Planning Board grants two waivers for 13 Fourth Place, continues hearing to Sept. 24

The Scituate Planning Board on July 23 granted two waivers sought for a continued site‑plan review of a proposed mixed‑use building at 13 Fourth Place and agreed to continue the public hearing to Sept. 24, 2026 to finalize outstanding materials.

Darren Grady, representing applicant John O'Keefe, told the board the team revised the plans based on prior comments: "The parking calculations were modified to 1 space per 400 feet. 17 spaces are required. 18 is shown." Grady also said the applicant added snow‑storage areas, a silt fence, a stockpile area, and a landscape plan showing buffer plantings and shade trees, and updated the stormwater operation and maintenance plan to name the owner (rather than a condominium) as the responsible party.

Planning staff read a detailed findings memorandum that reviewed zoning standards for the Village Center & Neighborhood (VCN) district, dimensions and frontage measurements, parking requirements, and stormwater practices. Staff reported the town consultant (Merrill) reviewed the stormwater calculations and recommended additional comments; staff said the applicant has provided responses and the consultant has determined that the stormwater approach and the operation & maintenance plan adequately address the comments.

Staff identified two required waivers: one from the build‑to zone occupancy standard (the primary building occupancy would be 50–54 feet where 63 feet is required) and one from the minimum street‑facing wall width (proposed 50–54 feet where 60 feet is required). Planning staff recorded, "The board grants this waiver." The board also agreed to continue the public hearing and extend the time for filing the decision with the town clerk to Nov. 30, 2026, to provide time for any final adjustments and required permits.

The continued hearing will allow the planning staff and the applicant to complete any outstanding items (final engineering responses, final landscape/planting details, and confirmation of as‑built/inspection requirements) before the board issues a final site‑plan decision.