Board OKs second‑story renovation at 100 West Main Road

The Portsmouth Zoning Board of Review approved a dimensional variance allowing the addition of a full second story on a small, historic farmhouse at 100 West Main Road. Attorney Court Chappell presented the proposal on behalf of owner Michael Botello and described the project as a renovation that brings the house up to code while preserving neighborhood character.

Chappell said the 1800s farmhouse is small and that creating a full second story makes internal stairs and egress safer without increasing the number of bedrooms or changing the overall footprint. "We're just going straight up," he said, describing the work as practical and consistent with the area.

No abutters registered formal objections and staff issued a favorable report on dimensional‑variance criteria. After brief discussion, a motion to grant the variance carried on a voice vote.

The board emphasized that the approval is limited to the dimensional relief specified and that the applicant must secure required building permits and inspections.