Board grants two summary petitions and an abbreviated amendment for small dimensional changes

The Newport Zoning Board of Review approved two summary petitions and one abbreviated-summary request on Oct. 27.

Secretary read the first summary petition for Brian Ross, 12 Gardner Street, for dimensional variances to add third-floor dormers and reach a height of 33 feet where 30 feet is allowed; no objectors appeared on the summary calendar and the board granted the petition with standard conditions (one-year substantial completion requirement and payment of public-noticing costs).

The second summary petition was Lynn McKesson's request at 1 Bartlett Court to convert an existing commercial unit back to a second dwelling unit; McKesson testified the acupuncture office had officially closed July 15. With no objectors present, the board approved the dimensional-variance summary under the staff report findings.

The board also considered an abbreviated summary for Steven and Grace Turcotte at 125 Old Fort Road to revise a previously approved one-story rear addition (increase 40.7 sq ft) and expand an approved front porch (52.5 sq ft) that raised lot coverage from the approved 32.2% to 33.6% where 27.4% is permitted. The applicant explained the change as a builder/designer oversight to accommodate furniture; the board approved the revision with the usual time-to-start/complete and notice-payment conditions.

All three motions passed unanimously.