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Zoning board approves duplex conversion at 51 Mechanic Street after neighbor questions on driveway and septic
Summary
The Foxborough Zoning Board approved a special permit on June 25 to convert 51 Mechanic Street from a single‑family to a two‑family residence, imposing conditions tied to the certified plot plan, a cap on new habitable floor area, and comparable exterior materials; nearby residents raised concerns about signage, parking and septic/drainage, and the board emphasized Board of Health review.
The Foxborough Zoning Board of Appeals on June 25 approved a special permit allowing a conversion of 51 Mechanic Street from a single‑family house to a two‑family dwelling, subject to conditions and standard health‑department review.
The applicant told the board the project will add an attached rear unit, provide parking for both units and either install a new septic system or seek a sewer tie‑in. "We're looking to do the same thing we did next door," the applicant said, describing a rear addition that will serve the second unit and noting there appears to be room for a septic or a potential sewer connection.
A Zoom neighbor, who identified herself as Kelly of 49 Mechanic Street, said she had not understood the plan was to create a duplex and raised concerns about the small frontage, setback compliance, and where additional cars would park. Other neighbors echoed questions about driveway layout and whether a larger septic could be designed without raising the yard or increasing flooding risk.
The chair explained that two‑family houses are allowed in the R‑15 district by right, but the board must determine whether the proposed increase in habitable floor area would cause a substantial detriment under the special‑permit standards. The board reviewed the six statutory factors (community need, traffic, utilities, neighborhood character, environmental impact, fiscal impact) and concluded the application did not present substantial detriment provided the applicant complies with required design and health‑department approvals.
Conditions imposed mirror the board’s standard approach: the addition must be located as shown on the certified plot plan and meet the front/side/rear setbacks therein; the habitable area for the proposed addition shall not exceed the figure stated at the hearing (applicant indicated about 1,700 square feet for the addition in total after buildout); and exterior materials and color must match the existing dwelling. The motion to approve carried unanimously after a closed public portion and deliberation.
The board and staff emphasized that septic system design, testing (perk tests), and approval are the Board of Health’s responsibility and that no certificate of occupancy will issue without Board of Health sign‑off and any necessary building‑permit approvals.
