Zoning board approves several permits, continues one matter; board adopts new application forms

The Woburn Zoning Board of Appeals handled a mix of land-use petitions, administrative items and one continuance at its recent meeting.

Driveway and minor modification: Homeowner Kathleen Burke sought a determination that a revised plan for 49 (variously referenced as Marville/Amber/Marlborough) Road is a minor modification to an existing special permit after the applicant said the intended driveway opening was 24 feet even though the approved plan showed 12 feet. The contractor explained the work will shift and realign the driveway and increase paving by roughly 240–250 square feet. The board determined the change is a minor modification and instructed staff to prepare a written ruling incorporating the 24-foot driveway measurement.

Continuance (drainage): The applicant for 30 Sturgis Street (Zen TD LLC) asked for a continuance while the building commissioner and city engineer review a professional drainage evaluation; the board granted the continuance to the applicant’s requested May 15 date.

Special permits and variances: The board approved a special permit for a larger garage at 10 Fieldstone Drive, with the applicant explaining construction costs and a revised 20-foot garage design; neighboring support letters were entered into the record. That motion passed 4–1. Separately, a petition to build a deck at 25 Highland Street was converted from a variance request to a special permit because the structure is pre-existing nonconforming; the board then granted the special permit (decision to be filed and subject to the standard appeal period).

Administrative business: The board approved its March minutes as amended and voted to adopt a revised set of ZBA application forms that the chair said was reviewed by the city solicitor. The chair asked staff to circulate the full package before the next meeting.

Votes at a glance: minor modification (49 Marlborough/Marville) — determined minor; Zen TD LLC (30 Sturgis St.) — continued to May 15; variance (0 Marcy St.) — granted 4–1 (see separate article); special permit (10 Fieldstone Drive garage) — approved 4–1; special permit (25 Highland Street deck, converted from variance) — approved; minutes approval and adoption of revised application forms — approved.

Timing and appeals: For matters that generated decisions, the board noted decisions will be prepared and filed with the City Clerk; the statutory 20-day appeal period applies and no building permit will issue until that period expires and any appeal is resolved.

Contacts: Chair indicated applicants or interested parties should contact Mr. Vincent in the zoning office for timing and filing questions.