Charlton ZBA Unanimously Approves Special Permit and Variance for Robert Boulevard Addition

CHARLTON -- January 6, 2026, Charlton Zoning Board unanimously approves expansion of nonconforming lakefront home on Robert Boulevard. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Tuesday to grant both a special permit and a dimensional variance to Joshua Burden of 27 Robert Blvd., clearing the way for a roughly 10-by-28-foot addition, a second-floor extension, and a new farmer's porch on a single-family home in an Agricultural-zoned lakefront neighborhood. Burden told the board a nearly identical permit had been granted around 2017 but lapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic before construction began, forcing the family to reapply. Building Commissioner Curt Mascus described the L-shaped lakefront parcel as "a relatively easy request," noting the surrounding area consists largely of small nonconforming camp-style lots. The variance covers a 5.5-foot north side setback and a 3-foot south side setback, with hardship grounded in the lot's topography, its unusual shape, and the front-yard location of the septic system. Burden must record both approvals at the Registry of Deeds after a 20-day appeal period expires before he may seek a building permit.