Nashua Zoning Board approves six variances including duplex conversion and accessory-structure increases

The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment on June 23 approved six variance requests, each by a 4-0 vote, allowing property owners to build small additions, replace decks, install accessory sheds and convert one single-family house to two units.

The board, chaired for the night by Vice Chair Josh Neely, heard cases at addresses across Wards 4, 5 and 7. For each variance the board applied the five statutory criteria for relief (public interest, spirit of ordinance, substantial justice, property values, and unnecessary hardship) and found the requests minor and consistent with neighborhood character.

Applicants approved included Peter Breen of 3 March Street, who asked to allow a 4-foot roof intrusion (1 foot beyond the city’s 3-foot roof allowance) for a protective front portico to reduce ice on the existing stairs; the board cited safety and lot siting and approved the variance. Carla Shamoun of 8 Parker Drive received permission to add a 6-by-8 enclosed entryway to shelter her 12-year-old son from icy conditions at the bus stop. Lori Ann Rustler (paperwork also lists Lorianne DeYoung) won a variance at 55 Conant Road to replace a 10-by-12 deck with a 14-by-20 rear deck; the board read multiple neighbor letters of support. Jorge Gomez and family were granted a 6-foot encroachment to construct an attached 11-by-20 home addition at 6–8 Mulberry Street to create additional living space for their daughter. Brian and Dawn Marotech were allowed to exceed the accessory-area limit to install two Reeds Ferry sheds at 53 Langholm Drive (proposed accessory area 55%, permitted 40%). EJR Homes’ request to convert a 4,825-square-foot lot at 6 Arlington Street into a two-family property despite a 6,970-square-foot minimum was also approved.

Board members repeatedly noted lot geometry and existing development density as grounds for hardship. "Excellent. Your application does pass 4-0," Vice Chair Josh Neely said after several votes.

Votes at a glance: 3 March Street (Breen) — approved 4-0; 8 Parker Drive (Shamoun) — approved 4-0; 55 Conant Road (Rustler/DeYoung) — approved 4-0; 6–8 Mulberry (Gomez) — approved 4-0; 53 Langholm (Marotech) — approved 4-0; 6 Arlington (EJR Homes) — approved 4-0. Each approval carries a 30-day window for appeal, as the board noted.

What happens next: Applicants were directed to pursue building permits with the city’s building department before beginning work. The board also identified several July agenda items and three pending wetlands-related requests for future meetings.

The board adjourned at 7:32 p.m.