Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Residential Setback Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves garage expansion and second-story living space for Meadow Street homeowners
Summary
The ZBA granted variances to expand a nonconforming garage and allow a second-story accessory living unit at 24 Meadow Street, accepting applicants’ argument that the work keeps the existing footprint and preserves neighborhood character.
The Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to grant requested variances that will allow homeowners at 24 Meadow Street to expand a nonconforming garage by about eight feet and add a second-story living unit intended for a family member.
The homeowners said the garage expansion will not increase the home’s footprint toward neighbors and will create living space for an in-law suite. "We are simply trying to extend its use by making it a little, longer towards the back and then building an apartment for my mother-in-law," a homeowner testified.
Board members repeatedly noted the house is a preexisting nonconforming structure built before current setback rules and said the proposed work would not alter the street-facing footprint. The board first confirmed the cases were not developments of regional impact and then took the variance motions one by one. After members said the proposal met the statutory criteria, motions to grant were moved, seconded and carried unanimously.
The approval allows the owners to proceed with design and permitting for the two-story garage with an accessory dwelling above, subject to standard building permits and inspections.
