Zoning Board of Appeals

Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes 2/24/2025 at 6:30 P.M. Note: These minutes are not completed verbatim. For further detail, contact the Division of Development Services, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA or refer to video recordings available online at www.LTC.org. Members Present: Chairman Pech, Vice-Chair Callahan, Member McCarthy, Member Briere, Member Procope, Member Hovey, Member Nickerson Members Absent: None Others Present: Francesca Cigliano, Senior Planner The following represents the actions taken by the Zoning Board of Appeals at the 2/24/2025 meeting. This meeting was held in the City Council chambers. Attendees had the ability to participate via Zoom as permitted by Chapter 107 of the Acts of 2022, signed into law on July 16, 2022. Chairman Pech called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM I. Continued Business II. New Business ZBA-2025-4 Petition Type: Variance Applicant: Vannara Nhar Property Located at: 73 Inland Street 01851 Applicable Zoning Bylaws: Section 5.1 Petition: The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to hear all interested persons relative to an application by Vannara Nhar to enclose their existing front porch at 73 Inland Street. The subject property is located in the Traditional Single Family (TSF) zoning district. The project requires Variance approval per Section 5.1 for relief from the maximum Floor Area Ratio, the maximum front yard setback, and for any other relief required under the Lowell Zoning Ordinance. On Behalf: Vannara Nhar, the Applicant Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: David Fuller, City of Lowell Building Commissioner D. Fuller asked the Board to require that the applicant complete projects before issuing a special permit. No permits were sought to do electrical work for their kitchen remodel. Mini splits, no electrical permit either. Once those are inspected, no objections. They need to take the required scope of permits seriously. G. Procope said does not feel comfortable issuing variances until issues have been rectified. No notice to the public has been published in front of the property. Required so abutters are aware of the meeting tonight. M. Briere said he supports comments from the Building Commissioner. Would want to withhold judgement on the petition for now. D. McCarthy said there are concerns about the porch enclosure. As I see it, I feel the application is incomplete. I would suggest offering to withdraw without prejudice until after submitting required permits to building department. Need elevations of the addition. It is coming before us for a variance for FAR, but the variance is for relief for front yard setback. Need clarity on what you are getting a variance from. D. McCarthy recommended applying for building permits so that house is inspected property so that there is not a hazardous condition in the house. When you have those satisfied, complete an application with elevations for the front porch so we understand you are asking for enclosure of the walls. D. McCarthy said he is seeing an application that he believes is incomplete. Needs elevations that tell me what you’re asking for. Need to know home has been inspected and meets criteria for a residence and have closed permits for heat pump and kitchen remodel. S. Callahan said he agrees with D. McCarthy that this is incomplete. Didn’t know what we were dealing with. Not clear exactly what your plans are. Also did not see a sign posted at the property. D. Fuller said the building department would be happy to work with him to ensure he gets permits he needs. S. Callahan said he would suggest continuing to the first April meeting and see where we are. T. Hovey said the sign is gone right now. Needs to be readjusted so that it is visible. S. Callahan requested to have applicant sign the continuance request form to formalize the continuance request. Motion: D. McCarthy motioned and S. Callahan seconded the motion to continue the item to the April 14, 2025 ZBA meeting. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). III. Other Business Minutes for Approval: 2/10/2025 D. McCarthy motioned and G. Procope seconded the motion to approve the minutes. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). IV. Adjournment D. McCarthy motioned and G. Procope seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The time was 6:58PM.