Chatham Zoning Board Approves Significant Modifications to Historic Home Amid Broad Support

The Chatham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on March 29, 2023, saw the approval of multiple applications, including substantial modifications to a historic home on Mill Hill Lane, with all decisions receiving unanimous support from the board members present.

The most notable discussion involved two applications from the Friendly Nominee Trust concerning a historic home on Mill Hill Lane. The first application, which proposed altering the non-conforming dwelling, was withdrawn unanimously. The second, seeking to expand the dwelling by adding new features, was presented by architect Leslie Schneberger. The proposed modifications included a new staircase, a mudroom, a home office, and a second-floor bathroom, increasing the building coverage to 21.8% from the existing 17.4%, which already exceeded the zoning limit of 15%.

Schneberger highlighted that the design aimed to enhance the safety, functionality, and energy efficiency of the property while maintaining its historic Cape-style character. The alterations would include an expanded family room on the south side of the property without changing the structure’s height, creating a more enclosed courtyard and improving the property’s overall layout. Support letters from the Chatham Historical Commission and the health agent affirmed that the changes would not detract from the home’s historic value.

During the public comment period, no objections were raised, and board member David Nixon expressed support for the project, emphasizing its modest scale and design, which aligned with the neighborhood’s character. The application was approved with standard conditions, including managing construction activities to minimize disruption to neighbors. Specific conditions stipulated that construction vehicles must remain on-site or on neighboring properties with permission, and no exterior construction would be permitted between June 30 and Labor Day or on weekends, with working hours restricted to 8 AM to 5 PM.

Next, the board reviewed an application for a property on Pine Grove Road, represented by attorney William Lichfield. This proposal sought to expand an existing non-conforming deck, which would further reduce the distance from the coastal conservancy district floodplain from the required 50 feet to 6.7 feet. Despite the increased non-conformity, board members noted that the expansion aligned well with neighborhood characteristics and expressed confidence in the applicants’ property care. The Conservation Commission and the health department had no objections, and the board approved the application unanimously after a favorable deliberation.

Another discussion involved a new application for a property on Pine Avenue, presented by attorney James Norcross. This application proposed demolishing an existing non-conforming dwelling and constructing a new one that would comply with current zoning bylaws. Norcross explained that the existing structure, built in the 1950s, was in poor condition and that a renovation was not feasible. The new design aimed to provide more living space for the applicants, who intended to relocate to Chatham full-time. The board members agreed that the proposal was a reasonable solution, given the condition of the existing structure and the need for more livable space, leading to unanimous approval.

The meeting also covered a proposal for a new residential structure, emphasizing its height and size in relation to the neighborhood. Board members expressed varying concerns about the height. Ultimately, the proposal was withdrawn without prejudice after a motion to reconsider the design was unanimously supported.

Another application discussed involved 161 Old Queenan Road, which proposed converting a garage to a family room while demolishing a non-conforming porch and constructing new entryways. The board determined that the minimal changes would not alter the neighborhood’s character and approved the application unanimously after positive comments from neighbors and no public opposition.

Lastly, the board reviewed a request for a one-year extension of a special permit for a property on Chad Harbor Lane. The applicant, represented by attorney Michael Ford, required the extension due to a transition to a new architectural firm. The board noted that this was the first extension request and approved it unanimously after confirming the need for careful project review.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Town Manager:
Jill R. Goldsmith
Zoning Board Officials:
Randi Potash, Paul Semple, Virginia Fenwick, David S Nixon, David Veach, Leigh Hovey, Edward Acton, Steve DeBoer, Jeffrey S Dykens (Select Board Liaison), Sarah Clark (Staff Liaison)

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording