The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on August 28 to review a Special Permit Request made by Mark Verille of 74 Allen Street for the removal of a 10×13-foot shed. The applicant seeks the removal of the existing shed and replacing it with a larger, 16×24-foot shed that would lie closer to the lot line than allowed by existing zoning guidelines.
Board Chair Cynthia Callow began by explaining the review of this request would generally pertain to the 230-61.C Nonconforming Structures Bylaw. Member Will Tifft asked the applicant the first question, “why do you need a bigger shed?” Verille explained they’ve owned the house a little over five years, with the house itself having only a crawl space and no attic, and described it as having “extremely limited storage.” He stated its purpose was to be a summer house, but they are now spending more time at it and require increased storage. The applicant also stated the existing shed is less than 3 feet from the lot line, with the new shed having a “better impact on the neighbors” and being 3 feet from the line. He also added they spoke with all their property neighbors and have received all positive feedback on the proposed changes.
Alternate member Tucker Burr brought up recent accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulation changes and said he believes “you should only be able to build within the setbacks if it’s a permanent building.” Burr expressed worry that, in the future, the permitted shed could be used as justification to convert it into a larger ADU. Callow said those requests are made on a case-by-case basis, and the ADU concern would be addressed in the future should it manifest.
The hearing was closed, and the Special Permit was granted with a unanimous vote of 4 in favor.
The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, September 11 at 6:30 pm in the Marion Police Station or hybrid via Microsoft Teams.
Marion Zoning Board of Appeals
By Sam Bishop