To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw to update Section 2 DEFINITIONS and Section 5.3.9 Projections into Minimum Yards to further define what constitutes a porch and include porches to the list of allowable projections into minimum yards; or take any action related thereto.

This amendment emerged from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and their review of special permits, primarily for additions to single- and two-family buildings. It was subsequently reviewed by the Zoning Bylaw Working Group of the Master Plan Implementation Committee. Section 5.3.9 applies to all zoning districts and would be applicable to properties under both the ZBA and the ARB’s jurisdiction.

Requests for a special permit under this Section 5.3.9 routinely arise from a property owner seeking to construct a farmer’s porch or other large, unenclosed porch at the front of their residence (a projection into the front yard).  This article clarifies that porches are subject to the provisions of Zoning Bylaw Section 5.3.9(A)and will provide clarity to the staff, ZBA, and the public.

The Redevelopment Board voted 5-0-0 to recommend Favorable Action on Article 34 that the Zoning Bylaw be and hereby is amended as follows: 

Amend Section 2:                                                                                                                                                          

Porch: A covered area, unenclosed and open to the elements, projecting from and structurally connected to a building.

Amend Section 5.3.9:                                                                                                                                                   

5.3.9 Projections into Minimum Yards

ARB Report

Article 34 - video presentation - ARB