding discrepancy between the project data table and the survey plan and explained the staff calculation used as a conservative measure.

Board members confirmed that neighbors were notified and that there were no written comments on file. The owner, Amy Kemper, said she had informed nearby neighbors personally and described generally friendly responses; she also told the board the garage collapsed in a snowstorm, which led to the demolished footprint the addition now proposes to occupy.

Concern about off‑street parking was discussed. Nathan Chung summarized a recent City Council amendment to the parking ordinance: the current requirement is one off‑street parking space per unit regardless of gross living area. The owner expressed concern that one space may be limiting in a tightly parked neighborhood.

After questions, the board closed the public hearing and moved to deliberate. Maureen Scanlon moved to approve the special permit submitted by Maria Chow for 13 Wilson Ave (Map ID 32 C 093), and a fellow member seconded. The board voted by roll call: Elizabeth Silver — Yes; Maureen Scanlon — Yes; Aaron — Yes (unanimous). The board stated that the addition would not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood than the existing nonconforming aspects of the house.

Nathan Chung told the applicant that staff would file the written decision (typically within a week) and reminded the applicant that state law requires a 20‑day appeal waiting period after the decision is filed; appellants must obtain a certified copy from the city clerk if they wish to appeal.

The board also approved the Nov. 13 meeting minutes and discussed scheduling for upcoming hearings, noting statutory timing requirements (the board must open the first hearing within 65 days of application submission) and potential meeting dates for a new application received Dec. 8.

The board adjourned after routine business. No public opposition was recorded in the written file; the owner and applicant presented the project in person.