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ZBA grants several variances, denies rehearing request and discusses procedural changes
Summary
After contentious hearings on Chapin Terrace and White Oaks, the Laconia ZBA approved variances for Poggis Park, 15 Doe Avenue and 17 Wentworth Cove, denied a rehearing request for 33 White Oaks, and agreed to consider procedural changes to post-meeting staff findings and align election timing.
Following the two major public hearings, the board considered several more routine land‑use requests and administrative items.
Poggis Park: Christopher Barry presented a plan to add a front addition while reducing impervious coverage on a preexisting nonconforming lot; the board found the project lowered effective impervious surface, supported stormwater improvements and voted to grant the variance (applicant to follow planning-board/site requirements).
15 Doe Avenue: Owner Steven Levesque requested a five‑foot setback variance to allow a smaller new house footprint and provide driveway access to a rear building. Neighbors said they were aware and supportive. Board members confirmed the project reduced nonconformity and granted the variance.
17 Wentworth Cove: The applicant sought a minor variance for an 81‑sq‑ft deck encroachment into the 50‑foot waterfront setback within the Shoreland Protection Overlay District. The board noted this plan greatly reduced the previous encroachment footprint and approved the variance; staff confirmed additional state shoreland permitting was required.
33 White Oaks rehearing request: An abutter asked the board to rehear a prior variance decision, citing incorrect mailing and resulting lack of notice. The board reviewed whether the petition met rehearing standards and denied the rehearing request.
Administrative items: Planning staff proposed preparing short written findings-of-fact summaries to streamline hearings and recommended shifting officer elections to July to align with fiscal-year timing; the board tabled election changes pending written rules revision and adjourned.
