[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6467182,"mediaKeyId","5809581-f1bb5590d97894b1e3b1d010cc3a40e3","parentId",5809581,"title","Zoning board continues Carapia container petition after public comment on unequal enforcement","audioSeconds",69,"startMs",275000,"endMs",344000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809581-f1bb5590d97894b1e3b1d010cc3a40e3&start=275&end=344","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809581-f1bb5590d97894b1e3b1d010cc3a40e3/thumbnail_275000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6467182/Rhode-Island/Zoning-board-continues-Carapia-container-petition-after-public-comment-on-unequal-enforcement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467182-d8d763addcdcf7a3a304cd0689b673a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775266770&Signature=fw1GLzFX0fHAOJyjdrfOtpyKNuqLQeYCCrVKwnKKyeuDqceUdeY2uj6zAecBOr5JhA9xXQGkEu8peil3YIBnaRToFh8oZEWY8btfoXf6aaBRotVI~6xib5q0YmN7DhuiAb-HFC7HKkY4XG0CQz5pWvQGShY6uAsfy4fm1FWhnqRtk--Sm74n6DfrqauuM4~yqtbDo0Xl9gkgA6isKYvcfYE2WEHz1LFDjhT74RQbA1OQIb5owsj0QzfPcFT133UUgSrZUKDyx-ESetThNozrG0vD3c20IcHfPmZMBrHnMvPi4qoEzU-tONQGZYiAlT371hhJnLUXcDEa44loyzzrRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth","date","2025-09-22T19:18:52.64Z","article","The Portsmouth Zoning Board voted to continue the application by Marcos Carapia for property at 40 Cul De Sac Way to the next scheduled meeting and received public comment from a resident who alleged unequal enforcement of container violations townwide.

Board members read the item into the record and a motion to continue the applicant to the next scheduled zoning board meeting was made and carried by voice vote.

During public comment, resident Michael DiPaola said he had reported many container violations over several years but that the town enforced the violation only in the Carapia case. \"I have no idea why the town is enforcing that violation on this gentleman,\" DiPaola said, adding he has sent numerous reports and emails to town staff. He asked why enforcement appears to be applied inconsistently and whether the applicant\u00045s immigrant status played a role. DiPaola asked how to get the matter on a future agenda and how to submit a list of alleged violations.

Planning staff and a board member explained the appropriate process: submit a written letter through the clerk to the planning board so it will be distributed to members and, if a board member chooses, the issue can be placed on a future agenda. A staff member suggested that the board or a member could request a staff briefing on the town-wide enforcement process so members would understand how complaints are received and handled. The board agreed that staff could address the issue at a later meeting. The board also indicated it is not appropriate to debate a non-agenda item at length during the meeting.

Outcome: petition for 40 Cul De Sac Way continued to next scheduled zoning board meeting; staff to be available to brief the board on enforcement procedures if requested.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Portsmouth Zoning Board Meeting - 9/18/25","oneSentenceSummary","The zoning board continued the petition by Marcos Carapia for 40 Cul-De-Sac Way and heard public comment from a resident who said the town enforces container violations unevenly; staff advised the resident on how to submit complaints and the board agreed staff could brief members on enforcement practice at a future meeting.","taxTitle","Portsmouth, Newport County, Rhode Island","taxId",79583,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6467187,"Zoning board approves variances, special-use permit for renovation at 269 Riverside Street",697,3035000,3732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809581-f1bb5590d97894b1e3b1d010cc3a40e3&start=3035&end=3732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809581-f1bb5590d97894b1e3b1d010cc3a40e3/thumbnail_3035000.jpg","/articles/6467187/Rhode-Island/Zoning-board-approves-variances-special-use-permit-for-renovation-at-269-Riverside-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467187-e7d4744a8204ddf65cf8572d9ef9cf6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775266770&Signature=J-YgGSO5jipk1veAIe8iaP6zuToRbzS-6kXJDfRAVcSIBC9r5TNyRc56ikGtSihRt8loGOpdCtRzn68QmN2w9sVvBQzfxp-8wYDw1LGeBc12nLvRG8VJhRip5JO3JkQOKDgkOfSoZfA0W6NtOsJrV6O7oo20GKIzYMBTHdOUwk9SRtH4xjlXU6jYx8XFcnDxwbLJ1d8VC~QEW-QYHI-9hg~WxQh23~MrpCgxFKsSc~8KveGo3j9blqXUNZvo8ONI25yYvN6fteHeo9P2SsdCQfHfU~RK4Dn5D6bPWSHxu1RJVHF66Cupkki~2tIdp6FBT1bvUw0c-iBB-6bow9x1~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth Zoning Board members approved dimensional variances and a special-use permit to allow a renovation and modest enlargement of a small cottage at 269 Riverside Street.

