Zoning Board of Appeals

Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes 5/12/2025 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 Members Absent: Member Nickerson Others Present: Dylan Ricker, Associate Planner The following represents the actions taken by the Zoning Board of Appeals at the 5/12/2025 meeting. This meeting was held in the City Council chambers. Attendees had the ability to participate via Zoom as permitted by Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, signed into law on March 28, 2025. Chairman Pech called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM I. Continued 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: Unknown, Applicant’s Representative The applicant’s representative said the required building and electrical permits were submitted the prior Thursday. The applicant’s representative said he spoke with the Building Commissioner to confirm what was needed was submitted. The applicant’s representative said he submitted a scale drawing. Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: None Discussion: G. Procope asked about the updated drawings. The applicant’s representative said the updated drawings were a a scale drawing for the front porch. G. Procope said he does not have that copy. The applicant’s representative brought forward a copy to the Board members. G. Procope asked if the plan has been submitted to DPD. The applicant’s representative said it was submitted to the Building Commissioner. G. Procope said his only concern is that the new drawings were submitted tonight. M. Briere said he has no questions. D. McCarthy said he feels a decision can be rendered at this meeting, and the relief is minimal. D. McCarthy said he is unsure if the proposed stair design will work per code because it may be in the right of way, if the proposal ends up requiring additional relief they will need to return to the Zoning Board. D. McCarthy recommended the applicant work out a code compliant egress but added this is not under Zoning Board jurisdictions. S. Callahan asked for confirmation the entire porch will be enclosed. The applicant’s representative confirmed. S. Callahan said his main concern was regarding the outstanding issues with the Building Commissioner, and agreed the requested relief is minimal. T. Hovey said he would have preferred the drawings be submitted earlier. T. Hovey agreed the relief requested is minimal. T. Hovey asked if there will be new stairs. The applicant’s representative said the stairs will not change. T. Hovey proposed a condition that the scale drawings be submitted to DPD staff. V. Pech expressed support. Motion: D. McCarthy motioned to approve with the following condition: (1) The applicant shall submit the revised drawings to DPD. G. Procope seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). II. New Business ZBA-2025-17 Petition Type: Variances Applicant: Peter Dendromiris Property Located at: 84 Walker Street, 01854 Applicable Zoning Bylaws: Section 6.1 Petition: Peter Dendromiris has applied to the Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals seeking Variance approval to add additional paving to the property ta 84 Walker Street. The subject property is located in the Traditional Multi-Family (TMF) zoning district. The project requires Variance approval per Section 6.1 for relief from the driveway dimensional requirements, and any other relief required under the Lowell Zoning Ordinance. On Behalf: Peter Dendromiris, Applicant P. Dendromiris explained the proposal. Dennis Dendromiris, Applicant Speaking in Favor: None Speaking in Opposition: Johannah Doulamas, 42 Litchfield Terrace J. Doulamas said there have been issues with the property, and said there is no existing driveway on Walker Street. J. Doulamas said they previously owned the property and there was never a driveway. J. Doulamas said the area has mud right now, no gravel., and said there is no existing paved driveway. J. Doulamas cited DPD and Engineering comments. J. Doulamas said Litchfield Terrace is a narrow street with minimal parking, which is privately owned. J. Doulamas said there is not enough room for parking. Discussion: M. Briere noted the applicant stated the area is not for parking which contradicts DPD comments. P. Dendromiris claimed there is an existing driveway which they are looking to pave along with adjacent dirt areas. M. Briere asked about the extent of paving. M. Breire asked how many vehicles would be parked there, P. Dendromiris said one. D. McCarthy questioned whether there is a water problem at the location given the slope of the area. P. Dendromiris said the issue is mud. D. McCarthy said in the past this was grass, and noted the area is being used to store a car with a flat tire. D. McCarthy said the parking dimensions don’t work, and a plan was not submitted showing the parking layout, curbcut, or dimensions. D. McCarthy said there is only 16 ft from the property line to the building foundation. D. McCarthy said there is not enough space for a parking spot. D. McCarthy expressed concern about the plan, and the lack of a parking layout plan. D, McCarthy suggested the petition be continued until a parking layout plan is provided. P. Dendromiris agreed to provide the information. D. McCarthy asked for clarification as to whether the applicant’s has rights to use Litchfield Terrace. D. Ricker said it is the applicant’s responsibility to determine this. S. Callahan agreed more info is needed. S. Callahan asked if the applicant had reviewed DPD comments. P. Dendromiris said he did not receive them. S. Callahan said the petition should be continued so the comments can be reviewed. P. Dendromiris agreed. T. Hovey said his main concern is the lack of measurements. T. Hovey asked for clarification as to whether the City can grant a curbcut on Litchfield Terrace. G. Procope said he needs dimensions on an updated site plan and is in favor of a continuance. V. Pech said the next available meeting is 6/9. P. Dendromiris confirmed this meeting was acceptable. Motion: D. McCarthy motioned, and S. Callahan seconded the motion to continue the petition to the June 9 th Zoning Board meeting. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). III. Other Business Minutes for Approval: 4/28/2025 D. McCarthy motioned, and M. Briere seconded the motion to approve the meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously, (5-0). I. Adjournment D. McCarthy motioned and S. Callahan seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The time was 7:08PM.