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ZBA grants variance for road frontage where lot crosses town line
Summary
The Zoning Board granted a variance allowing a proposed subdivision to rely on road frontage that is partly in neighboring Gilmanton; the board found special circumstances and approved the variance unanimously.
The Town of Alton Zoning Board of Adjustment on Feb. 2 approved a variance for a proposed subdivision where required 200 feet of road frontage would include land that lies in the neighboring town of Gilmanton.
Applicant representative Paul Zugo explained the subject parcel straddles the town line; the proposed Lot 4 would have roughly 7.47 acres and the total frontage is contiguous but only a portion (about 50–60 feet) lies within Alton, while the remainder lies in Gilmanton. Planning and zoning definitions require minimum frontage measured along a lawful right‑of‑way in Alton or as approved by the planning board. Board members and staff discussed whether the planning board could approve frontage that crosses a town line and whether the variance application should instead go to the planning board for an interpretation. The applicant elected to proceed with a variance hearing.
Board members examined variance criteria, including special conditions of the property (parcel split across two towns), whether granting relief served public interest and the spirit of the ordinance, and whether substantial justice and property values would be affected. The board concluded the lot’s unique geography constituted a hardship and that the request was consistent with the ordinance’s purpose; members noted the parcel’s frontage appeared contiguous in practice and that local traffic, access and sightlines posed no safety problem.
After public input (no objections recorded) the board voted unanimously to grant the variance (Case Z25‑03). The board recorded findings that substantial justice would be served and the variance would not diminish surrounding property values; a shared driveway and existing access reduced public‑interest concerns.
