Applicant withdraws ADU request and commission conditions 48 Norwood conversion

James Gatis, the applicant for 48 Norwood Avenue, told the Manchester‑by‑the‑Sea Conservation Commission that he had stopped pursuing zoning approval for an accessory dwelling unit and would instead reclassify the work as an accessory building without a kitchen.

That change, Gatis said, keeps the structure’s footprint the same while altering interior square footage and moving the driveway forward about 15–20 feet; he told commissioners the net change in impervious area is small and can be addressed by shifting the driveway back to reduce pavement. "We are no longer seeking the zoning board's approval for an ADU. This is now going to be considered an accessory building," he said.

Commissioners pressed the applicant for exact impervious‑area calculations and a revised plot plan. Commissioner Gordon and other members confirmed the footprint is not changing but noted the proposed building’s square footage will be larger than the existing structure and that driveway adjustments will determine whether impervious cover increases or decreases.

The commission decided to close the public hearing and condition any approval on delivery of a revised map and a landscape plan demonstrating no net increase in impervious coverage; members discussed modest mitigation planting behind the building to offset minor changes. The motion to close the hearing and condition the file passed on a unanimous roll‑call vote.

Next steps: the applicant will submit an updated plot plan and landscape plan showing the driveway adjustment and a demonstration that impervious coverage is equal to or less than existing coverage; the commission reserved final order language until those materials are received.