Planning Board refers 4 Sylvia Street two‑family conversion to ZBA for area and setback variances

The Planning Board heard an initial appearance for a proposal to convert the lower level of 4 Sylvia Street to a legal accessory unit and voted to refer the required variances to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Architect Nils Fredriksen said the conversion is necessary because the property’s lower level effectively functions as a bedroom area and the proposed changes slightly exceed the 700 sq ft threshold for accessory units. Fredriksen noted the property is on well water rather than Town water and that the project will require two variances: lot area (the property provides approximately 0.689 acres or ~30,000 sq ft vs. the 100,000 sq ft standard cited in the comment) and a front‑yard setback (46.6 ft provided vs. 50 ft required). Jim Campbell from Code Compliance asked that driveway widths be shown on the plans (minimum 12 ft); Pat Hines warned that adding a bedroom can increase hydraulic loading and that septic sizing may need to be addressed in plan review.

The Board moved that Planning Board counsel prepare a referral to the ZBA; the motion passed by roll call. The applicant was advised to pursue any needed septic or civil engineering updates concurrently with the ZBA application and to expect a Public Hearing at a future Planning Board meeting as part of the special‑use process for two‑family conversions in the zone.