ZBA approves two additional units at 322 South Main Street; neighbors raised parking concerns

The Laconia Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a variance to allow the property at 322 South Main Street to increase from two residential units to four, after the applicant described converting an underused barn and upper-level loft into two additional apartments.

Stephanie Winter, property manager for SNK Rehab and the applicant’s representative, told the board the rear barn currently functions as parking and storage and that the proposed conversion would create two additional residential units upstairs and downstairs. She said the tanning-salon business in front is unchanged.

Neighbors submitted a letter read into the record by staff from Ron Olzak, owner of 314 South Main Street, warning of existing “insufficient parking” and reporting tenants or visitors using parking in front of and behind Olzak’s building overnight. That letter and oral testimony focused the board’s attention on on-site parking and the need for a subsequent site-plan review.

Planning staff and board members emphasized that a planning-board site-plan amendment will be required to delineate parking and confirm the six spaces required for four units, and that the planning process will address striping, maneuverability and snow-storage provisions. Board members said they were satisfied that a solution can be worked out at the planning stage and voted to approve application ZB2025-047 to permit two additional dwelling units.

The motion’s findings noted the property lies in a commercial district where increased residential density is not inconsistent with the surrounding uses. The board did not attach additional conditions at the zoning hearing beyond the usual planning-board coordination.

The applicant was reminded that any future change in use or sale of the building could require further approvals if parking or other site features change.