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Board approves garage variance for Portsmouth homeowner
Summary
The Fort Smith Zoning Board approved Jason Gaston’s request to place a one-door garage 8 feet from the property line (a 7-foot variance under unadjusted measurements), citing the lot’s substandard size, the applicant’s storage hardship and neighborhood consistency.
The Fort Smith Zoning Board voted to approve a dimensional variance for Jason Gaston of 220 Bristol Ferry Road in Portsmouth, allowing him to construct a single-door garage set 8 feet from the property line. Gaston and his representative, Cort Chapelle, told the board the lot is substandard for its R-20 zone and that the proposed garage is the least-relief solution to meet the family’s storage needs.
Gaston testified that he has lived on the property about 14 years and lacks a garage and standing attic space, leaving key items stored off-site. Chapelle told the board the house is askew to the lot line, which constrained the architect’s design and made a narrow, stepped-back garage the least intrusive option. Staff and board members asked whether the garage could be sited elsewhere; Chapelle and Gaston said geometry and existing access made the proposed siting the practical choice.
Board members discussed the impact on neighborhood character and the new statutory proportional adjustment for substandard lots. Multiple members cited hardship and neighborhood compatibility when they moved to approve. The motion carried by voice vote with the chair and other present members voting in favor. The board offered the applicant well wishes as the petition was approved and moved on to the next agenda item.
