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Zoning board approves guest house conversion and one leased parking space at 404 Thames Street
Summary
Worldview Graphics Inc. received a special-use permit and a parking variance to convert a second-floor unit into a two-bedroom guest house, conditioned on an annual lease for one parking spot at Brown and Howard Wharf and documentation of an on-site manager.
The Newport Zoning Board of Review unanimously approved a special-use permit and a dimensional variance on March 24 for Worldview Graphics Inc. to convert a second-floor apartment at 404 Thames Street into a two-bedroom guest house, subject to conditions requiring proof of a leased parking space at Brown and Howard Wharf and confirmation of an on-site manager arrangement.
The board’s decision rested on the property’s location in the limited business district and the applicant’s evidence that the property historically has been used for short-term rentals. Attorney William Anthony Jr., representing Worldview Graphics, told the board the owner "has been operating a rental at that property since the early 1990s" and that the applicant had secured a leased parking space at Brown and Howard Marina to address off-site parking needs.
Board planner/expert testimony focused on parking as the substantive issue. Nancy Latender, a land-use planner offered as an expert, testified that the proposed use is consistent with Thames Street’s historic pattern and that the lack of vehicular access and built-up lots on Thames Street make on-site parking infeasible. She confirmed the marina has available spaces and supported the lease condition.
The board attached conditions: an annual lease or agreement for one parking space at 10 Brown and Howard Wharf, annual proof that the remaining long-term dwelling unit will house the required on-site manager (with reasonable compensation/lease terms as needed), project commencement and substantial completion within 12 months or by approved extension, and payment of public-noticing invoices before recording.
Board members noted the application met findings for both the parking variance and special-use permit. Chair Wick Rudd and others emphasized the property’s small lot (approximately 1,535 square feet) and the lack of feasible on-site parking. The motion passed 5-0. The board asked the applicant to provide the written lease evidence to staff when applying for the transient-guest certificate and to file the written decision for recordation.
