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TOWN OF HINGHAM
Board of Appeals

NOTICE OF DECISION
VARIANCE

IN THE MATTER OF:

Applicant/Owner: John S. and Daniele L. Serafini
John S. Serafini Revocable Trust and Daniele L. Serafini Revocable Trust
197 Main Street
Hingham, MA 02043

Premises: 197 Main Street, Hingham, MA 02043

Deed Reference: Certificate of Title No. 122864 issued by the Plymouth County Registry District of the Land Court

Plan References: Site plan entitled, "Existing and Proposed Conditions Plan," prepared by Nantasket Survey Engineering, LLC, 46 Edgewater Road, Hull, MA, dated October7, 2016 and an architectural plan set, including a proposed floor and elevation plans, prepared by Roger O. Hoit, AIA, Architect, 1175 Main Street, Hingham, MA, dated September 15, 2016, Drawings A1 - A4

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

This matter came before the Board of Appeals (the “Board”) on the application of John S. and Daniele L. Serafini (collectively, the “Applicant”) for a Variance from § IV-A of the Zoning By-Law (the "By-Law") and other such relief as necessary to construct a 25'x24' accessory structure located partially within the 15' required side yard setback at 197 Main Street in Residence District A.

A public hearing was duly noticed and held on October 19, 2016 at the Hingham Town Hall, 210 Central Street. The Board panel consisted of its regular members Joseph Freeman, Chairman, Robyn S. Maguire, and Joseph M. Fisher. The Applicant appeared to present the application. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board voted unanimously to grant the requested relief from the side yard setback requirement under § IV-A of the By-Law subject to the conditions contained herein.

Throughout its deliberations, the Board has been mindful of the statements of the Applicant and the comments of the general public, all as made or received at the public hearing.

BACKGROUND

The subject property consists of approximately 17,851 SF of land located at the corner of Main Street and Home Meadows Lane. The lot is affected by varying grades, rising from a low of el. 16 in the front (northeast) corner to a high of el. 26 in the rear (southwestern) corner of the property. An 18' high concrete retaining wall is located between these two corners and along the westerly side property line. Additionally, the lot has an irregular shape with a width of 136 linear feet along Main Street and 103 linear feet at the opposite rear property line.

The property was previously improved by a single family dwelling in 1817. The onsite wastewater disposal system is located to the south of the residence where suitable soils exist. The proposed plan calls for construction of a 25'x24' detached carriage house/garage located adjacent to the dwelling and partially within the westerly side yard setback. The resulting side yard setback would be a minimum of 6.5' at the back corner of the structure; however, the incursion improves and is eliminated all together as the lot width increases toward the front of the garage. As the property is also located in the Pear Tree Hill Local Historic District, the proposed carriage house required approval from the Hingham Historic Districts Commission. The Commission issued a Certificate of Appropriateness approving the proposed project last month.

FINDINGS

Based upon the information submitted and received at the hearing, the Board has determined that:

1. There are circumstances relating to soil conditions, shape or topography especially affecting the land but not affecting generally the zoning district. The lot is affected by varying grades, rising from a low of el. 16 in the front (northeast) corner to a high of el. 26 in the rear (southwest) corner of the property. An 18' high concrete retaining wall is located between these two corners and along the westerly side property line. The onsite wastewater disposal system occupies the southeasterly portion of the yard. Additionally, the lot has an irregular shape with a width of 136 linear feet along Main Street and 103 linear feet at the opposite rear property line. These circumstances in combination especially affect the lot and not generally the zoning district. 
2. The literal enforcement of the Bylaws would involve substantial hardship financial or otherwise. Physical, regulatory, and financial barriers exist based on these circumstances that preclude alternative location of a garage, which is a common improvement in the neighborhood. Literal enforcement of the By-Law would limit the Applicant from improving the Property in a manner consistent with others in the neighborhood and negatively affect the overall use and enjoyment of the Property. 
3. A variance may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good. The proposed project will improve the appearance of the dwelling in a manner consistent with others in the neighborhood. There will be no adverse impacts on the neighborhood and no harm to the public good resulting from the proposed improvements. 
4. A variance may be granted without nullifying or substantially derogating from the intent or purposes of the Bylaw. The requested relief is modest in nature, resulting in a triangular-shaped incursion into the side yard setback. A grant of a Variance in this instance will allow for a reasonable use that is consistent with a single family use in the Residence A Zoning District. 

1. The rights authorized by this Variance shall expire one year from the date this Decision is filed with the Town Clerk, unless exercised or extended in accordance with the terms of M.G.L. c. 40A, § 10.
2. The Applicant shall construct the Project in a manner consistent with the approved plans and the representations made at the hearings before the Board.