ZBA approves special permit for alteration at 9 Tawati Lane, finding changes not substantially more detrimental

The Nantucket Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 13 approved a special permit to alter a preexisting nonconforming dwelling at 9 Tawati Lane (appeal/application 20-510). Attorney Sarah Alger presented the request on behalf of Daniel W. West: the proposal lifts and squares an existing house to place it on a new foundation and adds modest extensions while improving side'yard setbacks in several locations.

Board members and staff reviewed site plans showing current side'yard measurements (approximate existing encroachments of ~5.0 to 6.9 feet on two sides) and the proposed condition (post'move setbacks of roughly 6.4 feet on both sides). Staff recommended finding the alterations would not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood under the relevant zoning provision (Zoning Bylaw alse 139.33). The board attached standard conditions: work must substantially conform to the board'approved site plan, the project must conform to any Historic District Commission approvals, no further expansion within the setback is permitted without additional relief, and any construction damage to Tawati Lane must be repaired.

The board voted by roll call to approve the permit under the finding that the work does not make the nonconformity substantially worse and that the proposal meets the special permit criteria.