ZBA grants finding for 9 Searle Ave. addition, citing neighborhood support and no new nonconformities

The Brookline Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a finding under Massachusetts General Laws c.40A, §6 allowing an alteration to preexisting nonconforming front and side yards and usable open space at 9 Searle Avenue.

Attorney Robert Allen said the house, built in 1935, is an existing two-family dwelling in a T5 district. The proposal calls for a rear two-story addition, two dormers to finish the third-floor attic, and limited changes to parking and site circulation. Allen told the board the planned increase to FAR would be from 0.89 to 0.98 — below the zoning maximum of 1.0 — and that the project would not change lot size or lot width.

Allen emphasized neighborhood outreach and said he had gathered 13 letters of support from nearby residents. “Thirteen signatures is a strong show of support from the neighborhood,” he told the board. Architect Jason Jewhurst described construction details and said similar additions are common on the block; he also said the design will replace an unsafe stair footprint and provide safer egress.

Planning staff reported the planning board recommended approval of the submitted site and architectural plans with the usual conditions: submission of final stamped plans and evidence that the board decision is recorded. The building department said it had no objection and will work with the applicant to ensure code compliance.

During deliberations board members agreed the proposal would not create new nonconformities and would not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood; the board voted unanimously to grant the requested relief subject to the conditions read into the record. The board’s decision is conditioned on submission of final stamped plans and recording of the decision at the registry of deeds.