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ZBA approves two variances for shoreline home at 208 Pogus Park Road
Summary
The Laconia Zoning Board of Adjustment granted two variances for a proposed replacement house at 208 Pogus Park Road: a green‑space waiver and a setback/dimensional release that will move primary living space farther from the lake while allowing limited deck encroachment.
The Laconia Zoning Board of Adjustment on May 19 approved two variances for a planned replacement house at 208 Pogus Park Road, finding that the project would improve shoreline protections despite falling short of the district's numeric green‑space requirement.
Attorney Philard, representing Eric and Susan Fowler, and landscape architect Brandon Wilson of Terrain Planning and Design described a design that moves the primary living area more than 50 feet from the lake, eliminates a side‑yard encroachment, and replaces turf grass in the lake buffer with native trees, shrubs and groundcovers. "We have retained the attached deck and covered porch elements," Wilson said, adding that the proposal "completely eliminates the sideyard setback encroachment" and includes stormwater capture so "100% of the storm water that falls on the roof of the structure is proposed to be captured."
Philard told the board the existing site currently calculates as 70.7% green space and the proposed plan as 60.8%, but said the converted native plantings within the 50‑foot waterfront buffer would provide greater water‑quality benefit than turf grass lawn. "These restored areas will provide enhanced ecosystem services that align with the purposes of the SP district," he said.
Board members questioned the applicants and then deliberated without public comment. Chair Marcia Hayward said the proposal "moves the building further away from the lake" and cited the state's review; a motion to grant the green‑space variance (application ZB2026‑88208) carried. The board then approved a separate variance to allow limited deck and accessory encroachments into the 50‑ft lake setback (application ZB2026‑47), noting the permanent living space sits at least 51 feet from the water and that stormwater management and landscaping measures were incorporated.
The board recorded that it would use the findings in the applicant's materials as its factual basis. No members of the public spoke for or against the variances during the hearing. The approvals allow the applicants to move forward subject to any permitting from state agencies and standard municipal conditions.
