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ZBA approves variances for 614 Broad Street with stipulation that porch remain unenclosed
Summary
The Portsmouth ZBA approved setback and coverage variances for renovations at 614 Broad Street, citing lot size and existing conditions; the board required the front porch not be enclosed as a condition, and the motion passed 5–2.
The Portsmouth Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variances for 614 Broad Street on April 21 to allow a rear addition, a rebuilt garage with an accessory unit, and increased building coverage, but added a stipulation that the new front porch not be enclosed in the future.
Attorney Derek Durban presented the application on behalf of John and Janice Carpenter, noting the property is a narrow 5,735‑square‑foot lot and currently has about 24% building coverage. The request would allow a rear addition, reconstruction of a nonconforming garage and increase coverage to roughly 34% (the applicant said the front porch accounts for about 4% of the coverage request and the porch would remain unenclosed by condition).
No in‑person opposition appeared at the public hearing; the board reviewed criteria including spirit of the ordinance, substantial justice and hardship. During deliberations some board members expressed concern about the increase in lot coverage and asked for examples supporting the applicant’s assertion that nearby lots have higher coverage; other members accepted the small lot size and existing conditions as a hardship. The motion to approve the variances passed 5–2 with the agreed stipulation that the porch may not be enclosed in the future.
