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ZBA approves ADU and area variance allowing larger ADU at 1 York Way Drive
Summary
The board granted both a variance and a special exception for Jeffrey and Carrie Whitman at 1 York Way Drive to build an attached two‑car garage with an accessory dwelling unit above the garage that exceeds the 750-square-foot ADU limit (1,056 sq ft proposed).
On June 10 the Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment approved two items for Jeffrey and Carrie Whitman of 1 York Way Drive: an area variance to exceed the 750-square-foot maximum for an accessory dwelling unit and the special exception allowing the ADU. The applicants proposed a 1,056‑square‑foot ADU above a new attached two‑car garage; the plan was presented as part of new construction on a corner lot on West Hollis Street.
Owner Jeff Whitman said the larger ADU would allow him, his wife and son to live in a smaller two‑bedroom ADU while freeing the main house for his daughter and her husband. Neighbors and a nearby homeowner who had previously received a similar approval spoke in support, and board members discussed neighborhood context: a mix of house types and some nearby larger garages and ADUs. Several members observed that the garage footprint drove the ADU square footage and would make subdividing the space impractical.
The board first approved the area variance, with one member clarifying there was no evidence the larger ADU would reduce surrounding property values. The board then approved the special exception finding the proposal met the ADU standards in Land Use Code §190-15. Both motions passed unanimously. The board reminded the applicants of the 30‑day appeal window and directed them to follow standard building permit procedures.
