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Zoning board continues Spring Street parking‑variance petition after neighbors raise parking and enforcement concerns
Summary
The board continued a request by Chris and Kathy Viera for a parking variance tied to converting a condo unit to a guest house so the applicants can secure a year‑round parking lease and condo‑association approval; the hearing was rescheduled to Oct. 28.
The Newport Zoning Board continued a parking‑variance petition from Chris and Kathy Viera (201–225 Spring Street) to the Oct. 28 meeting after staff and neighbors identified outstanding issues. The applicants seek a dimensional variance to allow a two‑bedroom Unit 6 to operate as a guest house without providing the required additional on‑site parking space.
Board members and staff raised several concerns: the applicants had not supplied a year‑round lease for an off‑site parking spot (a condition the board frequently requires for downtown guest houses), condo‑association approval for short‑term rental operations was not yet finalized, and city staff reported online listings that suggest other units in the building have been advertised without proper approvals. Neighbor Lynn Sanzo testified the units have been advertised for short‑term rental and that guest passes are being used to occupy commercial‑street parking intended for businesses.
Given these unresolved questions — the need for a binding year‑round parking lease, formal condo association consent, and clarification about previous listing activity — the board voted unanimously to continue the petition to Oct. 28 and asked applicants to return with documentary proof of parking arrangements and condo approvals. Staff cautioned that continued unpermitted renting could expose operators to enforcement actions.
