Zoning board allows storage container at 200 Summer Street with paint and location conditions

The Bristol Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5-0 on June 2 to grant Special Exception #26SPX04, allowing a storage container at 200 Summer Street to remain on site beyond the 90-day allowance but imposing conditions that the container be painted within 90 days and remain in its current approved location.

Applicant Chris Murphy told the board he uses the container to store building materials and tools for upcoming projects and that the container cost about $1,200, whereas building a comparably sized shed would cost an estimated $15,000. Murphy said the unit is located at the rear of the property, away from the road, and offered to improve screening and change the color to blend into the surroundings.

Staff displayed photos submitted by the applicant and the board confirmed there was no infringement on setbacks and the unit was not readily visible from neighboring yards or the road. On the question of whether a granted Special Exception could be limited to the current owner, staff noted the ordinance did not provide a mechanism for adding an expiration condition, so the board treated the exemption as running with the property.

Neighbors Carol Huber and Shaun Lagueux spoke in favor of leaving the container in place, and no abutters objected. Board members found the application met the applicable criteria for location, visibility and public welfare. David Kafka moved to grant the Special Exception with conditions (paint within 90 days; keep the container in the approved location and return to ZBA for any relocation), Steve Carten seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

The board’s decision includes the two conditions and requires Murphy to return to the ZBA for approval if he later wishes to relocate the container. The minutes record staff’s recommendation to allow aesthetic mitigation and to ensure compliance with setback requirements.