PB Decision 32 Maple St
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON PERMIT DECISION
pg. 1
DATES PROJECT INFORMATION
Submitted 6/15/2021 Owner
Name/Address
Jennifer/
Stephen Polins
32 Maple St,
Florence
MA 01062
Hearing 7/8/21 Applicant Name/
Address (if different)
Extension Applicant Contact Jen Polins 413-695-1799 jenscdt@gmail.com
Hearing
Closed
7/8/21 Site Address 32 Maple St Florence MA 01062
Decision 7/9/21 Site Assessor Map ID 23A-139
Zoning District Urban Residential B
Filed with
Clerk
7/9/2021 Permit Type Planning Board Site Plan for a Detached Residential Use within
existing detached structure
Appeal
Deadline
7/29/21 Project Description Request to convert a studio space to a dwelling unit at back of
garage.
An appeal of this decision by the Planning Board may be made by any person within 20 days after the date of the filing of
this decision with the City Clerk, as shown. Appeals by any aggrieved party must be pursuant to MGL Chapter 40A, Section
17 as amended and may be made to the Hampshire Superior Court with a certified copy of the appeal sent to the City Clerk
of the City of Northampton.
Plan Sheets/Supporting Documents by Map ID:
1. Site Plan Polins, Addendum, Exterior Photos.
BOARD MEMBER PRESENT FAVOR OPPOSED ABSTAIN/NO COUNT VOTE TALLY
(Favor-Opposed)
George Kohout, Chair ☐ ☐
Marissa Elkins, Vice Chair ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Janna White ☐ ☐
David Whitehill ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Christa Grenat ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Sam Taylor ☐ ☐
Melissa Fowler ☐ ☐
Chris Tait, Assoc. ☐ ☐
, Assoc ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ 5-0
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON PERMIT DECISION
pg. 2
APPLICABLE ZONING APPROVAL CRITERIA /BOARD FINDINGS
350 URB Table of Use The Planning Board approved the permit for site plan to convert an existing workshop studio in a
garage to a residential unit based upon determining that the following criteria in site plan had been
met. A. A. The requested use protects adjoining premises against seriously detrimental uses. Two
family units are allowed by right in URB. Site plan is triggered because the use will be in a detached
structure.
B. The requested use will promote the convenience and safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement
within the site and on adjacent streets, cycle tracks and bike paths, minimize traffic impacts on the
streets and roads in the area. No changes to the site access are proposed. A shared driveway serves
the site and at least four parking spaces are located on the subject parcels.
(2) The project, including any concurrent road improvements, will not decrease the level of service
(LOS) of all area City and state roads or intersections affected by the project below the existing
conditions when the project is proposed and shall consider the incremental nature of development and
cumulative impacts on the LOS. Since a second unit could be approved by right without site plan
approval if it were attached to the house, the project is eligible for exemption from traffic mitigation.
C. The site will function harmoniously in relation to other structures and open spaces to the natural
landscape, existing buildings and other community assets in the area as it relates to landscaping,
drainage, sight lines, building orientation, massing, egress, and setbacks . No site changes are
proposed. The applicant does need a special permit from the ZBA for the existing non-conforming
garage setback.
D. The requested use will not overload, and will mitigate adverse impacts on, the City's resources,
including the effect on the City's water supply and distribution system, sanitary and storm sewage
collection and treatment systems, fire protection, streets and schools. Plumbing already serves the
workshop space. No additional connections would present issues.
E. The requested use meets any special regulations set forth in this chapter. (NONE)
F. Compliance with the following technical performance standards:
(1) Curb cuts onto streets shall be minimized. The site is already served by a shared driveway.
(2) Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic movement on site must be separated, consistent with
single/two families.
11.6
Minutes Available at WWW.NorthamptonMa.Gov
I, Carolyn Misch, as agent to the Planning Board certify that this is an accurate and true decision made by the Planning
Board and certify that a copy of this and all plans have been filed with the Board and the City Clerk and that a copy of
this decision has been mailed to the Owner, Applicant.