Arlington ZBA to draft approval for enclosed mudroom at 15 Janet Road; board adds window and administrative conditions

Saul Moskowitz asked the Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals for a special permit to construct a small enclosed mudroom at 15 Janet Road within the front-yard setback. The board voted to close the hearing and directed staff to draft a decision in favor of approval, subject to conditions the board discussed.

Moskowitz said he and his wife need more storage for a stroller, shoes and daily items; they moved to Arlington a year ago and recently had a baby. "We would like to build a small mudroom in the front of our house to add more storage space for our stroller, sneakers and jackets," he said.

Town staff and members reviewed applicable zoning provisions that allow limited enclosed entrances in the front-yard setback by special permit (noting section 5.39 provisions). Board members said the proposal reads as an enclosed entrance rather than a full interior expansion into the front yard and that similar enclosed entrances are commonly approved in Arlington. Several board members recommended a lightening design change; the applicant agreed to add a right-side window above an interior counter to reduce visual mass.

The board proposed standard conditions (plans and specifications control construction; building inspector monitoring; continuing jurisdiction) plus two application-specific items: add the right-side window shown in tonight's discussion and formally replace/void the prior special permit the property carries so the new approval is the operative permit. The chair asked Member Hanlon to draft the opinion in favor of approval; the board voted by roll call to close the public hearing. The board will vote on the final written decision at its next meeting on July 28.