Board approves conversion of 5 Lees Wharf to 5‑bed guest house, requires leased off‑site parking

The Newport Zoning Board voted to grant Stay Newport LLC permission to convert 5 Lees Wharf from a three‑bed guest house to a five‑bed guest house and approved related variances, conditioned on documented off‑site parking.

Applicant Mariel Claire (spoke on behalf of the new owners) told the board the property’s tight lot and existing configuration create a hardship that makes on‑site parking infeasible. She said the owners had secured an annual lease for off‑site spaces and would provide clear directions to guests about where to park. The zoning officer confirmed the applicants identified off‑site spaces at Waits Wharf (and that such arrangements must be renewed if the third‑party development proceeds).

The board read a uniform condition into the motion: “The applicant provide assigned lease for at least 2 additional off‑site parking spaces within 0.5 mile of 5 Lees Wharf to the zoning officer, and an updated lease on the annual renewal of your guest house license to the City of Newport; also include in your leases directions regarding parking options,” the board stated in the motion read on the record.

Board members noted the area is a waterfront business district with many commercial uses and guest houses where off‑site parking is an established mitigation. The board approved the petition with the listed lease and lease‑renewal conditions. The chair polled the board; with one member recused for conflict the four voting members recorded unanimous approval.

Next steps: the applicant must submit the signed off‑site lease to the zoning officer and provide the required language to future tenant/guest leases; staff will record the decision.