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ZBA approves variance for shed at 62 Chestnut Street
Summary
The Nashua ZBA granted John Panos a variance to place an 8x10 shed 10 feet into the 20‑foot front yard setback abutting a rail/bike trail, finding the encroachment minor and consistent with neighborhood character.
John Panos told the Zoning Board of Adjustment he seeks a small shed at 62 Chestnut Street but faces an unusual frontage because his lot abuts a public rail/bike trail. Panos described limited downtown lot space and said a fenced separation from the trail reduces impacts on trail users.
Staff explained the board's practice of treating an adjacent rail trail as a right‑of‑way similar to frontage (rather than a side yard), which makes the 20‑foot front‑yard setback applicable. Board members described the proposed Reeds Ferry shed as a modest, common accessory structure in the area and said the fenced separation and existing neighborhood examples mitigated concerns about granting a minor encroachment.
A motion to approve the variance to encroach 10 feet into the 20‑foot required front yard setback for an 8x10 shed was moved, seconded and approved; the chair noted a 30‑day window for appeals and said Mr. Panos was free to proceed.
