Board approves screened-porch conversion at 19 Peckham Hill with septic-related conditions and deed restriction

The Sherborn Board of Health approved a building permit on May 6 to convert a screened porch to a finished family room at 19 Peckham Hill Road, subject to multiple septic-related conditions designed to limit increased loading to an aging, irregularly documented septic system.

Health Agent Mark Oram outlined a complex history of changes to the property’s septic systems dating back to 1969, noting that as-built plans filed in 1982 did not match recent field evidence and that soil testing under current Title 5 standards had not been conducted. Engineer Desheng Wang, retained by the homeowners, argued hydraulic calculations and recent inspections showed the two systems were functionally adequate and recommended outlet filters and removal of the garbage disposal to reduce organic loading. Homeowner Graham Hennessy said the family was expecting a third child but was not planning to add bedrooms.

Dr. Rebecca Hunnewell urged a stricter approach, saying that because the system was not in full compliance the proper remedy would be upgrading to a 5-bedroom standard before adding conditioned space. Other board members noted a 1990 building permit indicating prior Board acceptance of similar renovations, and some members said converting the porch would not change the dwelling’s room count under current plans.

The Board approved the permit on the condition that the garbage disposal be removed and a deed restriction be filed prohibiting a future garbage disposal; outlet filters be installed on both septic tanks with at least annual inspection and cleaning; the destination of laundry wastewater be verified and routed as necessary; and that no further rooms be added under the current septic system. Vote: DB – AYE; SC – AYE; JD – AYE; DH – AYE; RH – ABSTAIN (4-0-1).