Applicant withdraws home-business special exception after board raises residency and commercial-trailer concerns

Dean Secchiaroli asked to withdraw his application to operate "Weather Guard Industries" as a home business at 63 Main St., and the Atkinson Zoning Board of Adjustment granted the request without prejudice at its March 11, 2026, meeting.

The board’s action followed questions about whether the proposal met the town’s home-occupation criteria in Article IV, Section 450 of the Zoning Ordinance. Chair Glenn Saba told the applicant he did not believe the application satisfied Criterion G, and Vice Chair Scott Sullivan noted the requirement that the property owner live on-site. After the board discussed those concerns, Secchiaroli requested to withdraw the application; Vice Chair Sullivan moved to allow the withdrawal, Member Guy Wetherbee seconded, and the vote was unanimous (5-0-0).

Why it matters: The board must find that a proposed home occupation meets specific criteria before granting a special exception. In this case members focused on residency and the potential for commercial activity that could be inconsistent with the RR2 residential zone. Neighbors also raised safety and aesthetic concerns tied to large vehicles at the site.

Details from the hearing: Secchiaroli told the board he planned to use the property for a home office only and that he would not use the site for unloading large trucks. He said the office represents about 18 percent of the home's square footage, that one employee lives on-site, and that the operation would have three employees and two vehicles on site at a given time. The transcript notes a removable roll trailer on the property with a 16,000 GVW; the applicant said the trailer would be used temporarily for project waste and that he has not detached it from the truck.

Neighbors voiced concerns. Christopher Chetsas of 2 Washington Road said the property sits at the Washington/Route 121 intersection, where there have been accidents, and worried about trucks backing onto Route 121 and the visual impact of a trailer. Paul Porter of 1 Martha Way said he was concerned about delivery trucks but felt Secchiaroli had addressed some issues.

Board finding and action: The board recorded its findings of fact — including that the applicant had not yet moved into the home and that there was potential for a commercial trailer on site — and Chair Saba indicated the proposal ‘‘may not pass the criteria because it is very specific.’’ Following the applicant’s request, the board voted to allow withdrawal without prejudice (motion by Vice Chair Scott Sullivan; second by Member Guy Wetherbee; vote 5-0-0).

What happens next: Because the withdrawal was without prejudice, the applicant may refile in the future with additional information or revisions. The ZBA record and the meeting minutes will reflect the board’s findings and the unanimous withdrawal vote as part of the public record.