Cambridge Zoning Board Approves Tire Shop Variance With Three Conditions

CAMBRIDGE -- May 23, 2024, Cambridge Zoning Board unanimously approved a tire shop variance with conditions and advanced a plan to codify dormer rules. The Board of Zoning Appeal voted 5-0 at its May 23 meeting to allow Yuri, a tenant at 2530R Massachusetts Ave., to continue wholesale and retail tire operations with installation in a Residence B zone that technically prohibits automotive garages, conditioned on storing all tires indoors, closing the garage door during tire installation, and adding a driveway backup mirror and slow-exit sign. Four neighbors had written in opposition citing fire hazards, mosquito breeding in outdoor tire stockpiles, and driveway safety concerns. Chair Jim Monteverdi also reported that he and a staff collaborator have drafted language to fold the city's existing dormer guidelines into the zoning ordinance under section 8.22.1.H.2, potentially allowing qualifying attic dormers to be approved as of right without a board hearing; all five members expressed support and targeted a July 11 public hearing for a revised draft. The board separately voted 4-1, with Monteverdi dissenting on aesthetic grounds, to allow a third-floor flat-roof expansion at 26 Folk Street, and voted 5-0 on variance and special-permit requests at 413 Broadway and 815 Somerville Ave.