Zoning board approves 14-foot variance for Clark Road addition

The Bolton Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 12 approved a 14-foot variance that reduces the required side-yard setback at 28 Clark Road from 25 feet to 11 feet to allow homeowners Michael and Michelle Pierce to construct an 800-square-foot garage with bedrooms above. The board voted unanimously, 5-0.

Vice Chairman William Pike opened the public hearing and the Pierces explained their proposal. Michael Pierce told the board the variance is needed because “they are requesting a 14 ft. variance on the left side of their house to construct a garage with a couple of bedrooms above it,” and added the lot is narrower than neighboring parcels.

Board members probed alternatives and the legal standard for hardship. Member Joshua Machnik said he agreed with the applicants that the lot is narrower than others, and Member Anne Decker noted there are several identical small lots nearby and expressed concern about setting a precedent. Member Jonathan Treat questioned whether the regulatory section cited applies and whether denial would still leave the property usable; the Pierces acknowledged the lot would remain usable without the addition.

The board initially considered a motion to approve that failed for lack of a second. After further discussion about precedent and the characteristics of lots in the neighborhood, Machnik moved again to grant the 14-foot variance, citing the lot’s narrowness and previous variances in the neighborhood; Athina Loveland seconded. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0.

The variance authorizes the Pierces to build the addition with the reduced side-yard setback. The board’s discussion emphasized narrow lot width and the neighborhood’s prior construction patterns as reasons for approval. No additional conditions were recorded in the minutes; the approved plan and any required building permits will proceed under the town’s permit processes.