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Board approves two‑story garage expansion to create artist studio at 183 Gibbs Ave.
Summary
The board unanimously approved the Langsford petition for a two‑story garage addition that will house an artist studio on the second floor, finding a hardship due to lot shape/size and noting strong neighbor support and consistency with parts of the comprehensive plan.
The Newport Zoning Board unanimously approved Scott and Cheryl Langsford’s petition to build a two‑story addition over a rebuilt garage at 183 Gibbs Ave., creating a second‑floor art studio.
Applicant Cheryl Langsford told the board she has been a nurse anesthetist and is "soon entering my 40th year in nursing," and said she needs larger, private studio space after years of renting off‑site. The board and project team (architect and surveyor) discussed design choices, steps for safe access and how much existing structure could be retained. Neighbors testified in support, citing minimal visual impact from the street. The board found a hardship related to lot shape and coverage constraints, concluded the proposal was the least relief necessary and approved the petition with the usual 12‑month start/complete conditions.
Board members also noted that, while the studio is for private use now, state provisions mean an existing structure could be converted to an ADU later with a building permit; the board stressed that any change in use to a dwelling or a rental would require separate review if and when proposed.
