Planning board approves special permit to recognize three‑family use at 35 Hooker St.

The Town of Braintree Planning Board voted to approve a special permit and site plan review April 14 for 35 Hooker Street, allowing the property’s use as a three‑family dwelling with associated grading and six on‑site parking spaces.

Nick Courtney of Merrill Engineers presented the application for 35 Hooker Street LLC (Ben Rowan). Courtney said the property historically functioned as a legal three‑family and that the current owner purchased the property believing it to be a three‑family. The owner sought to formalize the configuration after the building commissioner flagged an unpermitted third unit. Courtney said the applicant has proposed six parking spaces (two per unit) and has received necessary relief from the Zoning Board of Appeals for parking configuration. He noted the property sits at a low‑trafficked dead‑end and abuts a cemetery to the west.

Board members asked whether the assessor already classified the building as a three‑family and whether there are separate means of egress and kitchens on each floor; staff said assessment data suggested it is assessed as a three‑family and that building‑department review and occupancy inspections would address means of egress and code compliance prior to final occupancy permits. Courtney said parking striping had not yet been completed but the applicant provided photographs showing four newly‑striped spaces; the plan requires six.

Member Connley moved approval and Member Kaine seconded. The board approved the special permit by voice vote. Planning staff said occupancy certificates for each unit must comply with the building department before units can be occupied.