Zoning Board of Appeals May 28, 2026

The Town of Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on May 28, 2026, primarily to review and approve minutes from previous meetings and to conduct a public hearing on a special permit application (ZBA FY2026-166) concerning a property at 66 Bridge Street. The application involved renovations to a pre-existing nonconforming single-family residence, including converting an unfinished attic into livable space by modifying the roofline from a gable to a shed roof, adding bedrooms and a bathroom, and updating exterior siding. The board discussed compliance with zoning bylaws, historic commission review (which was constructively granted due to lack of quorum), and specific findings required under section 10.38 of the zoning bylaw. Conditions of approval were proposed, including adherence to approved plans, fire and health codes, and dark sky-compliant lighting. The board voted to approve the special permit with conditions, emphasizing that the changes would not be detrimental to the neighborhood and would promote the preservation and modernization of the property.