Applicant Wayne Gibson and architect Vincent Pacifico told the board the cottage is about 825 square feet on a 2,040-square-foot lot and that the project is intended to improve accessibility for the owners as they age. The project proposes a front-yard variance of 2 feet 10 inches, a side-yard variance of 6 inches, and a 1-percentage-point increase in lot coverage (from about 40% to 41%). The board found the property\u00045s substandard lot size and existing footprint justified the requested relief.

Gibson said the renovation is designed to keep the building in character with the neighborhood while improving mobility: \"My wife and I decided to do this, to facilitate us as we get older. My mobility is an issue, and this is certainly gonna be a better design for me,\" he told the board. Architect Vincent Pacifico described the changes as largely within the existing footprint, with minimal additional coverage and modest overhang/soffit changes.

The board approved dimensional variances first and then the special-use permit after finding the renovation would not alter the neighborhood character, would provide adequate light and air, and would not impose a substantial detriment on immediate neighbors. The special-use permit motion also referenced the planning department's review and supporting materials in the application file.

Outcome: front-yard variance (2'10\") and side-yard variance (6\") approved; lot coverage increase approved; special-use permit approved. Building-permit review will follow for construction details.","The Portsmouth Zoning Board approved front- and side-yard variances and a special-use permit for a renovation and modest expansion at 269 Riverside Street; applicant cited mobility needs and the property\u00045s small lot size.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6467192,"Zoning board approves rear-setback variance for in-ground pool at 17 Annette Drive",1182,1802000,2984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809581-f1bb5590d97894b1e3b1d010cc3a40e3&start=1802&end=2984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809581-f1bb5590d97894b1e3b1d010cc3a40e3/thumbnail_1802000.jpg","/articles/6467192/Rhode-Island/Zoning-board-approves-rear-setback-variance-for-in-ground-pool-at-17-Annette-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467192-e4dab12784485ef06e2e4a290e6356e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775266770&Signature=LAt5h8PAki5cVxJx6c~i7KWZloUdO6tmborDOHd83d0nkcg80u38INFEAM7xXGr4nvHKMO5t5Hyy854VVp4d3A3SklYvPgb4r~63KeZiV~sRumqJlQZTADYPyQTVguZJtc7Zi0Ncqf~v6qHugH0xwSwXon99Jdftp05Ox2mfsGfoT0JA58wtYj0edtskPyfuS3B9zad8TNlP79znKJhNtuFkrCJKduoT-JweWKRXsiocwDHbc2PPfUWtlllf2rt4ZoxjnMCIFG8znEXsMGTklEk~RWXVnnsCy0YwCakLk8-lytwi9uJuHwch6HGauh7T8DrFB8gczfMcsshCRboE8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth Zoning Board approved a dimensional variance that will allow an in-ground pool to be installed 5 feet from the rear property line at 17 Annette Drive, a variance of 25 feet from the standard 30-foot rear setback.

Angelo Espisa spoke for the applicant and described the proposed pool as 12 by 35 feet and placed in the only usable portion of the rear yard on the lot. Planning staff explained the rear-setback requirement and confirmed the requested variance amount. A board member said the lot\u00045s septic location and steep slope limit other pool locations on the property.

A next-door neighbor, who did not give a name on the record, raised concerns that the proposed pool and its elevation above the neighbor\u00045s lot could allow overflow or leakage to run downhill toward the neighbor\u00045s property. The neighbor said the rear grade puts the neighbor\u00045s house about \"10 to 15\" (feet) lower and that any overflow would run to the neighbor\u00045s yard.

Board members and staff responded that construction and safety details, including fencing, pump and drain design, and required erosion controls during excavation, are addressed in the building-permit process. Planning staff confirmed an erosion-control plan typically accompanies pool construction permits. \"So it'll it's an erosion plan. So Yeah,\" a staff member said.

