Summary
Homeowners sought to build a single-family home just 5 feet from the front lot line where 13 feet 6 inches is required. The board found no practical difficulty and kept the setback standard intact.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
No cost to the city; the homeowner bears the project's expenses and any redesign costs.
Neighbors on Willis Street retain the existing front-yard setback character.
The owners lose their plan to build the home as proposed.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Zoning Board of Appeals - Aug 6, 2026
A homeowner sought to enclose an existing covered porch that sits at the property line, where the RN-4 zone requires a 5-foot side yard setback. The zoning board unanimously decided the practical difficulty standard wasn't met, so the project as proposed is off the table.
Zoning Board of Appeals - Jan 15, 2026
Homeowners sought to build a single-family home just 5 feet from the front lot line where 13 feet 6 inches is required. The board found no practical difficulty and kept the setback standard intact.
Related development
28 Waterville St Practical Difficulty Variance (ZBA-003648-2026)
The porch enclosure can't proceed as designed; the owner would need to revise plans to keep the 5-foot setback or appeal further.
Practical Difficulty Variance — 1 Willis Street
The planned house cannot move forward as proposed; the neighborhood's setback rules remain unchanged.
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