Newport zoning board approves multiple minor variances and permits on consent calendar

The Newport Zoning Board on Nov. 25 approved multiple routine variances and special-use permits on its consent and abbreviated calendars, and moved one petition to a full hearing. The meeting was held at the Innovation Center.

The board’s consent action grouped four summary-calendar petitions for expedited approval after staff said there was no opposition. The consent motion directed staff findings and conclusions under Chapters 17.108 and 17.109 of the Newport Zoning Ordinance, added the standard condition that projects must be started and substantially complete within 12 months (or secure an extension), and required payment of outstanding public-notice invoices before recordation. The board approved the consent calendar on a 5–0 voice vote.

Items placed on the consent calendar included a request by Joseph Mitchell at 359 Spring Street to demolish and rebuild a cupola that will exceed the dimensional height limit, a petition at 3 LaSalle Place to add a rear stair landing and modestly increase lot coverage, a proposed front porch and rear addition at 5 Bradford Avenue, and a front-porch/deck variance at 16 Bachelor Street. Staff read each petition and confirmed no opponents were present during the summary-calendar call.

On the abbreviated calendar, the board accepted the withdrawal without prejudice of the petition for 5 Champlin Street after staff explained a change in state setback rules made the generator permissible at the narrower setback noticed. The board also heard and approved several pool proposals and other minor variances: Brett David Davenport’s request to install a 50-by-11-foot lap pool at 11 Oakwood Terrace (relief from a 20-foot accessory-structure setback and a modest lot-coverage increase) and Patrick Kelly’s request for a 12-by-18 in-ground pool at 57 Ks Street were both granted after applicants described plans to manage pool drainage on-site.

A petition for 96 (9696) K Street was removed from the summary calendar after staff received letters of opposition; the board scheduled that matter for a full hearing at a later date.

Chair’s office staff reminded petitioners placed on the consent calendar that, because they were unopposed, their approvals were effective once recorded and they need not remain for the rest of the meeting.

What’s next: The board continued two Thames Street petitions to Jan. 27, 2025, at the applicants’ request to develop an adequate off-site parking plan. Several applicants told the board they would return with revised parking arrangements.