Inspection reveals unpermitted renovations and inadequate permits for local dwelling

May 23, 2025 | Town of Yarmouth, Barnstable County, Massachusetts


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Inspection reveals unpermitted renovations and inadequate permits for local dwelling
The Town of Yarmouth's Zoning Board of Appeals convened on May 22, 2025, to address several zoning issues related to property modifications and compliance with local regulations. The meeting focused on a specific property that has undergone significant changes without the necessary permits.

The discussion began with an examination of a basement that has been finished to include a half bath. Board members noted that this modification does not meet the definition of a dwelling unit, as there are no permits on file for this work. Additionally, the property features three dormers—two located at the rear and one at the front—along with a total of three bedrooms, which includes one bedroom in the finished rear dormer and another on the second floor. It was highlighted that the original structure only contained one bathroom, raising concerns about the extent of the renovations.

Aerial photographs from October 5, 2018, confirmed that the roof did not have dormers at that time, indicating that these changes were made without proper authorization. The board also discussed an enlarged rear deck and a shed that had been replaced with a larger structure, which appears to infringe on the front setback. Aerial images from March 27, 2019, showed the new shed, while earlier images did not depict any shed in the back corner, suggesting that the previous structure was significantly smaller.

The board emphasized that all unpermitted work must be rectified through proper applications, including electrical and building permits, as well as demolition work to ensure compliance with relevant codes. Specifically, the shed will require a permit and may need relief from the Zoning Board of Appeals due to its location.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of adhering to zoning regulations and the necessity for property owners to obtain the appropriate permits for any modifications. The board's next steps will involve ensuring that the property owner addresses these compliance issues to align with local zoning laws.

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