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ZBA approves ADU permit at 125 Grand View with curb‑cut condition to preserve on‑street parking
Summary
The board approved a special permit allowing an ADU and modified parking layout for 125 Grand View Avenue but urged the applicant to reduce curb‑cut width or revise the driveway so a 5‑ft buffer is preserved to maintain one on‑street parking space.
Brandon Hale, owner of 125 Grand View Avenue, withdrew earlier variance requests after clarifying Department of Public Works requirements and sought a special permit to modify parking and driveway layout for an accessory dwelling unit. Hale described two 22‑ft curb cuts and said the existing driveway orientation made moving a 5‑ft setback difficult.
Planning staff recommended narrower curb cuts to preserve one on‑street parking space and avoid enforcement issues; staff noted that Department of Transportation and Mobility enforces a rule preventing on‑street parking within 5 ft of a curb cut. "We prevent parking within 5T of a curb cut," a planning staffer said, explaining the rationale for the recommended 18‑ft curb‑cut width to preserve one legal on‑street space.
Hale said the two existing curb cuts allowed three cars to park off the street and that making them narrower would risk pushing vehicles partially onto the lawn. Board members emphasized practical options: narrow the curb cuts to 18 ft, revise the driveway to meet the required 5‑ft setback and remain compliant (which would obviate the need for the waiver), or continue the item to allow the applicant to return with revised plans.
After discussion the applicant requested the waivers and the board voted to approve the special permit subject to staff conditions, including a requirement to revise curb‑cut geometry so that one on‑street parking space is preserved (narrowed openings and revised curbing as described by DTM) or to file a plan showing the alternate compliant driveway if the applicant prefers to keep a 22‑ft curb cut by reconfiguring on‑site pavement. Votes: Abramoff — yes; Cortez — yes; Mormmy — yes; Tono — yes; Barnhagen — yes; Chair — yes.
What happens next: The applicant may either revise the curb cuts to meet the 18‑ft condition set by the board or modify on‑site pavement to secure the required 5‑ft setback and avoid noncompliance; planning staff recommended the applicant meet with DPW and planning staff to finalize the curbing plan before filing for permits.
