Nashua Zoning Board unanimously approves six variances, from front porches to a 2→3 unit conversion

The City of Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved six variance requests at its Oct. 8 meeting, granting exceptions ranging from front‑yard encroachments to a change of use for a small business.

The board, chaired by Rob Shaw, heard six cases and acted on each after public testimony and brief member discussion. Shaw reminded applicants that each decision is subject to a 30‑day rehearing or appeal period.

The most frequent relief granted involved dimensional setbacks. In Case 1 the board approved a variance to allow a 12‑foot‑6‑inch by 36‑foot front porch to encroach 6 feet, 6 inches into the 30‑foot front‑yard setback at 3 Sandstone Drive. Applicant Ram Narayan Swamy said the porch would "bring up the aesthetics of the house" and provide usable outdoor space; members noted the house sits unusually far forward on its lot and that similar porches are common on the block. The motion to approve carried unanimously.

In Case 2 the board allowed a front dormer at 5 Crestview Terrace to encroach up to 4 feet into a 20‑foot front setback. Linda Maiolini, representing the owner, told the board the dormer mirrors an existing rear dormer and will not extend beyond the existing first‑floor footprint; members said the house predates current zoning and the modest vertical addition was reasonable.

Case 3 approved a change of use at 74 Northeastern Boulevard (Unit 11B) to permit a personal‑service business offering esthetics and lash services. Applicant Nari/Narissa Son described converting an art studio/office to provide facials and lash extensions; board members said the proposed use is consistent with other businesses in the Northbridge condominiums and noted adequate parking.

Case 4 granted a rear‑yard variance at 12 Maywood Drive for a 12‑by‑16 attached deck that would encroach 17 feet into the required 25‑foot rear setback. Owner Josh Hoagland said two nearby abutters provided letters of no objection; members cited elevation differences and the existence of a smaller, non‑permitted deck on the property in finding the request reasonable.

In Case 5 the board approved a use variance to convert a property to a three‑family dwelling. Owner Myra Rose said the third unit appeared to predate her purchase at a foreclosure auction and that the space already exists; the building department flagged electrical and other safety items in a 2023 communication, and board members made clear that any work necessary to obtain a certificate of occupancy (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire‑safety) is a building‑department requirement separate from the zoning approval.

Case 6 authorized variances to retain three wall signs totaling 63.4 square feet at 60 Kinsley Street, where 6 square feet is permitted and one wall sign is normally allowed. A representative for Avale Jewelry Corp said improved visibility with LED spot lighting would help the new business; members found the corner commercial lot and existing street character supported the larger, externally illuminated signage.

All six motions passed by unanimous voice votes; because five board members acted on the cases, each approval reflected the full board present that evening. Members repeatedly described the approvals as within the spirit and intent of the land‑use ordinance and said none appeared likely to harm surrounding property values.

What happens next: applicants may proceed with building permits, sign permits or other required municipal approvals, but any physical work that affects electrical, plumbing, mechanical or life‑safety systems must satisfy the building department before a certificate of occupancy will be issued. Parties unhappy with a decision have 30 days after the meeting to request rehearing or to file an appeal. The Zoning Board scheduled its next regular meeting for Oct. 22, 2024.