Zoning board approves variances for addition and porch at 53 McNav Court

The Portsmouth Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variances May 19 to allow Alexander and Lauren Leage to demolish a rear porch, build an addition and enlarge the front porch at 53 McNav Court.

The board found the proposed changes — including a left-side stair setback of about 8.5 feet (previously approved at 9.1 feet), a right-side porch setback of 8.5 feet (an improvement from the existing roughly 4.8 feet), and an increase in building coverage to roughly 30.1% from 28.9% — satisfied the variance criteria. The board cited the lot’s small size (about 3,124 square feet) and the home’s placement on the lot when concluding literal enforcement would cause unnecessary hardship.

"The proposed changes will make the house much more livable," said Mr. Nice during deliberations, adding that the modest encroachments would not harm neighborhood light, air or character. The applicant, Alexander Leage, said the revisions largely preserve the single-family use and keep the house consistent with other renovated homes on the court.

An abutter, Julie Rob of 405 South Street, spoke in favor at the public hearing, noting concern about vehicle parking near her access fence and a nearby fire hydrant but expressing support for the Leages as neighbors: "I do think this family is just what Portsmouth needs," she said.

With no opposition appearing, Mr. Nice moved to approve the application "as presented and advertised." The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Ray, Vice Chair Matson, Mr. Mattel, Mr. Nice and the chair voted yes (6-0). The board recorded earlier recusals where noted in the agenda items.

The decision concludes the board’s review of this application; the Leages may proceed subject to any conditions in the board’s decision and applicable building and zoning permits.