The Manchester Zoning Board approved variances to allow a single‑family house at 63 Westminster Street on Aug. 14, granting relief for a rear deck encroachment and parking placement after the applicant said the lot configuration matched numerous small lots in the neighborhood.

Engineer Matt Peterson, representing the applicant, said the lot is a historic 1912 Pleasant View Park lot and that he completed a new survey documenting a 49‑foot front width. Peterson noted many similar small parcels nearby and said the proposal mirrors recent development across the street.

Neighbors voiced concerns at the hearing. James Sims, of 35 Westminster Street, said his property includes a pool and a rock retaining wall immediately adjacent to the proposed house site and worried that construction vibrations could damage walls and that tree removal would reduce privacy: "I'm worried when they built, that wall is gonna come down," he said. Sydney Faltado, at 62 Blackstone Street, said privacy and drainage were concerns and asked whether a tall fence could be required for privacy.

Peterson showed how the proposed house had been set back from the property line and said the design left shrubs and trees where feasible; he pointed to a nearly identical house built across the street in 2022 as precedent. Board members confirmed the retaining wall described by neighbors appears to be on the neighbor’s property, not on the proposed lot, and the applicant said the house would be set back at least 10 feet from that neighbor’s retaining features.

Board members found that the lot’s historical record and the neighborhood’s pattern of small lots supported a finding that a single‑family house there is consistent with the character of the area. The board granted relief from standards for development of a nonconforming lot, a rear-yard setback and parking setbacks (ZBA2025‑089); Greg Powers moved the motion and Catherine Lehi seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The board’s approval applies to zoning relief; the applicant must still secure building permits and abide by any construction safeguards to minimize impact on nearby retaining structures and landscaping.