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ZBA defers decision on Walden lot variances after neighbors raise well‑septic separation concerns
Summary
The ZBA deferred a decision on Cerone Enterprises’ variances for a Walden lot after nearby property owners told the Board the proposed septic plan could be too close to a planned well; the Board asked the applicant to coordinate with the Building Department and return with septic separation details.
Cerone Enterprises sought area variances for a small, existing nonconforming lot on Smith Avenue in Walden to permit a new single‑family dwelling and an attached deck. Applicant representative Kenneth Lytle outlined the nonconforming lot depth and the need for a deck variance; Code Compliance had not yet completed a septic/well separation review.
Several neighbors, including Alexandra O’Donnell, told the Board they had engineered plans and argued the proposed septic field would violate required separation distances from a nearby proposed well, potentially blocking their ability to build on an engineered lot. The applicant’s engineer said he could adjust laterals and the design to try to meet separation requirements, but Code Compliance had not yet issued a septic review.
Given unresolved health‑department and septic separation questions, the Board closed the public hearing and voted to defer its determination to the March meeting to allow the applicant and adjoining property owners to seek concurrent review with the Building Department and provide updated plans. The Board emphasized that the ZBA’s decision on lot coverage/setback variances is separate from any Health Department septic approvals required at permit stage.
