Planning board approves reduced front setback for two Ridings lots, 5–0

The Westborough Planning Board voted 5–0 on March 17 to approve a minor modification that reduces the front‑yard setback for Lots 44 and 46 in the Ridings subdivision from the bylaw standard of 30 feet to 21 feet.

The motion, offered under section 6.3(d)(4) of the Westborough zoning bylaw, was moved by a planning board member and included several conditions: the applicant must record the decision with the Worcester County Registry of Deeds, obtain any required zoning‑board of‑appeals relief for side‑yard reductions, submit revised building‑site plans (grading and drainage) to the engineering division for review, and construct a “functional” fence to preserve safety at the top of the slope on Lot 44.

Applicant Kyle McCray of Elite Home Builders said the requests stem from field conditions: the lots sit on a bulb of a cul‑de‑sac with a steep rear slope that constrained house depth. "We had the lot staked out — the back is only about 10 feet until the steep back hill," McCray said while describing why the plan’s footprint needed to be elongated.

Chair Hazel Nurse acknowledged the site constraints but warned members the hardship could be perceived as self‑created because the subdivision and lot layouts were previously approved. "You knew what it looked like," Nurse said, urging caution about granting relief where alternative house footprints could have been used.

Board discussion focused on whether the modification met the bylaw purpose for open‑space communities — in particular the requirement to respect topography — and on practical safety measures. One board member recommended adding a condition requiring a fence near the slope; the motion adopted a fence condition for Lot 44 and required any building permits to follow revised plans approved by engineering.

The board’s decision was explicitly limited to Lots 44 and 46 and does not alter requirements for other lots in the subdivision. The approval is contingent on the applicant recording the board’s decision and complying with the stated conditions; the board also noted the applicant remains responsible for securing any zoning relief that might be necessary for side‑yard reductions.