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Board grants variance for accessory dwelling at 130 Norman Road despite undersized lot
Summary
The Goffstown Zoning Board granted a variance to allow a detached accessory dwelling unit above a proposed garage at 130 Norman Road even though the lot is 0.9 acres where two acres are required. The board cited a legal hardship stemming from the ordinance change and recent state ADU law updates.
The Goffstown Zoning Board voted to grant a variance allowing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above a detached garage at 130 Norman Road, where the lot size is 0.9 acres and the zoning ordinance requires two acres. The board heard testimony from the applicant, who said the lot was a building lot long before the current ordinance and that the proposed 32-by-44-foot garage would meet setbacks and not affect wells or septic systems.
“The lot that doesn’t meet the residential zoning ordinance that came afterwards,” the applicant said, arguing the parcel’s status as a long-established building lot created the hardship the board must consider. Neighbors spoke in support, noting the applicant has been a longtime resident and that the proposed structure would be used as a garage and for motorcycle hobby work, not as commercial storage.
Board members focused on the five variance criteria and the effect of state law changes on ADU requirements. Several members noted that state law now limits how restrictive municipalities can be regarding ADUs, which the board said makes the town’s prior owner-occupancy requirement inapplicable. As one member summarized during deliberations: the special condition here is the lot’s existing nonconforming size and the ordinance’s legal effect on the owner’s rights.
After discussion, a board member moved to grant the variance; another board member seconded the motion. The board voted in favor and the chair announced that the motion carried. The board stated that other permits (septic plan, driveway permit) and any planning-board or building-permit reviews would remain required.
Next steps: the variance is effective immediately as a land-use relief decision of the ZBA, but the applicant must still comply with applicable building, septic and driveway permitting processes.
