ZBA allows roof deck at 13 Medford Street with safety and usage limits
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
The Zoning Board approved variances to permit a 15-by-17-foot roof deck at 13 Medford Street, imposing conditions that bar gas grills and umbrellas and require perimeter railings and durable furniture practices.
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance and special permit allowing a 15‑by‑17‑foot roof deck at 13 Medford Street.
Applicant Alex Monterey explained the deck would use existing roof footings installed by a prior owner and provide limited outdoor space; he told the board he had no other usable outdoor area. Monterey also said the roof penetrations require remediation if a deck is not installed. Planning staff and the Planning Board reviewed the application and recommended approval with standard conditions; the Planning Board specifically recommended no gas grills or umbrellas on the deck.
Board members reviewed the variance criteria for front, side and rear yard setbacks as they apply to a deck above an otherwise nonconforming structure and found the statutory tests satisfied: the structure is nonconforming, the deck responds to a site constraint, and the board concluded the proposal would not harm the public good or the zoning ordinance’s intent.
The board’s approval included the Planning Board conditions (no gas grills or umbrellas) and standard permitting conditions (railing/guard requirements to meet code). The applicant said he intends to use removable or heavy furniture and will store items indoors during high winds.