Somersworth commission grants variance for larger sign at 240 Green Street with lighting limits

The Somersworth City Commission voted 5-0 on Feb. 5 to grant a variance allowing a freestanding sign larger than the one-square-foot limit for a home-occupation at 240 Green Street.

The variance permits a 24-inch-by-36-inch (6-square-foot) freestanding sign on two cedar 4x4 posts, with a maximum installed height of about 5 feet. The board approved the variance with a condition that any sign lighting be off between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.; commissioners specified a timer so the sign is dark during those hours.

The application before the commission was filed as a request by Karen Salkins to deviate from section 19.20.d.1.b of the city signage ordinance, which generally limits home-occupation signage to one flush-mounted, unlit sign on the main residence. Planning staff (Kate Crosley) summarized the proposal and the property’s history; staff noted a 1991 special-exception allowing a prior plumbing and heating home occupation and that the current home-occupation permit (for clothing alteration and repair) was issued in 2024.

Applicant Aaron Salkins, who identified himself as owner of 240 Green Street with his husband, described the business as a small alteration and repair operation that grew after the couple’s financial and medical difficulties. "He made it through, and he's unable to work now," Aaron Salkins said of his husband, describing the need to keep the business at home. He told the commission he serves clients including the Somersworth Police Department and Dover Fire Department and that the home operation helps him stay available for family medical needs.

Commissioners discussed the five standard variance criteria. Commissioner Anthony Jones and others said the lot’s topography and the location near a crest in the road reduce visibility of a sign mounted on the house and make a freestanding front-yard sign more practical. "If it's on the face of the front of the house when people are driving by, they're not looking to the face of the house," Aaron Salkins said. Commissioners also noted the street has limited pedestrian traffic, is largely agricultural in character, and has few nearby commercial destinations, reducing the risk of sign clustering or excessive advertising.

On illumination, commissioners and staff described the applicant's current lighting as solar-powered, low-voltage fixtures, including two ground-level solar spotlights and fixtures attached to the sign posts. Commissioners proposed, and the applicant accepted, a condition that the sign not be illuminated between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.; the board amended the motion to require a timer so the lights are off during those hours. Commissioner Ken Hilton moved to grant the variance with the lighting condition; Commissioner Keith Perkins seconded the motion. The commission voted 5-0 to approve the variance.

The commission’s action was limited to the sign variance request; no other changes to the home-occupation permit or to property use were authorized in the motion. The planning staff also provided materials about determinations of regional impact and regional comprehensive planning, which the commission received for information.

Votes at a glance - Variance request by Karen Salkins (applicant present as Aaron Salkins) to allow freestanding sign larger than 1 square foot at 240 Green Street (variance from section 19.20.d.1.b): Motion by Commissioner Ken Hilton, seconded by Commissioner Keith Perkins. Condition: sign lighting to be off 11 p.m.–7 a.m. (timer required). Vote: 5 yes, 0 no; outcome: granted.

Ending The commission took no further new-business votes and adjourned after receiving planning-office updates about regional planning work and pending ordinance items.