Zoning board OKs backyard brewing at 21 Auburn Street with strict limits

The Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment on Tuesday granted a special exception permitting a major home occupation for home‑based brewing at 21 Auburn Street, allowing an owner‑operated one‑barrel brewing system in a temporary accessory structure in the backyard under strict conditions.

The couple who applied, Stefan Williamson and Hillary Ann Adams, told the board they want to move their 1‑barrel system from the basement to a temporary outdoor structure so they can obtain a health‑and‑safety permit and, if the hobby develops, sell small amounts at farmers markets or otherwise deliver to local vendors. “The structure will be at absolute max 13 by 13 feet and 7 feet tall,” Williamson said, and he told the board he expects to brew at most twice a month if time permits. He said a steam condenser and a sensor stack would control vapors and odors.

Neighbors spoke on both sides of the issue. Robert Moses and Tim Robson testified in favor, saying they live nearby and do not expect on‑site sales, truck deliveries or aesthetic impacts because the…