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Otis ZBA approves Martin’s permit to replace lakeside house with updated setbacks
Summary
At its Aug. 4 meeting the Otis Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved George Martin’s Special Permit to demolish and rebuild a single-family home at 1010 Reservoir Road, approving updated plans and filing requirements; the board noted boundary confirmation from Land Court and a required sequencing of lakefront work.
The Town of Otis Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a Special Permit on Aug. 4 allowing applicant George Martin to demolish an existing house and construct a new single-family home, driveway, upgraded septic system and segmental block retaining walls at 1010 Reservoir Road.
George Martin told the board the latest plans (a three-bedroom house and a three-bedroom septic system dated 7/23/25) were submitted in advance of the continuance. Building Inspector Larry Gould told the board the disputed boundary and elevation lines had been confirmed through Land Court, the Registry of Deeds and the town, and are now Mr. Martin’s property.
Clerk Lisa Crozier read an email from an abutter, Robin Peterson (Putnam), expressing support: “I am an abutter of George Martin at 1029 Reservoir Road. I reviewed his application and I support it.” Chair Travis Ward and members discussed sequencing the work because the lakefront improvements must be completed prior to house and septic work. The application materials state the existing building setback from the reservoir is approximately 10 feet and the closest point of the proposed house to the reservoir is approximately 15 feet.
On a motion by Board member Wayne Woczyna, seconded by Jim Kauffman, the board voted 5–0–0 to approve the application as presented. Ward read the standard filing directions and deadline the board uses: “This permit will sit in abeyance for 20 days with the Town Clerk. The applicant can pick up the Notice of Decision and Notice for Filing on the 21st day. The applicant needs to file the permit with the Registry of Deeds in Pittsfield. Thereafter, bring proof of filing to the Building Inspector who will then issue the Building Permit. Failure to file or act upon the permit within two years will render the Special Permit null and void.”
Next steps for the applicant include filing the Notice of Decision with the Registry of Deeds and returning proof of that filing to the Building Inspector before a building permit will be issued. The board recorded no conditions beyond the standard filing requirements and noted the plan sequencing requirement for lakeside work.
