Planning Board approves home-occupation permit for small Pilates studio on Joppa Hill

The Bedford Planning Board voted unanimously April 6 to approve a Level II home‑occupation permit allowing a Pilates studio in a 193 sq. ft. upstairs room at 234 Joppa Hill Road. Applicant Marie Josie Houle told the Board the space is intended for private and semi‑private sessions, not group classes, and that she expects “maybe 10 people during the whole week, maybe two a day.” The approval includes a condition that the applicant obtain a certificate of compliance from the Building Department before operation.

Neighbors’ visibility and driveway maneuvering were discussed during the hearing. Co‑applicant Maude Lemaire showed photos and aerial views and argued the studio is largely not visible from adjacent homes and that clients will park under a carport on the north side of the property. Planning Director Becky Hebert noted the Board typically approves the business as described in the application and that expansions beyond the approved scope would require return to the Board. The Board recorded the approval with a finding of compliance with Article 275‑21, F(1) of the Bedford Zoning Ordinance.