Plymouth BZA grants variance for 0' setback for deck on Hope Blvd.

Friday, October 4, 2024 at 2:30 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

Members of the Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance request to permit a deck built without a permit with a zero-foot setback to stay at 1820 Hope Boulevard.

Tuesday evening the BZA heard from property owner Junior Hernandez who said they hired a person to construct a 10’ by 17’ wooden deck on the front of their home. He said they spent $3000 on the improvement and that the deck sits 10 feet from the road surface.

Hernandez said the property was vacant for 14 years and not maintained. He said he’s improved the exterior and the interior.

The Plymouth Building Inspector, Dennis Manuwal was informed that the porch was added so he went out to check on the addition.

Member Mark Gidley asked the building commissioner if they paid for the variance and he said yes. He also asked if they would have to obtain a building permit if the variance is granted and the building commissioner said yes and estimated the cost to be $50.

There were no letters or comments from neighbors or BZA members during the public hearing.

BZA member Mark Gidley motioned to approve the zero-foot variance setback request with the stipulations that the deck can never be increased in size, the deck can never be covered and can’t be enclosed. The motion was seconded by alternate member Fred Webster and unanimously passed with BZA President Art Jacobs and alternate Linda Secor also voting in favor.