Jaffrey ZBA approves special exception to convert 41 Sawtelle Rd. to two-family home

The Town of Jaffrey Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5-0 on Feb. 3 to grant a special exception allowing Keith and Leah Dupuis to convert an existing single-family dwelling at 41 Sawtelle Road (Map 228 Lot 4) into a two-family home.

Leah Dupuis told the board she intends to create a small two-bedroom apartment using existing garage space and part of the second floor while continuing to rent the remainder of the house. She said there would be no changes to the building footprint, and that the 2.5-acre lot in the Res A district meets the minimum lot area required under Zoning Ordinance Section V, 5.3.9. The property is served by town water.

Chair Walter Batchelder opened the public hearing at 6:00 p.m., noting that notice had been published in the Monadnock Ledger and posted at Town Hall, the library and the town website and that abutters had been notified by certified mail. After the applicant’s presentation, the board voted to waive a site walk on a motion by Member David Peragallo, seconded by Member Carl Jevne (vote 5-0-0).

The board then stated its findings of fact, concluding that the application met the requirements of Sections X and V, 5.3.9 of the town zoning ordinance and that no change to the existing footprint was proposed. Member Marc Tieger moved to approve the special exception; Member Laurel McKenzie seconded. The motion passed 5-0-0, with Chair Walter Batchelder and Members Carl Jevne, David Peragallo, Laurel McKenzie and Marc Tieger voting yes.

The meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m. The record notes Rebecca Newton as recording secretary.