Board approves rear/side setback variances for 811 River Street replacement home

The board approved area variances for a proposed two‑story single‑family home at 811 River Street, the applicant’s architect said, after review and public comment.

Lisa Rodriguez, the project architect, said the owners demolished a dilapidated house and now plan to build a two‑story residence with a foundation for a future garage. “We’re here for a variance for distance to the property line,” Rodriguez said, explaining that the lot is wider than neighboring lots and the applicant is requesting relief so the rear of the building can sit about 25 feet from the property line where the ordinance assumes narrower lots.

Board members first determined the proposal is a Type II action under the state environmental review rules and asked the applicant to add a missing rear‑corner dimension to the plans so the record matches the variance request. One nearby resident, Suzanne Spellen of 817 River Street, told the board she supports the project and expects it will be a positive investment for the neighborhood.

On motions by a board member, the board approved the requested side and rear setback variances and the relief from the minimum building frontage/coverage requirement; a second was recorded for each motion and the board voted in favor. The board’s approvals included the applicant’s representation that the proposed building would not have a substantial adverse effect on the neighborhood.

The applicant was thanked and released to proceed with permit‑level revisions. The board moved directly to its next agenda item following the approvals.