Board approves special permit to raise ridge and enclose addition at 96 Southshore Drive with no-further-development condition

The Yarmouth Board of Appeals approved a special permit on April 23, 2026 allowing Laravel Santos to raise the ridge height by three feet and enclose an additional 176 square feet on a pre-existing nonconforming structure at 96 Southshore Drive, subject to the condition that no further development or impervious coverage shall occur on the lot without board approval.

Santos (doing business as Laravel Masonry LLC) presented plans showing the proposed enclosure and a ridge increase from roughly 14 feet to 17 feet. Engineer David Saddowski participated remotely and confirmed the existing septic tank location and that the proposed work would not add a new bedroom; the combined ADU area after the addition would be approximately 804 square feet. The board asked the applicant to confirm septic details (tank and leaching field) with the Board of Health; Saddowski said the tank is approximately 10.3 feet from the structure and that a 1,500-gallon tank replacement had been discussed in coordination with the application.

Board members reviewed lot-coverage calculations (applicant’s drawings indicated ~13.1% coverage) and noted the parcel already contains paved parking, patios and a shuffleboard court. Several members said the three-foot ridge increase would not be substantially more detrimental than existing conditions but that the lot appears built out; Anthony proposed and the board agreed to add a condition barring any additional development or impervious coverage so the approval does not permit further expansion of yard structures or paving.

Anthony moved to approve the special permit with the no-further-development/no-additional-impervious-coverage condition; John seconded and the board approved the motion by roll call, 4–0. The applicant was instructed to record the decision with the town clerk and, after the 20-day appeal period, at the registry of deeds and to provide a recorded copy to the board. The board noted the Board of Health and building department remain involved for technical permitting.