After discussion the board voted to approve the dimensional variance. The record shows the board noted the property\u00045s steep grade and existing constraints such as the septic system as characteristics that created hardship and supported the finding that denial would amount to more than a mere inconvenience.

Outcome: dimensional variance for a 12-by-35-foot in-ground pool approved; building-permit review and erosion-control requirements will apply before construction.","Portsmouth Zoning Board granted a 25-foot rear-setback dimensional variance to allow a 12-by-35-foot in-ground pool at 17 Annette Drive after hearing brief testimony from the applicant's representative and concerns from a nearby neighbor about potential runoff.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6467197,"Zoning board approves small waterfront deck, grants setback and lot-coverage variances for 319 Riverside Street",1020,760000,1780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5809581-f1bb5590d97894b1e3b1d010cc3a40e3&start=760&end=1780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5809581-f1bb5590d97894b1e3b1d010cc3a40e3/thumbnail_760000.jpg","/articles/6467197/Rhode-Island/Zoning-board-approves-small-waterfront-deck-grants-setback-and-lot-coverage-variances-for-319-Riverside-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467197-55c6a7e621dade98bffe8880cef282c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775266770&Signature=BUDTkNUo0-XyRorrbqvUPaypfeOfc0Skj1iAkm7rUrEAjUHEnNPlDJgf-3cKRMSi8WJExRPWwVqPKcpu5oVD-U9HFAZTcZSIS0y6pbtoUxuixUF1xsyf8tnrPGJt2YJUZNkb7HQKe4aHaR4ES-J6PgkI5Zyer73ddstLVgwNQuX~omc6cRE-F~0is4DNMgeNYbV4~Pju~ETLiIBnK370iqiMuL93PuQPSZHiR2wJqbX~0GtwfP2KvohAvMoWyE2VBsdLQNvy2gu-L1POyMqXdO9ElNMUnJv9vMb1cWNog5Sbii02wOjv7cwwos1hifyseSNpVtj8mBbTzWp0gUuLaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth\u00045 Zoning Board members voted unanimously to grant dimensional variances and a special-use permit that will allow a 5-foot-by-14-foot (82-square-foot) deck projecting toward the rear (waterfront) at 319 Riverside Street.

The board approved a 3.2-foot rear-yard setback variance and a lot-coverage increase from about 47.8% to 49.9%, and then approved the related special-use permit, finding the changes would not materially alter neighborhood character and would provide minimal relief to make the property more usable.

The applicant\u00045s attorney, Damon Knott, told the board the lot is 0.09 acres and qualifies as a substandard lot, and that the proposed deck would sit around 4.4 feet from the rear property line under the new statute-based setback formula. \"It's the rear yard in this case, which is the water, so there is no immediate neighbor that is affected,\" Knott said. He also noted that many neighboring properties on Riverside have similar decks and docks and that the dock on the property is already permitted by Coastal Resources.

Knott asked the board to find that the lot\u00045s small size and waterfront location are unique characteristics that create the hardship; he characterized the five-foot deck as the \"least relief necessary\" to make the rear door usable and accessible. Planning staff had calculated the adjusted setbacks under the new state statute and recommended a positive finding.

Board discussion focused on procedural sequencing for variances and the special-use permit; a board member amended a motion to vote on the dimensional variances first and then the special-use permit. The board recorded all votes as \"aye.\" The board chair summarized the motion and the clerk recorded the approvals as unanimous.

The applicant will next need to coordinate with the state Coastal Resources body for any required modification or permits tied to the increased deck projection into the waterfront setback.

The board also noted that both immediate neighbors submitted letters of support that were in the file and that the planning department's memorandum accompanied the application.

Outcome: dimensional variances approved (3.2-foot rear-yard variance; lot coverage to 49.9%); special-use permit approved. The board recorded the votes as unanimous.","Portsmouth Zoning Board unanimously approved a 3.2-foot rear-setback dimensional variance and a lift in lot-coverage to permit a 5-by-14-foot deck at 319 Riverside Street and separately granted the required special-use permit; applicant cited a substandard lot and neighborhood precedent.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Zoning board continues Carapia container petition after public comment on unequal enforcement

Zoning board approves variances, special-use permit for renovation at 269 Riverside Street

Zoning board approves rear-setback variance for in-ground pool at 17 Annette Drive

Zoning board approves small waterfront deck, grants setback and lot-coverage variances for 319 Riverside Street