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Zoning board approves Franklin Street guest‑house variance, contingent on verified lease for four parking spaces
Summary
The Newport Zoning Board voted 5–0 to grant a variance for 20–24 Franklin Street to allow a four‑bedroom short‑term guest house provided the applicant supplies an assigned one‑year paid lease for four dedicated off‑site parking spaces acceptable to the zoning officer.
The Newport Zoning Board voted unanimously Nov. 18 to grant a variance allowing conversion of the four‑bedroom unit at 20–24 Franklin Street into a guest‑house use, on the condition that the applicant provides an assigned, one‑year paid lease for four dedicated off‑site parking spaces. The board specifically directed that if the applicant cannot secure the initially proposed Bowen's Wharf spaces, the zoning officer and the applicant return quickly for an abbreviated review of alternative parcels.
Ally Grist described the property, which occupies roughly 87% of its lot and contains retail on the first floor and a four‑bedroom unit above. Attorney Joshua Parks told the board a lease at Bowen's Wharf for four spaces was expected but not available for in‑hand review at the hearing. Zoning staff said they would verify Bowen's Wharf has excess capacity and that leases must be dedicated to the Franklin Street address; the board made the lease verification a condition of approval.
Board members who supported the motion cited the property's location firmly in the general business district and the practical benefit of having four off‑site spaces where none now exist. Vice Chair Dave Riley moved to approve with the contingency; the motion passed 5–0.
