The Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variances that allow a deeded parcel with two houses at 45 Concord Street (and an associated Beaver Street address) to be split into two separate lots that would not meet current downtown residential dimensional standards.

Owner/applicant Seth Hippel told the board the two houses have historically functioned as separate residences while being on one deed; he said splitting the parcel would not increase occupancy or site use and would bring the properties into more marketable condition for insurance and lending. Hippel said one unit is a three-bedroom, the other a two-bedroom, and that both will retain off-street parking.

Board members examined a proposed lot line, noted the buildings sit close together and asked whether easements would be added to allow access for maintenance between properties. The applicant indicated he would consider maintenance and snow-removal easements and a survey is in progress to record precise dimensions; board members suggested adding a repair-and-maintenance easement as a condition.

The board approved four motions covering minimum lot area, minimum frontage, reduced setbacks for structures on the two proposed lots, and increased lot coverage beyond the 60% maximum (Concord downtown residential RD district). The motions incorporated the applicant’s proposed findings and the board’s discussion noted a prior 1986 variance and long-standing physical conditions that created hardship. All motions passed unanimously at the meeting.

Board members asked staff to add a deed easement requiring reciprocal maintenance access; the motions as recorded in the hearing transcript included language that an easement for repair and maintenance be placed in both deeds for the setback area to reduce future neighbor disputes.