Zoning Board continues hearing on sober living home zoning appeal.
Stow Zoning Board holds public hearing on sober living home zoning dispute. Brian Burke, appealing a Building Commissioner decision, argued that a sober living home at 41 Birch Hill Road operates as a commercial use with transient occupancy not permitted in a residential district and does not meet
Zoning Board of Appeals · Meeting of February 2, 2026
Stow Zoning Board holds public hearing on sober living home zoning dispute. Brian Burke, appealing a Building Commissioner decision, argued that a sober living home at 41 Birch Hill Road operates as a commercial use with transient occupancy not permitted in a residential district and does not meet Stow's boarding house definition because it is not owner-occupied. Abutters testified to frequent visitors, out-of-state vehicles, and neighborhood disruption; no property representative appeared.
Board members Ernest Dodd, Leonard Golder, and Maria McFarland agreed the property does not satisfy residential zoning requirements. The Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing and scheduled continued discussion and a draft decision for February 17, 2026.
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Source: the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of February 2, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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