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Littleton ZBA approves variance and special permit for 6 Long Lake Road porch and deck
Summary
The Littleton Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a variance and special permit for William and Kristen Donahue (case 26-982) to add a screened porch, walkway and deck at 6 Long Lake Road. The variance was required because the proposed easterly setback (12.1 ft) is less than the 15 ft requirement.
The Littleton Zoning Board of Appeals approved both a variance and a special permit June 18, 2026, for William and Kristen Donahue to replace a dilapidated front porch and add a small screened porch, walkway and rear deck at 6 Long Lake Road (case 26-982).
Applicants described a 1950s porch with failing concrete steps and a missing railing and said the project would improve safety and provide direct access to a backyard that currently lacks an exterior entry. “We have a dilapidated porch on our 1950 house…we’ve already lost one railing,” applicant Kristen (Kiki) Donahue told the board, describing the safety and accessibility reasons for the work.
The building department’s May 22, 2026, letter from Building Commissioner Harry (Henry) Fontaine noted the proposal requires one special permit under Littleton Zoning Bylaw §173-10B (alteration of non-conforming structures) and a variance under the intensity-of-use schedule because the proposed easterly side-yard setback is 12.1 feet where 15 feet is required. Applicants said their lot is undersized (7,500 sq ft) and that yard topography and a recently installed septic system limit usable outdoor space.
After closing the hearing with no public opposition, a member moved to approve both the variance and the special permit "based on what we heard tonight." The motion was seconded by Rod and approved by voice vote; the board found the lot unique and the proposed changes not substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconformity. The board placed no additional conditions beyond construing the work to be substantially as shown on the submitted plans.
The board noted a 20-day appeal period before the building inspector will issue a variance-based building permit. The applicants were advised that a building permit for the special permit could be issued earlier at their risk if no appeal is filed. The board also reminded applicants that ZBA members may visit the site as part of their review.
Next steps: 20-day variance appeal period; if no appeal is filed the building inspector may issue permits in accordance with the approved plans.
