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Zoning board approves deck variance for Bayview Ave homeowners
Summary
Homeowners Philip Meyerson and Mary Margaret Clawson won a variance to replace an extended rear deck at 46 Bayview Ave despite a nonconforming lot; the board found the change would not be substantially more detrimental to neighbors and approved the setback as presented.
Philip Meyerson and Mary Margaret Clawson told the Portsmouth Zoning Board they seek a variance to replace an extended rear deck at 46 Bayview Ave because their lot is substandard for the zoning district and the house already sits close to the property line.
Meyerson said the new deck "will be 3.7 feet off the property line," and that the existing house already sits about 1.7 feet off the same property line. He told the board the deck will not extend any closer than the present structure and that neighbors who reviewed the plans had no objection.
Board members asked about alternatives and whether slightly different geometry would increase the distance to the property line; applicants explained property-line angles make a straight extension closer, and that their amended drawings clarify the perimeter. One member moved to approve the variance with the measured side-yard setback included in the motion, and the board voted to approve the request.
Why it matters: The lot is an older, substandard Bayview parcel. Approving an extension of a preexisting nonconformity hinges on a finding that the change is not substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood; the board concluded that criterion was met.
Next steps: The applicants may proceed with permitting consistent with the approved setback measurements.
