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Zoning board grants two variances for detached garage at 77 Patton Road, requires removal of two sheds
Summary
The ZBA approved two variances to allow a 28-by-30 detached garage at 77 Patton Road (reducing front and side setbacks) with the condition that two sheds shown on the Jan. 12 plot plan be removed; both motions passed 5–0.
The Town of Bedford Zoning Board of Adjustment on Feb. 17 granted two variances to allow a detached two-story 28-by-30-foot (840 sq. ft.) garage at 77 Patton Road, approving relief from front- and side-setback requirements and conditioning both approvals on removal of two sheds noted on the Jan. 12, 2026 plot plan.
Chair John Morne introduced the applications from applicant Bob Foudreat (Foudreat Family Revocable Trust). The board heard from the applicant, who read the variance criteria and described the property as a triangular half-acre lot with limited buildable area. He said the detached garage is intended to house two cars, ATVs and lawn equipment and is not intended as living space. “It’s not meant to…it’s gonna be storage space,” the applicant said.
Board members questioned the applicant about abutters and existing outbuildings. The applicant said he has an agreement with a nearby owner to allow a temporary tent-style structure to remain until removed and that one woodshed will remain while two other outbuildings shown in red on the plan will be removed as a condition of approval.
After moving into non-public deliberation to weigh the five variance criteria, a board member (speaker 3) moved to grant the front-setback variance with a condition that the two sheds be removed; the motion set forth findings that the request met the statutory tests for hardship, the spirit of the ordinance and substantial justice. The board voted by voice; the motion passed and was recorded as approved 5–0. The board then granted the side-setback variance in a separate motion with the same condition; that vote also passed 5–0.
The board concluded the property’s triangular shape and surrounding trees limited alternatives and that granting relief would not alter the essential character of the area or threaten public health, safety or welfare. The decisions incorporate findings made on the record and the meeting minutes.
The applicant was informed of the approvals and brief closing remarks followed; the meeting adjourned.
