Littleton Board of Health Defers Two Bedroom-Addition Cases, Grants Septic Variance

LITTLETON — August 9, 2023 — Littleton Board of Health continues two bedroom-addition cases and grants a septic variance at August 9 meeting. The board voted 4-0 to continue hearings for homeowners at 19 George Street and 5 Jillian Way, both seeking to add an 11th room to properties with four-bedroom septic systems, pending submission of certified as-built drawings with room measurements. Chair Matt Weiss noted that approving an 11th room would set a policy precedent the board has not previously established. The board unanimously approved a local upgrade variance for 55 Witchwood Heights, allowing a sieve analysis in place of a percolation test for a failing septic system after engineer Evan Carloni explained that eight feet of fill and a seasonal high water table at 8.33 feet made a standard perc test unsafe. A continued housing code violation hearing for 37 Dogwood Road was also carried to August 23, with attorney Cheryl Gould telling the board that the property owner's contractor has been repeatedly denied access by the tenant, leaving only minor finish items unresolved; the board directed staff to consult town counsel on whether a formal variance is needed for a below-seven-foot back bedroom ceiling deemed a legal nonconformity by the building inspector.