ZBA grants Family Homes Construction variances for seven‑lot Wellington Street plan

The Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals voted May 15 to grant a use variance allowing Family Homes Construction Company to subdivide a diocesan parcel south of St. Michael’s Church (189 Wellington Street) and construct three single‑family homes, three duplexes and convert the existing rectory into a nine‑unit building, subject to site‑plan and building‑permit review.

Attorney Peter Salino said the diocese owned the parcel and the WTOD zoning (Waterfront and Transit‑Oriented Development) does not permit single‑ or two‑family homes by right; the petitioner argued the lot shape and existing rectory created practical limits that made the requested use appropriate. Director of Planning Dan Aguilar told the board the lots would otherwise meet dimensional requirements and noted the proposal complied with parking and frontage rules shown on the plan.

No speakers opposed the petition. The board voted unanimously to grant the variance; planning staff noted the project will still need full site‑plan review and building permits and must meet stormwater and other engineering requirements during permitting.