Zoning board approves larger entrance sign for Brantley Beaver Campground
July 15, 2026 | New Boston, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
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The New Boston Zoning Board voted to approve a variance allowing Brantley Beaver Campground to install a larger identification sign at 88 Cochran Hill Road, saying the change should reduce unsafe turnarounds by visitors who miss the existing low-mounted sign.
Robert Shrest, representing Brantley Beaver Campground, told the board campers approaching from the transfer-station direction often miss the current sign and must make difficult turnarounds in residential driveways. He proposed a double-sided 4-by-4-foot sign mounted roughly 3 feet above ground for a total height of about 7 feet and said the addition of clear arrows and increased visibility would improve safety and wayfinding. "The proposed sign would improve traffic safety and wayfinding for campers and visitors," Shrest said.
The application asked for a variance from Article 3, section 318.4 of the New Boston zoning ordinance, which limits on-premise business signs to 6 square feet. Shrest read findings supporting the variance, including that strict enforcement would create an unnecessary hardship because the existing 6-square-foot sign is not visible enough to allow safe access, and that the modest, well-maintained sign would not diminish surrounding property values.
Board members questioned how far the sign would sit from the road and were directed to consult the building inspector about setbacks and permitting. One member noted the application file included an abutter letter and reported no opposition on record. The presenter acknowledged he had not formally documented incidents but cited a past road agent who had previously raised concerns about vehicles turning in the area.
A motion to approve the variance was made and seconded; members voted by voice and the motion passed. The board noted the campground will need to obtain the required permit and follow any building-inspector recommendations for lighting or protective features. Chair said the matter will proceed with the usual permitting steps and building-inspector review.
The board moved on to other business after the approval.
Robert Shrest, representing Brantley Beaver Campground, told the board campers approaching from the transfer-station direction often miss the current sign and must make difficult turnarounds in residential driveways. He proposed a double-sided 4-by-4-foot sign mounted roughly 3 feet above ground for a total height of about 7 feet and said the addition of clear arrows and increased visibility would improve safety and wayfinding. "The proposed sign would improve traffic safety and wayfinding for campers and visitors," Shrest said.
The application asked for a variance from Article 3, section 318.4 of the New Boston zoning ordinance, which limits on-premise business signs to 6 square feet. Shrest read findings supporting the variance, including that strict enforcement would create an unnecessary hardship because the existing 6-square-foot sign is not visible enough to allow safe access, and that the modest, well-maintained sign would not diminish surrounding property values.
Board members questioned how far the sign would sit from the road and were directed to consult the building inspector about setbacks and permitting. One member noted the application file included an abutter letter and reported no opposition on record. The presenter acknowledged he had not formally documented incidents but cited a past road agent who had previously raised concerns about vehicles turning in the area.
A motion to approve the variance was made and seconded; members voted by voice and the motion passed. The board noted the campground will need to obtain the required permit and follow any building-inspector recommendations for lighting or protective features. Chair said the matter will proceed with the usual permitting steps and building-inspector review.
The board moved on to other business after the approval.
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