Tuesday evening the Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals heard the request of Benjamin Oviedo for a variance of use to convert the former duplex at 315 and 317 Lake Avenue into a triplex. 

City Plan Consultant Ralph Booker presented the case to the board with photos showing substantial renovation work already underway.  On the back of the structure, the single-story portion was removed due to deterioration and a two-story addition replaced it. Booker said there is no on-street parking but there is alley access at the back of the lot with plenty of room.  City code requires two off-street parking spaces per unit. 

Plymouth Building Commissioner Keith Hammonds said the building has been vacant for many years and the grandfather clause to allow a duplex in the traditional residential district is no longer in existence.  He told the Board of Zoning Appeals that he did issue a building permit for the demolition work and the new roof.  He didn’t believe the two-story structure at the read of the structure was in the permit.  He also said each unit would need its own HVAC unit along with a water heater. 

Oviedo told the BZA he plans on installing all new windows and vinyl siding for the new residential building.  He said improvements include all new wiring and plumbing along with a new layout. 

The Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved the variance of use.