Planning Board approves de minimis stair amendment for Orchard Street property.
Planning Board approves de minimis amendment to special permit for 261 Orchard Street. Chair Thayer Donham and the five-member board unanimously approved a modification allowing Robert McAuley to reconfigure front entrance stairs to two sets of side stairs instead of the originally approved single
Planning Board · Meeting of January 6, 2026
BELMONT — Planning Board approves de minimis amendment to special permit for 261 Orchard Street. Chair Thayer Donham and the five-member board unanimously approved a modification allowing Robert McAuley to reconfigure front entrance stairs to two sets of side stairs instead of the originally approved single front staircase, prompted by plans for a second parking spot. The board granted the owner discretion to pursue three side stairs with pathways if desired, requiring no further board approval.
The determination that the change qualified as de minimis eliminated the need for a new public hearing or formal application.
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of January 6, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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