Three Milton residential projects secured necessary zoning relief during a remote hearing on October 20, as the Zoning Administrator cleared the way for home additions and the continuation of multi-generational living arrangements. The session focused on homeowners seeking to modernize older properties while navigating tight lot lines and non-conforming setbacks in established neighborhoods.

At 82 Cheever Street, homeowner Holly Rottney received permission to construct a 17.5-foot by 28.1-foot rear addition, including a new deck and bulkhead. The project, which requires a side lot line setback of 4.05 feet where 10 feet is mandated, was driven by a practical need for more space. Rottney explained that her four-year tenure in the home highlighted the limitations of having only one bathroom. The plan gelled into what it is now to add a bathroom on the first floor, a mudroom, and a den, Rottney told the administrator. Contractor Michael Butler clarified that the addition would follow the existing non-conforming line of the house rather than creating a new intrusion. The Zoning Administrator noted the strong neighborhood support for the project, stating, I certainly understand the need for more than one bathroom in a house, particularly when you don't have one on each floor. I see no detriment to the neighborhood. Motion Made by V. King to grant the request for a special permit. Motion Passed (1-0-0).

The board also addressed the renewal of a temporary in-law apartment at 188 Ridgewood Road for Russell and Maura Dudas. Attorney Marian McKettrick explained that while Milton has adopted new accessory apartment bylaws following state law changes, the family opted to renew their existing temporary permit to avoid the disruptive construction of a required firewall. The apartment houses an elderly aunt, and the renewal was necessary after the applicants missed a previous deadline. The only reason we're here for a new application is because the Dudises missed that renewal date, McKettrick said. Maura Dudas emphasized the positive neighborhood dynamic, noting that neighbors recently attended a baby shower alongside the resident aunt. The Zoning Administrator agreed the arrangement was successful. Motion Made by V. King to grant the special permit for the temporary in-law apartment for a period of four years. Motion Passed (1-0-0).

Budgetary considerations took center stage during the discussion of 72 Center Lane, where Jill and Sean Timlin sought a special permit for a second-story addition over an existing garage and a new front portico. While the project received broad neighborhood support, Jill Timlin noted that financial planning might force a phased approach. Regarding the proposed front porch, Timlin admitted, It sort of was the first thing on the chopping block when we came to budget talks... we left it on the plans because the architect suggested we do it. Attorney McKettrick argued the design was a careful one that matched the traditional colonial style of the home. The Zoning Administrator found the expansion appropriate for the neighborhood, remarking that it would certainly look foolish to have a second floor that was 1.1 feet less than the floor below it. Motion Made by V. King to grant the special permit for the second-story addition and the front doorway structure. Motion Passed (1-0-0). The administrator cautioned that the permit for the portico might expire if construction does not begin within one year.