Alton board approves lean-to addition to nonconforming garage, conditions require state approval

The Town of Alton Zoning Board on May 9 accepted and approved case Z26-10, a request to add a 13-by-22 lean-to to an existing nonconforming garage, with a condition that the applicant obtain any necessary New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) approvals before construction.

Applicant John (surname not stated at the hearing) told the board the garage exists and the lean-to is modest; a board member noted the lot and garage are a constrained, narrow parcel and that the addition was an understandable request given existing nonconformities. The conservation commission asked for clearer plans showing the lean-to’s relationship to the garage and for additional information on impervious surface; the applicant provided photos and confirmed a DES submittal was required.

The board voted in favor of approval with the explicit condition that DES plan approval be obtained and that any conservation-commission concerns be addressed before final permits are issued. The vote was recorded in open session as 'Aye.'

Next steps: the applicant must secure DES approval and satisfy any conservation comments and building-permit requirements before work begins.