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Newport Board of Adjustments approves variance for two‑story garage with prohibition on living space
Summary
The Newport Board of Adjustments on Sept. 18 approved a variance (case BA 25 14) allowing a two‑story detached garage on Columbia Street, with a condition that the second floor may not be used as living space or for short‑term rentals. The board also approved minutes from May 22 and July 24, 2025 (the latter with two abstentions).
The Newport Board of Adjustments voted Sept. 18 to grant a variance (case BA 25 14) permitting a two‑story detached garage on a property along Columbia Street, conditioned so that the garage’s second floor cannot be converted to living space or used as a short‑term rental.
The vote followed testimony from the applicant, Dean Gosney, and testimony from city staff describing the request. The board approved the variance by recorded roll call; all five members present voted yes.
Board members said the structure will not change the essential character of the neighborhood and that the condition barring living quarters will run with the property. A board member moved to approve the variance, specifying that "no living space or short‑term rental will be created in the above second‑story space of the garage"; another board member seconded the motion. The motion included findings that the proposed garage "is in conformance with the intent and regulations," will preserve public safety and welfare, and will not injure the neighborhood’s essential character.
Applicant Dean Gosney described the project as part of a historic restoration of the house. "The intent would ... be to put up a carpentry hobby shop on the second floor of a garage," Gosney said, adding that he did not intend the space to be used as a dwelling: "I really, really don't ever want anybody to live there." Gosney said he currently holds a permit for the property and that future design will meet height, setback and building‑code requirements.
During the hearing Gosney said the lot is large and runs from Columbia Street to Putnam, enabling placement of the garage without reducing yard area. City staff told the board the zoning ordinance does not explicitly authorize two‑story garages and that the application was before the board to ensure the structure would not create an accessory dwelling or two‑family use.
The board also handled two procedural votes. The board unanimously approved minutes from a special meeting on May 22, 2025. The board approved minutes from the July 24, 2025 meeting with a 3‑yes, 0‑no, 2‑abstain tally; Board members Steve Matheson and Stephanie Stephan abstained, each saying they were not present for that meeting.
The meeting concluded after the board completed the agenda and took a motion to adjourn.
