A Brockton homeowner received permission to complete an addition after the zoning board voted to grant a special permit, but only after officials attached conditions to address permitting and yard conditions.

The homeowner told the board the addition "does not create a new type of zoning violation" and said she was "simply asking to extend the current building line." Board members repeatedly noted the construction had proceeded without a valid permit: the homeowner said she applied in July 2024 but that the permit application was "canceled after 3 days." Building inspector Speaker 4 told the board the July 2024 application was declined for lack of a certified plot plan and for failure to respond, and that inspections had not been completed.

Board members said they were concerned the work began without an approved permit but that they had received letters of neighbor support. Neighbor Suzanne Price of 11 12th Ave described the backyard as an "eyesore" and said it had "been going on" for about two years, adding she wanted the yard cleaned because of pests and trash.

On the motion to grant the special permit, Speaker 7 moved and Speaker 3 seconded. The clerk recorded roll-call votes in favor from Mister Lanis, Chief Nadelli, Mister Sweeny, Miss Greenberry and Chair Galligan. The board granted the special permit with two primary conditions: the homeowner must obtain a new, complete building permit with required inspections, and the property must be cleaned up before any permit issuance. Building inspector Speaker 4 said he would add the cleanup requirement as a condition in CitizenServe and noted the correct construction value would require a new application.

The board framed the outcome as a way to bring the property into compliance and to address the neighbor’s health and safety concerns. Board members warned the homeowner that failure to follow permit and cleanup conditions could require removal of the unpermitted work.

The special permit concluded the item with the board noting numerous letters of support on file.