17D-081 (3) V*07
Garfield Ave lot 1A
Louis Hasbrouck <Iasbrouck @northamptonma.gov> Tue, Jun 3, 2014 at 9:50 AM
Draft To: tom @tommichel.com
Cc: Carolyn Misch <cmisch @northamptonma.gov>, Wayne Feiden <wfeiden @northamptonma.gov>
Tom,
I reviewed your permit for the shed on Garfield Avenue again yesterday. When we spoke last (1 think last Friday, I
told you that you'd need to file a building permit application for the house before we can issue the shed permit. I
have reconsidered and I'm willing to issue the shed permit if you file a zoning permit for the house, rather than the
full building permit. That wouldn't, technically, meet zoning requirements but I can make that case that the shed
would be accessory to the house that is "under construction". I would put conditions on the approval; the shed
can't remain if the house permit isn't in place within 6 months, etc.
You mentioned the sheds Habitat has on their property. That whole project was approved by the Zoning Board
under a comprehensive permit to build a number of single and 2 family affordable housing units on 5 lots.
One other condition on the shed would be that when the house is completed, it be moved to a location that
complies with zoning or be removed. The zoning setbacks are 15'front and 4' sides and rear. If the shed is less
than 5 from the house it would need to meet the house setbacks. From my perspective, any reduction in the
required setbacks would require a variance from the ZBA and the ZBA rarely grants variances.
I see you've been in touch with Wayne; he may have information about how to reduce setback requirements. If he
has any ideas, ask him to call me.
I hope this makes it clearer. Let me know how you want to proceed.
Louis Hasbrouck
Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
Town of Williamsburg
(413) 587-1240 office
(413) 587-1272 fax