6 Franklin Street, Braintree, MA - Premium Lakefront Development Opportunity

Property Overview

Address: 6 Franklin Street, Braintree, MA 02184
Lot Size: 4,556 square feet
Zoning: Residence B District
Parcel ID: BRAI M:1010 B:0 L:7
Special Feature: Direct frontage on Sunset Lake

Property History

This unique lakefront property originally featured a single-family home built in 1935 (1,291 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom). Following a fire loss, the structure was demolished in June 2025 under town direction, leaving a cleared, buildable lot with protected rebuilding rights.

Critical Timeline: Building permit must be obtained by June 1, 2027 to maintain grandfathered development rights.

Three Development Options

Option 1: Single-Family Rebuild (As-of-Right)

Legal Status: Protected under Braintree Bylaws Article 4, Section 135-403
Requirements:

• Must match original foundation footprint (per pre-demolition survey)

• Cannot exceed original cubic content

• Must meet current energy codes (HERS rating 42-45)

• 100 MPH wind zone compliance required

Advantages:

• No special permits or public hearings required

• Straightforward building permit process

• Protected nonconforming use rights

Option 2: Single-Family + Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Legal Status: Allowed by-right under 2025 Massachusetts ADU law
Specifications:

• Maximum ADU size: 900 sq ft

• Current setbacks: 5 feet (may increase to 8 feet)

• Building coverage limit: 35% of lot (1,594 sq ft maximum)

Requirements:

• Conservation Commission approval (due to Sunset Lake proximity)

• Stormwater management plan required

• Professional engineering for lakefront construction

Income Potential: Rental income from ADU unit

Option 3: Two-Family Conversion

Eligibility: Property qualifies (built pre-1940, 6+ rooms)
Challenge: No precedent for conversion on demolished structures
Process Required:

• Planning & Community Development Director approval

• Planning Board special permit

• Public hearing process

• Site plan review compliance

Environmental & Regulatory Considerations

Sunset Lake Proximity

• 100-foot buffer zone from shoreline applies to all construction

• Conservation Commission review required for any development

• Wetlands Protection Act compliance mandatory

• Enhanced stormwater management requirements

Technical Requirements

Building Standards

• Energy Code: Stretch code compliance required

• Foundation: New engineering required for lakefront conditions

• Flood Zone: Property in Flood Zone A - elevation requirements apply

• Utilities: Public water, sewer, and gas available

Inspection Process

Six-stage inspection sequence from excavation through final completion, with special attention to:

• Soil conditions and foundation engineering

• Waterproofing and flood protection

• Trade installations (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)

• Final structural integrity

Investment Highlights

Unique Advantages

1. Protected Development Rights: Grandfathered rebuilding privileges

2. Lakefront Location: Direct Sunset Lake frontage - rare in suburban Boston

3. Multiple Income Streams: ADU or two-family potential

4. Strong Market: Braintree real estate market highly competitive

5. Transportation Access: Near Braintree commuter rail station

Considerations

• 2-year building permit deadline

• Conservation Commission approval required

• Potential ADU setback changes pending

• No precedent for two-family conversion on demolished structure

Next Steps for Buyers

Due Diligence Recommended

1. Wetlands Delineation: Professional survey to confirm 100-foot buffer boundaries

2. Town Department Consultations: Meetings with Planning, Conservation, and Stormwater departments

3. Professional Team Assembly: Architect, engineer, and environmental consultant familiar with lakefront construction

Documentation Available

• Pre-demolition survey showing original structure

• Zoning analysis and development options study

• Regulatory timeline and approval process guide

This rare lakefront development opportunity combines protected rebuilding rights with income potential in one of Braintree's most desirable locations. The 2-year development window creates urgency while providing certainty for qualified buyers.

Disclaimer: All regulatory information based on meetings with Braintree officials as of 2025. Buyers should confirm current requirements with appropriate town departments before proceeding.