Seabrook board affirms two-family status for 52 Ledge Road; neighbor’s parking concern prompts easement condition

The Town of Seabrook Board of Adjustment voted Jan. 22 to grant a variance to allow a two-family dwelling at 52 Ledge Road (Map 3-6-12) in Zone 1 (rural) despite the lot’s size being under the 30,000-square-foot standard referenced in Section 6 of the zoning ordinance.

Applicant Maria Cesar told the board the property has been assessed and used as a two-family for years and that the property is under contract; she said the buyer’s financing depended on formal board approval. The board noted assessor records listing the property as a two-family and discussed that the lot had been subdivided in 2020 after previously being approximately 1.5 acres.

Neighbor Wayne Nickerson of 56 Ledge Road raised a specific concern about parking and access, saying the driveway had been blocked once during a showing. "My concern is the parking," Nickerson told the board, urging protection of the easement to preserve access. In response, the board required that the existing 20-foot driveway easement be maintained by the future owner and suggested placing a boundary marker or fence to ensure the easement remains clear.

The board pronounced the five standard variance findings in the applicant’s favor and approved the variance by motion of Dave Davidson, seconded by Phil Howshan; the vote was recorded as unanimous among the voting members. The Notice of Decision includes the standard condition that any variance grant expires if the work is not completed within two years and that all conditions must be satisfied before a building permit is issued.

No construction timeline or permit issuance date was provided during the meeting.