Somersworth HDC approves small storage shed for Flame LLC with design conditions

The Somersworth Historic District Commission on April 23 approved a certificate of appropriateness for Flame LLC to install a removable storage shed behind its outdoor seating area at 44 Market Street (HDC case 92025). The approval limits the structure to a maximum of 10 by 12 feet, requires a shed-style roof (single slope), and includes a board request that the shed’s colors match or complement the existing restaurant building.

Conrad Nisley (recorded by the commission; the meeting packet listed the applicant name variably) told the commission he needs on-site storage because current off-site storage is expensive and less convenient. He said a 10-by-12 shed is his preference but he would accept a 10-by-8 if that fits better on the site. Commissioners and staff noted that smaller sheds below a size threshold would not require HDC review but that the applicant sought approval for the larger option.

The commission voted 7–0 to approve as submitted with the stated conditions. Commissioners discussed siting (the shed will be behind the patio and largely not visible from the street), roof pitch (the board preferred the shed roof pitch to shed away from the patio), and materials (applicant indicated vinyl siding to match the building). Members also discussed fire-code proximity: if the shed is sited closer than 10 feet to another structure, certain siding/fire-resistance requirements apply.

The certificate is limited to the approved footprint and roof type; the board noted the decision does not obligate the applicant to any particular paint enforcement but requested a color scheme that avoids highly conspicuous colors.