Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Residential Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves 166 Thayer Drive garage addition with screening condition
Summary
The ZBA granted a front‑ and side‑yard dimensional variance allowing a third garage bay at 166 Thayer Drive, citing lot constraints and neighborhood compatibility; the board conditioned approval on maintaining an arborvitae privacy screen to the north.
The Portsmouth Zoning Board approved variances to permit an addition to the existing garage at 166 Thayer Drive that will add storage and a narrow third bay for the Ventura family.
Applicant counsel explained the house was preexisting and sited close to lot lines, leaving limited options for additional storage without encroaching on setbacks. The proposed addition will not create living space above the new bay and was described as compatible in scale with other three‑car garages in the neighborhood. Board members discussed placement, landscaping and sightline protections for adjacent properties; one member proposed a condition that the row of arborvitae on the north property line be maintained as a visual screen. The board voted to approve the requested 10.3‑foot front yard variance and 3‑foot side yard variance with that maintenance condition.
The board cited the lot configuration and the existing building footprint as convincing hardship factors and found the addition would not alter neighborhood character.
