Where it stands as of Wed, Jun 10
The Zoning Board of Appeals conditionally approved 1.3 feet of side setback relief for unpermitted construction at 34 Turnpike Road. The approval requires the contractor to cut back an unauthorized foundation bump-out at grade and is conditioned on Board of Health confirmation that the septic capacity accommodates the home's bedroom count. An abutting property owner objected to the expansion, questioning the structure's overall size and septic adequacy.
- For Zoning Board of Appeals Voted 5-0 on June 10, 2026, to approve the side setback relief subject to Board of Health certification of septic system capacity.
- Against Public comment A representative for an abutting owner opposed the expansion, citing lot history and dwelling size and urging zoning relief be delayed pending Board of Health review.
Votes
| Date | Board | Motion | Result | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoning Board of Appeals | Approve the request for 1.3 feet of side setback relief for 34 Turnpike Road subject to review and approval by the Board of Health confirming septic system capacity meets the bedroom count 34 Turnpike Road special permit | Passed5-0 | 1:04:20 | |
| Zoning Board of Appeals | Close the public hearing for 34 Turnpike Road 34 Turnpike Road special permit | Passed5-0 | 54:26 | |
| Zoning Board of Appeals | Motion to continue the public hearing for 34 Turnpike Road to June 10, 2026, at 7:15 PM. 34 Turnpike Road special permit | Passedunanimous | 42:04 |
Every time it came up newest first
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34 Turnpike Road setback relief and as-built modification
The board resumed a public hearing on an addition at 34 Turnpike Road where as-built construction deviated from permitted plans. To resolve an unauthorized foundation bump-out encroaching on septic system setbacks, the contractor proposed cutting back the foundation at grade, filling the void with flowable fill, and supporting the upper floor with an interior steel beam. The applicant also requested dimensional relief for the side setback, which measured 13.9 feet instead of the required 15 feet. After hearing abutter objections concerning overall house size and septic capacity, the board approved the 1.3-foot setback relief on the condition that the Board of Health reviews and certifies the septic capacity.
- Address: 34 Turnpike Road
- Foundation bump-out of approximately 5 by 10 feet encroached on septic system setbacks and must be removed at grade
- Requested side setback relief for an as-built distance of 13.9 feet versus the required 15 feet (a 1.3-foot encroachment)
- Approval is conditioned on explicit Board of Health confirmation that the septic capacity meets the dwelling bedroom count
- Town planner noted a written decision will be filed within two weeks, initiating a 20-day appeal period
Outcome: Relief approved with conditions
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34 Turnpike Road special permit hearing
The board considered an application for a special permit regarding unpermitted construction and renovations at 34 Turnpike Road that exceeded previous approvals. Neither the applicant nor legal counsel attended, and staff confirmed the applicant's prior attorney had recently withdrawn from representation. Board members voiced frustration over lack of communication and unresolved Board of Health concerns about septic setbacks, deciding to give the applicant a final opportunity to appear before initiating enforcement action.
- Address: 34 Turnpike Road
- Applicant and legal counsel failed to appear for the scheduled hearing
- Town staff reported the applicant's attorney recently withdrew from representation
- Concerns include work exceeding prior renovation approvals and lack of an updated site plan showing septic system setbacks
- Town staff will send a certified letter warning that the application must be presented on June 10 or face denial, which would trigger zoning enforcement
Outcome: Hearing continued to June 10, 2026, at 7:15 PM.