The Concord Zoning Board met on December 4, 2024, to discuss several important matters regarding property variances. The meeting highlighted two significant variance requests that received unanimous support from the board members.

The first request involved Christopher McAllister, who sought approval to convert his family home at 13 Dover Street into a duplex. McAllister explained that he needed additional income to maintain his residence after facing financial challenges, including medical expenses and legal costs from a lengthy probate process following his mother's passing. The proposed duplex would consist of two modest units, each approximately 1,200 square feet.

McAllister's property has 120 feet of frontage, which falls short of the 150 feet required for a duplex under current zoning laws. However, he argued that his lot is one of the larger ones in a neighborhood characterized by smaller, nonconforming lots. The board acknowledged that many homes in the area do not meet the current zoning requirements.

The board members expressed their support for the variance, noting that it would not negatively impact the neighborhood and would provide much-needed housing. After a brief discussion, the motion to grant the variances was made and seconded, resulting in a unanimous vote in favor.

The second item on the agenda involved Bangor Savings Bank, which requested variances for a structure and loading area enclosure that would be closer to property lines than zoning regulations allow. The specifics of this request were less detailed in the discussion, but it was noted that the bank sought to place a refuse container and loading area within 26 feet of the rear property line and 5 feet of the side property line, where greater distances are typically required.

The board's decisions reflect a commitment to balancing individual property needs with community standards, as they navigate the complexities of zoning regulations in Concord.