Charlton Zoning Board OKs special permit and variances for lakefront house at 27 Roberts Boulevard

The Town of Charlton Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 6 approved a homeowner’s request to expand a preexisting, nonconforming house at 27 Roberts Boulevard, granting a special permit to extend the existing use and variances for reduced side setbacks.

The applicant, Joshua Burden, told the board he is seeking to "square off" the existing house with an addition he described as roughly 10 by 28 feet and said a similar permit had been granted before the pandemic but expired. "We just had it expired during the pandemic," Burden said, adding that a growing household and remote work by both adults made expanding the current residence the most feasible option.

Kurt Vasquez, building commissioner and zoning enforcement officer, summarized the site and neighborhood for the board, describing the property as an unusual L-shaped lot near the lake with small neighboring parcels and access via an unimproved Helen Drive. Vasquez noted the lot’s topography and the location of the septic system in front of the house as constraints that limit alternatives for siting the proposed work.

Board members agreed the application required two formal votes: first, a special permit to extend a preexisting nonconforming use because the project enlarges the existing nonconformity; second, variances to allow side-yard reductions necessary for the addition. In discussion, the board chair stated a finding that the proposed extension "conforms to the neighborhood" and would not be more detrimental to the area.

On the motions, the board voted in favor of the special permit and then approved a variance to permit a 5.5-foot north side setback and a 3-foot south side setback, as shown on the applicant’s plan. The board cited hardship arising from the lot’s odd shape, the slope down to the lake, and the septic location in front of the house. The motions carried by voice vote.

The chair explained procedural next steps: there is a 20-day appeal period after the board’s decision is filed with the town clerk. If no appeal is filed, the applicant must record the special permit and variance at the registry of deeds and may then proceed to obtain building permits and begin work.

The board also approved routine business: minutes from the prior meeting were accepted, the chair assigned Dale to prepare the annual report, staff noted another incomplete application that will receive a denial letter, and members discussed scheduling a future meeting date.