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Board of Adjustment approves Blue Heron Aquaculture variance to allow shrimp production and wholesale in Zone 6M
Summary
The Seabrook Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance allowing Blue Heron Aquaculture to operate an indoor shrimp cultivation and wholesale business at 920 Lafayette Road Unit 4 (Map 7-91-104) in Zone 6M, limited to animal husbandry and wholesale of fish and shellfish and subject to a two-year completion condition.
The Seabrook Board of Adjustment voted unanimously Feb. 25 to grant Blue Heron Aquaculture a variance to operate an indoor shrimp cultivation and wholesale business at 920 Lafayette Road Unit 4 (Map 7-91-104) in Zone 6M.
Owner Stefan Mraz told the board the unit would house an indoor aquaculture operation cultivating Pacific whiteleg shrimp using city water with added salt, with on-site processing and packaging for wholesale and direct local sales. "They will sell about 36,000 pounds a year of shrimp and sell to the local Boston markets," Mraz said. He said the operation would be open to the public for sales and educational opportunities and that he expected minimal odor, discharge and noise, and no cooking on site.
The board made five findings required for a variance, concluding the request was not contrary to the public interest, observed the spirit of the ordinance, achieved substantial justice, would not diminish surrounding property values, and that literal enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship. The motion to accept the variance as written passed on a motion by Rick Foye and a second by Dennis Howes; votes recorded in favor by Chair Chris LeClaire, Dennis Howes, Rick Foye and Bob Larochelle.
The approval is limited by condition to "animal husbandry and wholesale of fish and shellfish only," and the notice of decision reiterates that any granted variance expires at the end of two years if not completed within that time. The board signed a Notice of Decision that restated the variance language and the two-year expiration and noted rehearing rights under New Hampshire law.
The board did not record additional operating conditions, permit requirements, or a building-permit issuance timeline during the hearing; the Notice of Decision states compliance with attached conditions must be met before a building permit can be issued. The town's Zoning Ordinance reference cited in the notice is Section 6m, Table 1.
