00:54The meeting commenced with a petition from George and Echarina Pulakas, who sought a special permit for their South Yarmouth property. Represented by their son, Yanni, the Pulakas family planned to transform their secondary residence into their primary home, necessitating a second-floor addition to accommodate their needs, including a home office for George’s ongoing business and ground-floor access for Yanni’s grandmother. The proposed renovation aimed to maintain the current non-conforming aspects of the property, specifically those near the property lines.

03:38The board’s deliberations focused on the ridge height of the existing structure, which stood at 24.59 feet. Although the height was within the town’s limit of 35 feet, discrepancies in elevation measurements were noted. Yanni clarified these measurements, indicating the structure’s height from sea level as opposed to its physical height, and addressed the absence of an engineer’s stamp on the elevation plans. Board members further explored the implications of the structure’s proximity to property lines and the necessity of a special permit.

12:20No public opposition or support was expressed during the hearing, and after thorough discussion, the board unanimously approved the special permit. Members agreed that the proposed changes would not alter the house’s non-conforming status or create undue hazards. It was concluded that the proposal was reasonable given the long-standing presence of the existing structure in the area. The board outlined subsequent steps, including a decision filing with the town clerk and a 20-day appeal period.

12:58In other business, the board addressed the withdrawal of a previously requested variance and the implications of new state legislation on accessory dwelling units. Attorney Paul Tardiff presented on behalf of property owners seeking to clarify the status of an accessory apartment on Standish Way. The apartment, previously granted a special permit for affordable housing, was subject to restrictions that became obsolete following the introduction of the Affordable Homes Act by Governor Healey. The new law permits ADUs by right, eliminating previous requirements for owner-occupancy and affordability.

21:59Tardiff proposed a memorandum to nullify past restrictions, allowing the property owners to align with current state law without confusion or impediment in future transactions. The board discussed the necessity of this clarification, considering the legislative changes, and agreed on the importance of preventing complications for potential buyers. The memorandum was approved unanimously, enabling the property owners to proceed without adhering to outdated decisions.