285 Prospect Zoning Violation 2018-01-29Ricky Greenwald
285 Prospect Street
Northampton, MA 01060
January 30, 2018
Re: 285 Prospect Street
Map 24C Lot 005
Dear Mr. Greenwald,
We’ve received complaints about various zoning violations at your house at 285 Prospect Street. It appears that there are a number of current violations.
Northampton’s zoning ordinances, 350-8.8 (D) and 350-Attachment 7 URB District Table of Use and Dimensional Regulations regulate parking in residential districts. Parking is prohibited
within 5 feet of the front property line, and parking for more than two vehicles is not permitted within the front yard setback. Since the house is approximately 16 feet from the front
lot line, only 2 cars are allowed between the house and the sidewalk. The building permit approval required closing the curb cut and removing the asphalt apron on city property. The
curb cut was closed, but not all of the asphalt apron was removed. I’ve made some notes on the plot plan submitted with the building permit application, included a copy and also a copy
of the permit approval letter.
It appears you are using the former café space as a bed and breakfast. It is currently advertised on AirBnB and there are recent reviews posted by guests.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2532653?location=258%20Prospect%20Street%2C%20Northampton%2C%20MA%2C%20United%20States&s=sOCw0goe Bed-and-breakfast homes are only allowed by special permit
from the Planning Board.
We’ve also received a complaint that there are goats on the property. Northampton’s zoning ordinances, 350-5.3 (A) prohibits the keeping of farm animals on parcels less than 30,000
sq. ft. Your parcel is under 14,000 sq. ft.
I’ve included copies of the relevant zoning ordinances. Please contact me to discuss these complaints.
Sincerely,
Louis Hasbrouck
Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
lhasbrouck@city.northampton.ma.us
(413) 587-1240
cc Mayor of Northampton
City Solicitor
Office of Planning