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ZBA approves variance for detached three-car garage at 1120 West Hollis Street
Summary
The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously granted a variance allowing homeowners Steven and Kristen Theodore to build a detached 36-by-40-foot garage that will increase accessory area to 71% where 40% is permitted.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance April 22 allowing Steven and Kristen Theodore to build a detached three-car garage at 1120 West Hollis Street.
The Theodore application sought relief from Land Use Code section 190‑264 to exceed the maximum accessory use area — 40% permitted versus 71% proposed — to construct a 36-by-40-foot detached garage in the R‑30 zone, Ward 5. Chair Jay Mencar read the case into the record before the applicants presented their request and answered board questions.
Kristen Theodore, the homeowner, told the board the family needs covered space for several sports cars and workshop storage. “We are looking to add a 3 car garage. We have a couple of sports cars that my husband and son work on, and we would like to have some additional space to store those cars,” she said. She also said the detached garage would restore parking inside the attached two-car garage for daily use and provide room to store props used in an annual animated holiday light show.
Board members noted the lot’s size and placement of the proposed structure. Member Steve Lionel said the lot is “large and in a pretty rural section of the city,” and that letters from abutters supported the application. Member Robert Shaw said a similar detached garage had been approved on West Hollis Street in the past and “when you drive by today, it looks like part of the property.”
Board discussion addressed an alternative of attaching the garage to the house; members observed that an attached five-car configuration might be more imposing and would require moving a propane tank and altering access. The board voted to approve the area variance. The motion, made on the record by “Mister Lano” and seconded by Robert Shaw, found that the variance would not be contrary to the public interest, would observe the spirit of the ordinance, would do substantial justice, and that denial would cause unnecessary hardship given site conditions and design concerns. The motion passed unanimously.
The board’s approval is subject to the standard 30‑day appeal period under the city’s administrative procedures.
Votes at a glance: The motion to approve the area variance passed unanimously (five votes in favor).
