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Board approves subdivision relief to create second house at 221 Woodbury Avenue
Summary
The board granted a frontage variance to allow 221 Woodbury Avenue to be subdivided into two single‑family lots with 63 feet of frontage on one lot; the board found the proposed layout consistent with neighborhood patterns and public safety benefits of driveway placement.
The Portsmouth Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a frontage variance on June 16 that will allow Martin Ryan to subdivide 221 Woodbury Avenue into two single‑family lots. The applicant sought relief to create one lot with 63 feet of frontage where the ordinance requires 100 feet.
Martin Ryan (S24) said the proposed subdivision would produce two lots that meet most dimensional requirements and preserve the streetscape by placing driveways off Thornton Street rather than Woodbury Avenue. He provided a neighborhood survey and historic plats showing many nearby lots already have frontage under 100 feet.
Board members asked planning and technical questions about lot depth and turning radii for driveway access; staff confirmed the advertised relief was limited to frontage and that Lot 1 meets depth requirements. After deliberation the board concluded the proposal was consistent with neighborhood patterns and would not harm public safety; the motion to approve passed unanimously.
