Board approves barn conversion at 11 West Street into two apartments with conditions

The Laconia Planning Board voted to approve PB2025‑037, an application to convert an existing barn attached to a four‑unit building at 11 West Street into two additional residential units.

Applicant Sam Calmerton told the board he purchased the property in 2021 and plans the barn conversion to finance broader structural and roofing improvements to the property. "I've made many improvements, but there's quite a bit more to be done," Calmerton said. He described the project as adding two units to a 4‑unit property, bringing features and repairs that he said would benefit the neighborhood.

Staff presented a lengthy set of pre‑construction, construction and post‑construction conditions required before work begins or certificates of occupancy are issued. Key conditions include: proof of all required municipal, state and federal permits; a Laconia Water Department deposit for inspection services and a construction/maintenance assessment fee of $857; installation of a testable backflow device in a heated accessible location and annual testing; compliance with Laconia Fire Department specifications, including a fire‑sprinkler system installed in accordance with New Hampshire state fire code and city ordinances; CCTV inspection and upgrading of sewer service to a minimum 6‑inch SDR‑35 pipe; delineated parking spaces; and impact fees of $3,481.37 per new dwelling unit to be paid to the Planning Department prior to issuance of each certificate of occupancy.

Board members had no public speakers for or against the project. A motion to approve the application with all conditions in the staff report carried unanimously.

Ending — The applicant must complete all listed pre‑ and post‑construction requirements and pay impact fees before certificates of occupancy will be issued. The board set a completion deadline matching other city approvals: March 4, 2030, after which the approval will lapse unless an extension is filed.