Zoning Board of Appeals approves variance allowing large accessory structure on Deer Street property

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for a residential property on Deer Street that permits an accessory structure to exceed 90% of the principal structure’s coverage, the board announced at its July 20, 2026 meeting.

The chair read the board’s findings for calendar item 26 b-02, noting the subject property is located in a low-density residential zone and that the applicant sought permission for a major accessory structure to be greater than 90% of the principal structure’s coverage. "Based upon the facts of this case ... the request by Christine Ehler for variance to allow major accessory structure to be greater than 90% of the coverage of the principal structure to allow for detached single car accessory structure to the rear of the principal structure be approved," the chair read; later in the reading the transcript records the applicant name as "Christine Adler." The transcript therefore contains inconsistent spellings of the applicant’s name.

The chair walked through the variance criteria — hardship unique to the property, no special privilege, literal interpretation, reasonable use, minimum necessary, and compatibility with adjacent properties — and concluded the criteria were met. A board member moved to approve the resolution; after a second the board took a roll-call vote and members recorded affirmatives (motion call; Varenski; Spivey; Valente; Monaghan; Honey; others) and the chair announced the item approved.

The approval permits the accessory structure relief described in the resolution. The board adjourned after taking this action.