Zoning board continues review of half‑story garage addition at 54 Cliff Road amid use concerns

The Nantucket Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 12 continued consideration of a request to add a half story to a nonconforming garage at 54 Cliff Road to its March 12 meeting so the applicant can clarify intended use and address a dormer within the setback.

Agent Victoria Ewing, representing the Pamela Washburn Griffin Trust, said the proposal is for a small 40-square-foot foyer addition outside the setback and a half-story over the existing garage to provide finished storage or studio space. The project has a pending historic-district approval, and the applicant said there will be no plumbing or air-conditioning units associated with the new space as proposed.

Board members asked whether the finished second-floor space would be conditioned or otherwise habitable and emphasized that a change of use (to a studio or dwelling) would require a separate application. One member noted the dormer facing the west lot line sits about 1.8 feet from the property line and recommended the applicant consider removing that dormer to reduce vertical encroachment into the setback. The applicant indicated she would be willing to forego the dormer.

Given uncertainty about long-term use and the need to reflect accurate plan sheets in the file, the board moved to continue the application to the March 12 meeting to allow the applicant to confirm use restrictions and supply clearer materials. The motion to continue passed by roll call vote: Jim Adeni, John Brescher, Susan McCarthy, Alisa Allen and Bobby Constable voted in favor.

Before resubmission the board asked the applicant to confirm whether the upper space will remain non‑habitable (finished storage/art studio without conditioning or plumbing) and to consider a recorded condition or clearer permit language limiting habitable use unless the owners return for a change-of-use approval. The matter was continued to March 12, 2026.