Zoning Board Approves Four Variances, Sign Permit
Lowell's Zoning Board approved four variances and an illuminated-sign permit, while granting a final continuance on a stalled apartment conversion.
Zoning Board · Meeting of August 10, 2026
Lowell's Zoning Board approved four variances and an illuminated-sign permit, while granting a final continuance on a stalled apartment conversion. The board's longest debate centered on Michael Brown's bid to subdivide a 22,000-square-foot lot at 80 Seventh Avenue for a second single-family home, approved 6-0 with conditions requiring a six-foot fence, a shade tree and revised plans confirming single-family use. Neighbor Susan Jusome told the board "the number of cars coming up our driveway will affect us directly," while Vice Chair Sean Callahan noted a new state "practical difficulty" standard, replacing "substantial hardship," now governs variance decisions.
The board also approved variances for 12-14 Tolman Avenue, 128 Lilley Avenue and 38-49 Casco Street, plus a conditioned sign permit at 22 Olde Canal Drive, and continued the 123 University Avenue case to October 15, 2026, as a final continuance.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,068 words
Source: the Zoning Board meeting of August 10, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Lowell meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this story
Know someone in Lowell who follows town government? Share Townbrief Lowell: they can sign up free.