Planning Commission backs administrative variance to expand accessory structure at 5055 Plantation Road

The Dorchester County Planning Commission on [date not specified] recommended approval of an administrative variance that would allow a 471-square-foot addition to an existing accessory structure at 5055 Plantation Road in Cambridge.

Planning staff told the commission the accessory building dates to at least 1957 and is located entirely within the 100-foot tidal buffer. Staff said the proposed expansion would not encroach further into the buffer than the existing structure and that the addition falls beneath the ordinance limit for expansions (no greater than 30% since March 8, 2010, or 500 square feet, whichever is greater). Staff estimated the existing structure at about 290 square feet and calculated a net property increase of 393 square feet after removal of a 78-square-foot brick patio, keeping total lot coverage well under the 15% limit.

Agent Steven Winton showed exterior and interior photos and described the present use as a pottery studio and personal space, not a dwelling. Staff and commissioners discussed standards distinguishing accessory structures (garages, storage) from accessory dwelling units (which provide separate living facilities such as a kitchen and bathroom). Staff said that if a future building-permit submittal showed the space to be an accessory dwelling unit, the permit would be denied.

A commissioner moved to recommend approval as submitted; the motion was seconded and the commission voted unanimously in favor. The recommendation will be forwarded to the appropriate permit authority for final determination.