Nashua Zoning Board approves multiple variances, including garage‑to‑apartments conversion

The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment on April 28 approved a string of property requests ranging from accessory structures to driveway widenings, and granted a use variance to convert an unused garage into two rental units.

Chair Jamin Cara opened the meeting and read the hearing procedures before the board considered multiple applications, including a 900‑square‑foot accessory garage for 8 Gendron Street, a driveway‑widening variance at 23 Ashland Street, porch replacements at 28–30 Central Street, a contested lot‑area variance for 7 Haynes Street, a special exception to place a small shed in a wetland buffer at 3 Osgood Road, and a request to convert an attached garage at 20 Canal Street into two additional units.

Attorney Andy Perlman represented the owner of 8 Gendron Street and said the property’s current small, failing sheds would be removed and replaced by a single 30×30 garage tucked behind trees. He told the board the proposal honored all setbacks and that nearby neighbors who would see the structure do not oppose the request. The board moved to grant the variance and the chair announced the request was granted.

At 23 Ashland Street, owner Andrew Ramos said the existing 18‑foot driveway left vehicles “constantly bumping into each other” because the household contains several new drivers. Board members cited the irregular lot shape and short driveway length as reasons to approve an increase to a 35‑foot total width; the board approved the variance.

The board also approved a variance to allow replacement porches and stairs at 28–30 Central Street, where the owner said the existing two‑story porches were unsafe and needed to be rebuilt to meet code.

A more contested item was 7 Haynes Street, where applicants sought permission to recognize a third unit on an 11,886‑square‑foot lot that the board said nominally requires 18,669 square feet for a three‑unit house. Attorney Andy Sullivan said his clients bought the property believing it was a three‑unit building and that the basement unit had existed historically. Board members questioned whether the unit had been properly disclosed in MLS and assessor records and debated parking adequacy. After extended discussion the board voted 3–2 to grant the lot‑area variance; the record shows the motion passed on that tally.

James Merakian received approval to place a 12×16 shed inside a 40‑foot wetland buffer at 3 Osgood Road after he revised plans in consultation with the Conservation Commission and committed to shrub plantings and other stipulations. The Conservation Commission had provided a favorable recommendation with conditions.

Finally, the board granted a use variance at 20 Canal Street, where Anand Mahendrakar said converting the existing garage footprint into a one‑bedroom unit on the first floor and a two‑bedroom unit above would increase the building from three to five units without changing exterior dimensions. Planning staff advised that, because the project would exceed four units, the applicant must obtain planning‑board/site‑plan review and any required permits.

Chair Cara reminded applicants that most approvals carry a 30‑day appeal window. The board closed the agenda by approving the minutes and adjourning.