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Resident says new build sits 6 feet from his house; council says matter under legal review
Summary
A Laconia resident told the council a recently approved building will sit 6 feet from his home and may violate safety and association rules; city staff said planning, fire and legal are reviewing options and will provide a timeline at the next meeting.
A Laconia homeowner told the City Council he is concerned that a recently approved two‑story construction will be built six feet from his home and that the approval may violate fire‑safety setbacks and homeowners’ association bylaws.
Richard Mason said the structure was originally permitted as a shed/office and that subsequent building permits allowed a two‑story structure closer to his property. Mason said he spoke with the building inspector and was told to "get a lawyer." Councilors and staff said the matter has been referred to the city’s planning, fire and legal teams for review. Councilor Bogart asked staff to prepare a timeline of events and staff committed to providing an update at the next meeting.
City staff told Mason they have discussed the issue with fire and planning and that attorneys are reviewing whether the permit and variance process complied with applicable codes; staff could not predict the outcome at the meeting. The council did not take immediate formal action beyond directing staff to report back.
Next steps: staff will provide a timeline of permitting events and a legal update at the next council meeting.
