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Zoning board approves 51‑foot driveway for two‑family at 45 Nagel St.
Summary
The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance 4–0 for Alfredo Gutierrez to legalize a widened driveway at 45 Nagel St., finding the paved extension long‑standing and consistent with neighborhood character; a 30‑day appeal window was announced.
Vice Chair Josh Neely presided as the Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance for a driveway at 45 Nagel Street on Jan. 27, 2026.
Alfredo Gutierrez, who said he and his wife Bridal bought the two‑family home about seven years ago, told the board he paved an existing gravel extension to improve snow removal and add off‑street parking. The board read the application seeking a variance from Land Use Code §190‑17(e)(1) to exceed the 24‑foot maximum driveway width: the property had a 32‑foot driveway and sought an additional 19 feet for a total width of 51 feet.
Board members questioned Gutierrez about unit configuration, vehicle counts and garage usability; Gutierrez said one garage bay is used for storage and the paved extension had functioned as parking for years. Member Steven Lionel noted assessor records and Google Street View that showed the gravel extension present in prior years. No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition.
In deliberations, members said the large driveway is atypical but cited other wider driveways on Nagel Street and the long history of the gravel extension. JP Boucher moved to approve the area variance, summarizing the board's findings on the five statutory points of law (public interest, spirit of the ordinance, substantial justice, effect on surrounding property values, and unnecessary hardship). The motion passed 4–0.
Neely reminded the applicant there is a 30‑day appeal period and that staff (Carter Fock) will handle any appeals and remaining permitting steps.
The board’s action legalizes the paved driveway but does not change the property’s two‑family use or relieve the owner of any building, paving or other city requirements.
