ZJ’s Home Improvements Owner Faces New Zoning Hurdle Over Shed Placement
Blackstone’s zoning board shed variance case involving ZJ’s Home Improvements will continue in September after questions over permits and property lines.
At the July 16 public hearing, the Blackstone Zoning Board of Appeals voted to delay a decision on a shed variance request, citing unresolved questions about permits, property lines, and prior approvals. The request was brought forward by Zachary Tremblay, whose efforts to secure town approval for his business, ZJ’s Home Improvements, have already drawn attention at past Board of Selectmen meetings.
The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to review Tremblay’s request for a variance related to the shed at 2 Monica Lane. Specifically, the request sought relief from side setback requirements outlined in Section 123-13: Intensity of Use Schedule of the Blackstone Zoning Bylaws. This section governs how close structures can be to property lines based on zoning districts. In Tremblay’s case, the shed sits closer to the side boundary than typically allowed in a residential zone, prompting the need for a formal variance.
This new chapter in the ongoing zoning matter raises questions not only about the shed’s location—but also about how departments, boards, and town officials work together during property and permit disputes.
Background: Permit Was Approved—Then Reopened
Tremblay, appearing with his father and property owner Patrick Tremblay, told the board that they pulled a permit for the shed years ago. The building inspector at the time visited the property during construction and, due to ledge in the yard, advised moving the foundation back two feet from its original planned location. This brought the structure to 15 feet from the street, rather than the typical 25-foot setback.
“The inspector told us he was happy with the location. He closed the permit and signed off,” said Zachary.
According to Tremblay, the permit was finalized about a year after it was pulled. But nearly three years after it was closed, the current building inspector revisited the site and reopened the matter, now citing non-compliance with the original setback requirement.
“I’m assuming someone complained,” Tremblay said. “It’ll be three years this September since the permit was finalized and closed.”
During the meeting, Zoning Board Chair acknowledged the unusual nature of the situation, stating: “Correct me if I’m wrong — the fact that the old building inspector signed off on it and the new building inspector has an issue with it, I’d like to be able to talk to the new building inspector to see why. If it was approved before, I don’t know — I could be wrong, but he could be completely right and have good reason for making you come here, but I don’t know what it is.” The Zoning Board noted that they plan to consult with the town’s legal counsel for guidance on how to move forward.
Shed or Structure?
One point of confusion during the hearing was the nature of the structure itself. The application referred to a 16×20 shed, but board members noted its two-story appearance. Tremblay clarified that it includes a loft and was constructed as outlined in the original plan.
“I had to bring in a machine to dig a foot down,” he explained. “We went as far back as possible before hitting rock.”
The issue now hinges on two key questions: Is the structure within the required setback? And is a new variance required, despite the old inspector’s sign-off?
Where Are the Lot Lines?
A central issue in the zoning board shed variance case is the location of the property line. Tremblay said they relied on a 2001 survey that indicated the structure was five feet from the lot line. But commissioners asked whether a recent survey had been completed.
“If you don’t know exactly where the line is, how can you ask for a variance?” one board member asked.
Tremblay said he would pursue a new survey if required and was working with the paperwork the town had accepted years earlier. The shed, which sits on a concrete block foundation and includes a loft, prompted some clarification questions during the hearing about its design and footprint.
The Bigger Picture: Process, Complaints, and Coordination
The shed isn’t the only matter involving Tremblay currently under review. In June, the Board of Selectmen discussed his application for a home occupancy license for ZJ’s Home Improvements. Before the board could vote, Tremblay chose to withdraw the application after concerns were raised about unresolved zoning issues. Several residents also spoke up at that meeting with complaints about the business. While those comments were noted, the board had already determined it would not revisit the license request until all zoning matters were resolved and confirmed by the appropriate town departments. One of those zoning matters—the shed—remains pending.
While this case involves one resident, it also highlights the complexity of navigating local regulations—especially when permits span multiple departments or timeframes. Questions naturally come up about how information is shared between boards, what’s expected of residents in advance, and how changes in personnel might affect long-closed matters.
These aren’t criticisms, but realities of how town government functions. Each board and department has its own role and process, and sometimes that means issues take time to work through. For residents, it’s a reminder to come prepared with as much documentation as possible and ask questions early when facing permitting or zoning issues.
These are questions worth considering, not only for town officials but for residents preparing to navigate the process themselves.
What’s Next?
Tremblay was asked to return to the Zoning Board of Appeals on September with:
- A copy of the original building permit and sign-off.
- Documentation from the town’s online permit portal.
- And a current survey of the lot showing boundary lines and structure location.
In the meantime, the Zoning Board will consult with the town’s legal counsel and speak directly with the current building inspector to better understand the reopened case.
Until then, the Zoning Board shed variance for the Tremblay’s on Monica Lane remains unresolved.
Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on July 16, 2025. Discussion on Zoning starts at 02:46.
Editor’s Note – July 17, 2025 at 1:30PM
Following the publication of this article, Zach Tremblay made a public statement in a local Facebook group in response. In the now-deleted post, he shared that the zoning issue currently under review concerns his father’s property, not the operations of ZJ’s Home Improvements. He also stated that the business is no longer located in Blackstone.
We’ve included this clarification to reflect Tremblay’s perspective and to provide additional context for readers. Small Town Post strives for accurate and balanced reporting and welcomes input or clarification from members of the community involved in local stories.
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