The Newton Land Use Committee on April 1 voted to approve a special permit allowing a rebuilt single-family house at 35 Village Circle to exceed the city's floor-area-ratio limit.

Applicant Anthony Lee, who said his family has owned the property since 1982, told the committee the house is structurally damaged and the project first sought demolition and rebuilding in 2023. Lee said the project received engineering site approval "so the stormwater management permit [was] by rights" and that the only relief requested at the hearing was an FAR increase to 0.37 where 0.33 is allowed.

The committee's vote followed a presentation by Joe Iadanisi, senior planner, who said all other dimensional and zoning standards on the site were in compliance and summarized the criteria the committee must consider for FAR relief: whether the site is appropriate, whether the dwelling will adversely affect the neighborhood, whether it would create hazards or nuisances, whether street access is appropriate, and whether the increase is consistent with the size, scale, and design of nearby structures. Iadanisi noted the lot is in an area with varied architectural styles and that the proposed 33-foot height would align with the neighborhood average.

Several councilors asked about stormwater and the site's grades. Lee said the plan lowers the average grade on the lot by roughly two feet and reduces lot coverage from 19% to 16%, and that the renovation includes a stormwater infiltration system. "We received the stormwater permit by rights," Lee told the committee. Planning staff confirmed engineering reviewed the project for the building permit and that John Daglian of the engineering division had visited the site.

Councilor Stephen Farrell (Ward 8) moved to close the public hearing and approve the project. The committee took a roll-call vote; the motion passed unanimously. Planning staff read three standard conditions into the draft order: incorporation of the approved site and architectural plans, issuance of building permits only for matching plans, and no certificate of occupancy until statements of compliance and as-built plans are filed.

The committee did not add special additional conditions beyond the standard site-plan, permitting, and as-built requirements. The public hearing was closed at the committee's vote.

Votes at the meeting were recorded by roll call: Councillor Randy Block (Ward 4) — yes; Councillor Andrea Downs (Ward 5) — yes; Councillor Stephen Farrell (Ward 8) — yes; Councillor Andrea Kelly (Chair, Ward 3) — yes; Councillor Lisonbee Leary (Ward 1) — yes; Councillor Alan Lobovitz (Ward 6) — yes; Councillor Tariq Lucas (Ward 2) — yes; Council President Mark Laredo (Ward 7) — yes. The motion passed.

The applicant said he will proceed with the building-permit process under the approved special-permit conditions.