§ 135-614. Conversion of convalescent home or nursing home.

A. 

Applicability. As authorized in § 135-601, Table of Principal Uses, an existing convalescent home or nursing home use may be changed to an apartment house/two-family use provided the following conditions are met:

1. 

A convalescent home or nursing home was in operation on the site for a minimum of 10 years immediately preceding the date of application for conversion.

2. 

The convalescent home or nursing home was vacant for at least one year immediately preceding the date of application for conversion.

3. 

The structures housing or being used in support of the convalescent home or nursing home use were not enlarged during the ten-year period immediately preceding the date of application for conversion.

4. 

The site [lot(s)] containing convalescent home or nursing home use has not been enlarged during the ten-year period immediately preceding the date of application for conversion.

5. 

The building or buildings which contained the convalescent home or nursing home were in existence as of May 10, 2006.

B. 

Affordable units. The conversion of the convalescent home or nursing home shall provide the minimum required percent of the residential units created for low- and moderate-income housing as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Said units shall be created through the Local Initiative Program (LIP) 760 CMR 45.00 as amended and administered by DHCD.

C. 

Density standards. In granting a special permit the SPGA shall specifically find that the number of residential units to be created through the conversion can be accommodated on site. The density standards set under § 135-705 shall not apply to a conversion of convalescent home or nursing home.

D. 

Criteria for granting a special permit. The SPGA shall assure that the following criteria are met:

1. 

The size of the site [lot(s)] on which the convalescent home or nursing home is currently located shall not be enlarged for the proposed conversion.

2. 

There shall be no expansion of the structures housing or being used in support of the convalescent home or nursing home except for cosmetic alterations such as construction of a foyer. No living space shall be expanded.

3. 

Off-street parking shall be provided as required by Braintree Zoning Bylaw § 135-806.

4. 

The proposed conversion shall not generate more than 50 vehicle trips for any peak hour.

5. 

Adequate screening between the site and abutting properties shall be provided.

Added 5-10-2006 ATM by Art. 38