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ZBA approves sign and setback relief for several local businesses and properties; 215 Sandwich Road continued
Summary
The Wareham ZBA granted variances and special permits July 22 for an Oak Hill deck repair, multiple sign variances (3138 and 3126 Cranberry Highway) and a garage setback at 122 Charge Pond Road, extended a prior permit at 2786 Cranberry Highway, and continued the contested request for 215 Sandwich Road to Aug. 26 for counsel review.
The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals voted July 22 to grant a series of variances and special permits affecting local properties along Cranberry Highway and in residential neighborhoods.
What passed - 6 Oak Hill Road (Thomas Cooper): The board treated the applicants request as a special permit and approved replacement of an existing deck that remains in the same footprint, with standard conditions and construction per JC Engineering plans dated 01/08/2026.
- Signage at 3138 Cranberry Highway (owner represented in meeting as MDD Property Management / Michael Deering): After discussion about the bylaw and whether simple name changes should require board review, members voted to grant variances under Article 11 (sections cited in the file) to allow the existing sign area; the board noted it will revisit the sign bylaw to simplify minor name-only changes in the future.
- Signage at 3126 Cranberry Highway (Jefez Masa Cantina / Michael Grant Jr.): The board granted the requested variance to retain historically-used sign dimensions for visibility on Route 28, noting the request mirrors prior preexisting nonconforming signage at that address.
- 122 Charge Pond Road (Daniel Bazinet): The board approved a variance for a detached two-car garage but modified the approval so the 24-by-26 garage must align with the existing paved driveway (not bluestone) to avoid removing mature trees; the board discussed moving the structure back about 57 feet to match pavement.
- Extension for 2786 Cranberry Highway (Aaron Gomes): The board approved a six-month extension to complete work required by a prior decision (removal of specified garages and finishing the house) after inspection delays.
Whats continued - 215 Sandwich Road (Mohammed Parwaz): The owner requested conversion of a long-standing commercial building to two residential units. Neighbors raised concerns about sewer capacity, odor from a nearby treatment plant, FAR and future nonconformity; the board voted to continue deliberation to Aug. 26 so staff can seek counsel and confirm how the July 1 statutory changes apply to lot-area, FAR and conversion questions.
Board procedure and votes Chair Naziel Collase ran roll calls and motions. Multiple motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice votes; the board recorded members saying "aye" during roll calls. Applicants and neighbors were given an opportunity to present and ask clarifying questions before votes were taken.
Applicantsnotes Michael Grant Jr., who said he is relocating a Plymouth restaurant to Cranberry Highway, told the board his plan is to restore a vacant building, create jobs and "maintain the existing signed dimensions historically used at this property." Owner Michael Deering said he hopes town staff will streamline the process for simple name changes to signs.
The board recorded conditions tied to the applications (plans referenced, alignment/measurement conditions, and standard permit conditions) and asked staff to prepare clearer bylaw language on sign replacements and to provide counsel input on the new state law before the Aug. 26 meeting.
The board adjourned after finishing the evenings business.
