ZBA grants variance for garage and accessible bathroom at 4 Dartmouth Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted Feb. 24 to grant a variance permitting construction of a garage addition at 4 Dartmouth Street that will be located closer to the front property line than permitted as of right.

Applicant Alexandria “Ally” Digiiseppi testified that the garage addition is needed in part to include a handicap-accessible bathroom for her husband, who has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She said the garage cannot be shortened because they need space to move around a vehicle and access the bathroom.

Board discussion confirmed the required front setback is 30 feet; the motion as recorded grants a variance to allow a front setback of 27 feet, 1 inch (an encroachment of approximately 2 feet, 11 inches). A member moved to grant the variance on the grounds that adjacent properties would not be adversely impacted and that the reduced dimensions would not be detrimental to the public good or the intent of the bylaw. The motion was seconded and the board voted in favor with no recorded opposition.

Board members did not record additional conditions beyond the variance itself. No public testimony opposing the variance was recorded online or in the meeting.