The Zoning Board of Adjustment on Aug. 26 denied a variance request from the Pope Family Trust to build a 30-by-40 detached garage at 218 Manchester Street, concluding the proposed structure would be out of scale with the neighborhood and would not be subordinate to the primary residence. The motion to deny passed 4–1.

Jeffrey Pope, who filed the application, said the detached structure is a garage intended to house vehicles and a travel trailer and described the building as a “garage,” not a barn. Pope said the right bay of the proposed structure would house a travel trailer that requires taller doors and that the design reflects the property’s history: “it’s more of the character of the home. My understanding historically is that property was a farm, in the past, and, it’s just a term barn.”

Multiple neighbors spoke in opposition, citing scale, height and visibility. Jamie Bodwell said the structure would be a “1,200 square foot barn” and described it as “29 feet tall at the peak” and “not subordinate,” arguing it would “dominate the property’s street frontage.” Other residents raised similar concerns about height, front-yard placement and driveway hardscape. Supporters who live farther along Ferry Road offered that the house has been improved and would not be harmed by a garage.

City staff clarified how the city measures building height: Carter Fock, deputy planning manager, explained that “building heights are measured at the mean between the ridge and the eave,” which staff said would bring the proposed structure within the 20-foot height limit when measured per city practice.

Board members who opposed the variance cited the size and front-yard placement as inconsistent with the ordinance’s intent that accessory structures be subordinate to principal buildings. Member Josh Neely said the building would be “front and center” and larger than many houses in the neighborhood. The board’s motion to deny found the proposal would alter the essential character of the neighborhood; the vote to deny passed 4–1 (Boucher opposed). The chair noted the 30-day appeal period.