03-23 MAP 24A-030 78 Ridgewood Terr Staff Report
Carolyn Misch, AICP, Director ▪ CMisch@NorthamptonMA.gov ▪ (413) 587-1287 Staff Recommendation for ZBA
PERMIT TYPE PUBLIC HEARING DATE OWNER EXISTING USE
Zoning Board
Special Permit
3/23/2023 5:30 PM Ruth Bauman C/O
Lynn Posner Rice
(Architect)
Single-Family Home
PROPERTY ADDRESS/PARCEL ID/ZONE/LOT SIZE
78 Ridgewood Terrace/24A-030/URA zone/7,350 SF
APPLICATION URL
Direct link:
http://archive.northamptonma.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=763666&dbid=0&repo=CityOfNortham
pton
(*Parent folder link if you have trouble using the direct link. Locate the application folder by Parcel ID:
https://northamptonma.gov/pending)
Summary of Request
The applicant proposes to connect the pre-existing non-conforming detached garage in the rear to the
pre-existing non-conforming single-family home via a new 6’w x 10’L breezeway addition, resulting in a
single larger structure with a new zoning violation. The breezeway will connect to the single-family
home’s entry into the kitchen but not the entry into the garage. Two openings on both sides of the
breezeway will provide access into and out of the breezeway. Applicable Laws
• Zoning 350 Attachment 6 – Table of Use and Dimensional Regulations: URA District
(https://ecode360.com/attachment/NO2226/NO2226-
350f%20Table%20of%20Use%20and%20Dim%20Regs%20URA.pdf)
• Zoning 350-9.3A(10) (https://ecode360.com/27190013#27190013) Compliance with Zoning
TYPE REQUIREMENTS EXISTING NON-
CONFORMITIES
PROPOSED
CONDITIONS
Setbacks Front: 20 ft minimum
Rear: 20 ft minimum
(Side and rear setbacks
are 4 ft minimum for
detached accessory
structures such as
garages)
The building is on a corner
lot, hence it has two
frontages with two front
setbacks, one side setback,
and one rear setback. The
primary frontage is on
Ridgewood Terrace, and the
secondary frontage is on
Blackberry Lane.
Front setback: 18 ft
(Secondary frontage; Non-
conforming primary
structure)
Rear setback: 1 ft (Non-
conforming garage)
Front setback: 18 ft
(Secondary frontage;
Non-conforming
primary structure)
Rear setback: 1 ft (Non-
conforming primary
structure)
Open Space 40% minimum No stated nonconformities.
The existing open space
listed on the zoning permit is
77% of the lot.
Reduced to 71%, which
is still conforming.
Notes: By connecting the garage and the primary structure via the breezeway, it will result in a larger
primary structure with a rear setback of 1 feet, which is a new zoning violation since the required rear
setback for the primary structure is 20 feet in URA zoning district.
Other Issues
Not found. Staff Decision Recommendation
While connecting the nonconforming primary and accessory structures will create a new single larger
structure with a new zoning violation, the perimeter of the new structure is not different from the
combined existing perimeter of the garage and the single-family home since the breezeway addition will
be within the perimeter of the combined existing perimeter. While the open space % will decrease, it is
still well above the minimum requirement. Staff has no concerns with approving this application.
☒ Approve ☐ Approve with Conditions ☐ Deny
Staff Condition Recommendation
The garage cannot be converted to residential use. Additional conditions determined by the Board
based on public hearing comments.