Zoning board denies Island Avenue carport variance after neighbor objections

The Portsmouth Zoning Board of Review denied a dimensional variance requested by Connor Keating for a carport at 35 Island Avenue.

Keating said he wanted an open, roofed carport attached to his house that would sit half a foot from the side-yard line because of lot constraints and cost. He told the board he had spoken with his nearest neighbor and left a letter of support but did not receive a signed statement.

Neighbors objected at the hearing, saying the lot is narrow, the existing fence placement makes the space tight, and a permanent structure would obstruct access to the backyard for septic and other heavy equipment. One neighbor said the proposed carport could reduce her property’s resale value and make future repairs more difficult. The neighbor who spoke for the record identified herself at the meeting as Laura Bronwin and said the fence in question was installed by a previous owner.

Board members discussed alternatives — moving the structure forward or farther into the back yard — and noted the cost and feasibility issues Keating raised. After deliberation a motion to deny the variance carried 3–1.

The board’s denial means Keating would need to either revise the proposal and reapply or pursue alternatives that conform to the side-yard setback requirement before adding a permanent carport in that location.