Board approves front-yard setback variance for deck at 1 Lynwood Drive

The Bolton Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4–1 on Nov. 12 to grant a 15-foot front-yard setback variance at 1 Lynwood Drive to allow construction of a wraparound deck.

Applicant Raphael Vergnaud, the owner of the property, told the board the house was built in 1953 before current zoning rules and that limited rear-yard space, a shed and an air-conditioning condenser make a rear deck impractical. He said a portion — about one-third — of the proposed decking had previously been in place and that the home sits diagonally on a corner lot, constraining buildable area.

Chairman Morris Silverstein and other members questioned what constituted a legal hardship under the zoning criteria. Member William Pike argued the lot’s corner placement and diagonal siting created substantial limitations and moved to approve the variance with the condition that the variance apply only to a deck; the motion was seconded by Member Jonathan Treat and carried 4–1–0. Member Anne Decker dissented, saying setbacks exist for a reason and that other solutions could avoid encroachment.

The approved variance reduces the required front-yard setback from 35 feet to 20 feet for the deck. The board’s approval is limited to the deck as described; no broader structural or footprint changes were authorized. The public hearing for the application closed earlier in the evening, and the board reached consensus to decide during the meeting.

No additional procedural steps or appeals were recorded in the minutes of Nov. 12; the minutes do not list a subsequent appeal or permitting action.