Northampton Zoning Board Approves Deck Permits at Two Nonconforming Properties

Zoning Board · Meeting of June 25, 2026

Northampton Zoning Board unanimously approves deck special permits at two nonconforming properties. The board voted 3-0 on both applications at its June 25 meeting, granting Elaine Kirsten a special permit to wrap an existing rear deck around to a side door at 73 Warner Street in Florence, where the closest proposed setback measures 12.2 feet against a 15-foot requirement, and granting David Murphy of 31-33 Elizabeth Street a permit for an eight-by-eight-foot second-story deck extension to accommodate a hot tub. Both required unanimous supermajority approval under zoning code section 350-9.3A10.

Member Maureen Scanlon noted concern about "creep" on Elizabeth Street, saying the neighboring structure sits "inches from the privacy fence," though she did not oppose approval; associate member Sherry Taylor countered that "the whole neighborhood is non-conforming — every single house." The meeting also marked the final session for Chair David Bloomberg, who announced his resignation to pursue increased personal travel.

In the full story:

• Background and stakes
• The question before the body
• Substantive content
• The deliberation
• Procedural steps and outcome
• Implications and what is next
• The complete report — 2,229 words

Source: the Zoning Board meeting of June 25, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.