Manchester Zoning Board approves variances, lot adjustments and conversions in March meeting

The Manchester Zoning Board of Adjustment voted on a slate of zoning petitions on the March 2025 agenda, approving setback variances, an equitable waiver, a lot-line adjustment and several conversions that local officials and applicants said will allow repairs, safe egress, parking and additional housing.

The board granted relief for a range of requests including front- and side-yard setback variances at 155 Oak Street (ZBA2020-4137), combined equitable-waiver and variance relief at 208 Megan Drive (ZBA2020-4147), a conversion of two first-floor commercial spaces to residential units at 26–30 Massabesic Street (ZBA2025-004), additional units at 37–41 Manchester Street (ZBA2025-006), a pair of single-family lots created by a lot-line adjustment on Erie and Boynton streets (ZBA2025-020), and several other parking, signage and accessory-structure matters. Most motions passed unanimously or by a clear majority. Where neighbors opposed or asked questions, the board recorded those comments and in several cases required inspections or code work as part of post-approval conditions.

Why it matters: The approvals affect housing supply in the downtown and nearby neighborhoods, regularize longstanding nonconforming conditions such as driveways and garages built before current setbacks, and allow property owners to complete safety repairs and renovations without further enforcement action. Several cases also included public comment from abutters and city staff that the…