10 15 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals

The Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 15, 2026, to address old and new business concerning property variances and special permits. Chairman Joseph Pereira presided over the hearing alongside Vice Chairman John Frank III, Clerk James C. Calkins, alternate members Eric Kelly and Alexis Anselmo, and Director of Engineering & Planning Daniel Aguiar. Two items regarding an executive session were bypassed because counsel had no updates, and a petition for 189 Durfee Street to waive parking and create a residential unit was tabled until November at the applicant's request to evaluate interior garage parking options.

The board approved several property division and setback requests across the city. Special permits and variances were granted unanimously (5-0) for lot divisions at 141–145 Hunter Street and 474 and 452 Durfee Street (Animal Rescue League of Fall River), both requiring standard conditions including utility separation. Variances were also approved for a farmer's porch front yard setback waiver at 75 Alumni Way, a lot subdivision to build a new single-family home at 1–9 Chase Street, and a lot line adjustment between 169 and 175 Pittman Street.

The board denied one application regarding 361 Division Street, where the petitioner sought a variance and special permit to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above an existing nonconforming garage with reduced setbacks and no required off-street parking. Due to concerns about substantial setback nonconformity and the worsening of area parking deficits, the board voted unanimously (5-0) to deny the petition. The board concluded by approving the September meeting minutes and the upcoming annual meeting calendar.

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