Somersworth commission approves variance for larger freestanding sign at 240 Green Street

The Somersworth City Commission on Feb. 5 granted a variance to allow a freestanding sign larger than one square foot at 240 Green Street to serve a home-based clothing alterations business, voting 5-0 to approve the request with a condition that any sign lighting be off between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The variance, sought under section 19.20.d.1.b of the Somersworth zoning ordinance, was listed on the agenda as an application from Karen Salkins. Aaron Salkins, who identified himself as an owner of the property, spoke for the applicants and described the business and family circumstances behind the request. “I really need to be home for my husband as well as my son who's handicapped,” Aaron Salkins said, describing why running the alterations business from home is necessary.

The requested sign is 24 inches high by 36 inches wide (6 square feet), mounted on two cedar 4-by-4 posts and standing about 5 feet tall. Staff recorded that the sign currently has two lights affixed to the posts and two ground-mounted solar spotlights; the applicant said the lights are solar and could be removed or changed. Planning staff advised the commission that the city’s home-occupation sign rules generally limit signage to a single flush-mounted sign not exceeding 1 square foot on the main residential structure and prohibit illumination.

During a public hearing, commissioners discussed the five statutory criteria for a variance. Commissioners cited the specific site geometry — the property sits near a crest on a through road where a flush-mounted sign on the house would be difficult for passing drivers to see — as the distinguishing condition that met the hardship criterion. Commissioner Anthony Jones said visibility from the road and the crest of the hill made a front-yard sign more practical than a wall-mounted sign.

Commissioner Brad Ferdette said he supported the variance, calling the case a reasonable hardship tied to the property’s layout, and Commissioner Ken Hilton moved to grant the variance. The motion, as amended on the floor, included the specific condition that the sign not be lit between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.; Commissioner Keith Perkins seconded. The motion passed on a 5-0 voice vote with Commissioners Keith Perkins, Richard Brooks, Brad Ferdette, Anthony Jones and Ken Hilton recorded in favor.

Before formal discussion on the variance, the commission voted 5-0 on a related procedural item: planning staff had recommended the application did not present a determination of regional impact under RSA 36:54–36:58, and the commission accepted that finding.

Planning staff noted the property previously received a special exception in 1991 related to a different home occupation and that the current home-occupation permit for a clothing alterations business was issued in 2024. The applicant said the operation holds purchase orders from the Somersworth Police Department and Dover Fire Department for alterations work and estimated annual income from the business at about $15,000–$20,000.

Commissioners discussed possible additional sign conditions — including removing the applicant’s phone number — but the final motion limited conditions to lighting controls so the sign would be dark between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Planning staff said the applicant also could remove or replace the existing solar lights if necessary to comply with the ordinance’s illumination standard, which requires sign lighting be directed and maintained at a level that does not adversely affect neighboring premises or the safe vision of drivers.

The commission closed the public hearing, completed its findings on the five variance criteria, and moved on to other planning items and reports before adjourning.