It was a split decision night for the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals on October 8. The board approved a variance allowing a 12×12-foot addition to the home at 113 Walnut Plain Road but tabled a vote on a variance for a 16×26-foot shed/garage in the front yard of 174 New Bedford Road for a future meeting.
The applicant for the New Bedford Road plan, Michael Ryan, explained he needs a shed or garage in his front yard to store one of his vehicles because he has no other place for it on his property.
Board member Davis Sullivan was the first to voice the board’s concern that the property’s plot plan is not stamped and thereby does not show formal approval by a professional engineer.
“I don’t have a problem with your plan,” he said. “But we need to have a stamped and approved plot plan in front of us.”
Ryan said he has reached out to his original engineer to correct the oversight. That engineer has retired but referred him to another professional who is sifting through the original engineer’s records to solve the problem. He said he wanted to know how the board would decide before spending money on stamped plans.
Board members echoed Sullivan’s response, saying they had no problem with the variance application itself but needed a stamped plot plan to refer to when making their decision. Ultimately, the board continued the New Bedford Road hearing until November 12.
Next, Amy and Brian Berube told the board they need a variance from the side setback requirements to build an addition at their 113 Walnut Plain Road residence because both work out of their home. Amy Berube’s office for her social work is in the breezeway and is constantly subjected to interruptions from the entrance. He said it would be a place with no interruptions. He also said his work at home requires a separate space.
The board ultimately approved this variance with conditions that the structure be no closer than 32 feet from the side setback and that its architectural features match the rest of the residence.
In other action, board administrator Andreia Lacerda reported the board has received no new petitions as of this date. There will be no meeting on October 22.
The board did not set a new meeting date before adjourning.
Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals
By Michael J. DeCicco