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Board allows setback and limited tree-root encroachment at 214 Gannett Cove
Summary
The Board of Adjustment approved a variance permitting a garage and building footprint that encroaches into the 25-foot front building line and slightly into the critical root zone of protected oaks at 214 Gannett Cove; the vote was unanimous, 7-0.
The board voted 7-0 to grant a variance for 214 Gannett Cove allowing a garage location that encroaches into the 25-foot front building-line setback and slightly (staff estimated about 5–10 feet) into the critical root zone of a 32-inch heritage oak and other protected trees.
Staff described the lot as an unusual cul-de-sac parcel with steep topography and said previous site iterations attempted to avoid tree impacts but left the requested location as the preferable option. The applicant explained that the lot's terrain and tree locations constrained siting, and emphasized that the preferred placement would avoid removal of multiple smaller oaks. "The terrain is extremely rough and we have spent a lot of time going forward and backward with ideas and architects," the applicant said while describing design choices that minimize tree removal. Board members reviewed the site plan and renderings on the record and accepted staff's recommendation; no portal comments were submitted and the motion carried 7-0.
