When and where is the hearing for the variance?

The hearing is at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 in the Resource Room at Douglas Municipal Center, 29 Depot Street.

What is the variance request about?

James Farrell is requesting side-yard setback relief to build a pool house at 20 Birch Street.

How can I review the application before the hearing?

Review the application during regular business hours at the Douglas Community Development Department, 29 Depot Street.

Public Hearing — 29 Depot Street, Douglas, MA

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Affects:General PublicProperty BuyersHomeowners

The Douglas Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on June 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM to consider James Farrell’s variance request for side-yard setback relief to construct a pool house at 20 Birch Street in an RA zone.

Key Takeaways

Hearing: June 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM, Douglas Municipal Center
Applicant: James Farrell seeks side-yard setback variance
Project: construction of a pool house at 20 Birch Street
Zoning: relief under MGL Ch. 40A §10 and Douglas Zoning Bylaws
Application available at Community Development, 29 Depot Street

Published: May 20, 2026 · yesterday
Category: Public Hearing
City: Douglas
Address: 29 Depot Street, Douglas, MA · 2 filings

Research context

2 filings at this address 3 public hearing notices in Douglas (last 12 months)

What to do next

1
Attend the hearing
Show up at 7:00 PM on June 3, 2026 at the Douglas Municipal Center Resource Room, 29 Depot Street to speak or observe.
2
Review the application
Inspect the variance application at the Douglas Community Development Department during regular business hours before the hearing.
3
Find remote access info
Check www.douglas-ma.gov for the hearing agenda and Zoom connection details if you cannot attend in person.

Frequently asked questions

When and where is the hearing for the variance?: The hearing is at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 in the Resource Room at Douglas Municipal Center, 29 Depot Street.
What is the variance request about?: James Farrell is requesting side-yard setback relief to build a pool house at 20 Birch Street.
How can I review the application before the hearing?: Review the application during regular business hours at the Douglas Community Development Department, 29 Depot Street.
Can I participate remotely in the hearing?: Yes; visit www.douglas-ma.gov for the agenda and Zoom information to join remotely.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Variance: A permitted exception to zoning rules allowing a property use or dimension that otherwise wouldn't comply.
MGL Chapter 40A, Section 10: Massachusetts law that authorizes zoning boards to grant variances from local zoning bylaws.
Side yard setback: Required minimum distance between a building and the side property line.

Full Notice Text

TOWN OF DOUGLAS
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Town of Douglas Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing beginning at 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 in the Douglas Municipal Center, Resource Room, 29 Depot Street, Douglas, MA to hear the following Application:
7:00 PM James Farrell, is requesting a Variance pursuant to MGL Chapter 40A, Section 10, for side yard setback relief under dimensional regulations Appendix B & Section 9.2.2 Regulations of the Douglas Zoning Bylaws, to construct a pool house, in a RA Zoned District. The property location is 20 Birch Street, Map 146, Parcel 17. 
 
Any person interested or wishing to be heard should appear at the time and place designated. Visit www.douglas-ma.gov for the Agenda and Zoom information. A copy of the Application is available for review during regular business hours in the Douglas Community Development Department, 29 Depot Street, Douglas, MA 01516.
 
Daniel Heney               
Chairman
Zoning Board of Appeals
 
May 20, 27 2026
LNEO0518962