Zoning Board Approves 16-Bed Sober Home Permit
Zoning Board unanimously approved 16-person sober home and accessory dwelling unit conversion; postponed a petition due to notice error.
In this report: Key decisions · Next dates · Full report · Sources
What happened
The board unanimously approved a special permit for a 16-person sober home at 190 Washington Street with fire-safety conditions requiring a sprinkler system and alarm system with fire department tie-in, installed within six months, plus annual inspections. It denied the applicant's related appeal of a December 29, 2025 cease-and-desist order. The board also unanimously approved an accessory dwelling unit conversion at 55 Niles Street and postponed a fire-reconstruction petition at 35 Blanchard Terrace due to missing newspaper notice.
Key decisions
- 📋 Special permit for sober home. Board voted unanimously to grant special permit allowing sober home to operate as convalescent home at occupancy of 16 non-transient residents, with requirements for fire and life-safety measures, installation of fire and sprinkler system within six months, and yearly building and fire inspections. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
- 🛠 Accessory dwelling unit conversion. Board voted unanimously to grant finding that conversion of existing 706-square-foot in-law apartment to accessory dwelling unit is not substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
- 📋 Appeal of cease-and-desist order. Board voted unanimously to deny the applicant's appeal of the December 29, 2025 cease-and-desist order issued against the property. The order becomes moot once the special permit takes effect. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
- 📋 Room addition for fire reconstruction. Petition for finding to add 14-by-18-foot room as part of fire reconstruction could not be heard because required newspaper advertisement was never published. Applicant must reapply for May 14, 2026 meeting. (Next: May 14). Read case details
Next dates
- May 14: Blanchard Terrace petition hearing reapplication
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