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ZBA accepts withdrawal of variance and approves revised addition at 10 Christopher Street
Summary
After a revised submission that withdrew a side‑setback variance, the Newburyport ZBA unanimously approved a special permit allowing a 10x15 mudroom addition at 10 Christopher Street, finding no new nonconformities and that the change was not substantially more detrimental.
The Newburyport City Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 24 approved a special permit for nonconformities at 10 Christopher Street after the applicant revised the design to eliminate a requested side‑setback variance.
Applicant Kyle Harrison told the board the revised plan maintains a 150‑square‑foot mudroom and corrected the side setback to 10.12 feet, removing the need for the variance. He said the rear nonconformity remains and the design preserves the character presented in previous hearings.
Board members asked technical questions about omitted handrails (the applicant confirmed rear railings will be black aluminum and code compliant), skirting under the front decking, and the jogged rear stair layout intended to reduce dead space. With those clarifications, members said the two‑part special‑permit test was met. Member Agmon moved to both accept the applicant’s withdrawal of the variance without prejudice and approve the special permit; the motion was seconded and approved by unanimous roll call.
The applicant was thanked for revisions and for providing improved drawings ahead of the meeting. The board noted the approval will be recorded along with a note that the variance request has been withdrawn and the remaining special‑permit approval may proceed to permitting steps.
