Peabody zoning board approves ADU side-yard variance for 77 Margin Street

The City of Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals on June 15 approved a variance to allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 77 Margin Street to sit about 4.8 feet from the side lot line instead of the 15 feet required under the city zoning ordinance.

Jason Bailey, who identified himself as representing the property at 77 Margin Street, told the board the family seeks the setback relief so the proposed one-story ADU will fit on the lot and remain within the 900-square-foot limit for ADUs. "We are looking for the variance so we can build an ADU," Bailey said.

The board heard a letter from the applicants, David and Eloise Gabriel, asking that the proposed garage be removed from consideration while the rest of the variance request proceed. The chair also read a letter from abutting neighbor Leslie Couture of 75 Margin Street stating she reviewed the plans and consented to the requested setback for the ADU.

After no public comment, a motion to approve carried on a roll-call vote: Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Baccola, Ms. Picardi and Ms. Gallucci voted yes. The chair announced the application approved, 4–0; one member was absent. The chair reminded applicants that the board's decision will be filed with the city clerk and that a 20-day appeal period follows filing.

Why it matters: The decision clears the way for an ADU described by the applicant as one story with a rear deck, and reflects the board balancing neighborhood consent and dimensional limits against zoning requirements. The approval applies only to the ADU side-yard relief read into the record for this hearing; the applicants withdrew the garage from consideration.

The board set its next regular meeting for July 20; the decision will be entered with the city clerk and is subject to any timely appeals.