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ZBA approves variance to allow Old Dominion freight facility at Richmond Technologies site
Summary
The Hooksett Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a variance allowing a freight/less-than-truckload facility at the Richmond Technologies parcel after the planning board had previously approved site plans; the board found the use consistent with the area's master plan and TIF expectations.
The Hooksett Zoning Board of Adjustment on March 25 approved a variance to permit a freight terminal/freight facility (for Old Dominion) at a parcel at Technology Drive (Richmond Technologies, map 29 lot 76). The applicant had obtained planning-board site-plan approval and, following a 30-day appeal period with no appeals filed, sought confirmation from the ZBA to address whether the proposed freight terminal required a zoning variance for the planned use.
John Cronin, attorney for the applicant, told the board the project had already completed the planning-board review for drainage, traffic and site conditions and argued the proposed freight terminal is consistent with the town's master plan and the tax-increment financing district's development intent. Cronin said the planning board had vetted the proposal and no party appealed that decision during the statutory appeal window. He added the site sits on a larger parcel (approximately 26 acres as described) and that buffers and dimensional requirements would be met; wetland setbacks that previously required relief had been addressed.
Board members discussed whether the proposed freight terminal fit better as an industrial special exception or required a variance. Town staff and the applicant said the freight-terminal use is operationally distinct from a traditional warehouse and that the applicant chose to apply for variance relief to provide the ZBA the stricter standard and remove any question about future enforcement. No public speakers registered to oppose or support at the hearing.
After brief discussion the board adopted findings that the variance was not contrary to public interest, that it met the spirit of the ordinance, and that the hardship and value prongs were satisfied given the site's topography, wetland considerations and the planning board's prior approval. A motion to approve the variance carried with the board voting "Aye" on the motion.
Why it matters: The decision allows a trucking/less-than-truckload operation at an industrially zoned site envisioned by the town's development plans and expected to contribute to the local tax base. The applicant argued the use is consistent with surrounding commercial/industrial development in the Technology Drive area.
The board instructed staff to prepare formal written findings for the record; no conditions were announced in the hearing transcript beyond compliance with site-plan approvals the planning board had already granted.
