The Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment on Wednesday granted a variance to allow a lot area of 12,197 square feet where 12,500 square feet is required, clearing the way for the conversion of an office unit to an apartment at 63 School Street.

The matter was presented by John Arnold, who stated he represented MOR Real Estate Holdings LLC and Allison Street Holdings LLC and explained the conversion work was already complete after a building permit was issued. Arnold said the city later determined site-plan approval was required and then reversed an earlier determination that the lot met the minimum area requirement.

The case concerned a 12,197-square-foot lot in the Civic Performance District, roughly 300 square feet smaller than the 12,500-square-foot minimum. Arnold told the board the conversion did not change the building footprint or lot size; it was internal work to create a residential unit.

Board members asked no follow-up questions. Board member Monaghan moved to grant a variance from section 28-5-3-b-1 to allow the 12,197-square-foot lot area for the conversion, citing compliance with RSA 674:33 based on the record. The motion was seconded and carried by unanimous vote of the three members present.

The board chair noted that three regular members were absent and reminded the appellant that a three-member board requires a unanimous vote for action; the appellant declined to defer for a full five-member hearing.

The variance allows the conversion to remain in place; no additional conditions were recorded in the hearing transcript.