Planning & Zoning Committee supports appeal of 56 Bull Street
HVA Position on Variance Appeal – 56 Bull Street (Rear Setback Reduction)
Dear Chair and Members of the Board,
On behalf of the Harleston Village Association (HVA), we write regarding the appeal of the Board’s June 17 decision granting a variance at 56 Bull Street, reducing the required 25-foot rear setback to 10 feet 8 inches to allow a rear addition.
Over the past several weeks, our board and zoning committee have engaged in careful discussion of this case. We have reviewed the June 17 hearing, studied the application and ordinance, and considered the perspectives of adjacent neighbors and members of our Association. While there were differing views among our committee, we believe it is important to present a clear and collective position that reflects both the legal criteria and the broader context of this case.
§ 54-924 – Legal Criteria
The lot at 56 Bull presents acknowledged constraints. It is unusually narrow (~36 feet), deep (~160 feet), and the historic structure is positioned near the front of the parcel. These features create challenges for rearward expansion, and the applicant has made a thoughtful effort to address those conditions.
Nonetheless, the fourth and final criterion under § 54-924—that the variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property or the public good, and will not harm the character of the district—remains, in our view, unmet.
