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BZA approves detached accessory dwelling at Hawthorne Place, grants variance citing family hardship
Summary
A detached accessory dwelling unit (about 450 sq ft) replacing a garage at Hawthorne Place was approved by the board; members granted both a special permit and a variance for increased FAR after the petitioners described a family hardship (an adult son with health needs).
Architect Maggie Bowes presented plans to demolish an existing accessory garage and build a slightly larger detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU), roughly 450 square feet of living space with storage on the ground floor. The proposal required both a special permit for an ADU and a variance because the proposed gross floor area would exceed the ordinance—s FAR limits.
The applicants included a statement describing a family hardship: the homeowners intend the ADU to house an adult son with significant health needs so he can remain near family and receive support. The board found that literal enforcement would create substantial hardship and that relief could be granted without detriment to the public good. The board approved both the special permit and the variance subject to conformity with the submitted drawings; members noted setbacks and open space remained conforming aside from FAR.
