Lebanon ZBA approves Ekstrand Family Trust parking expansion in Riverbank Protection Overlay

The Lebanon Zoning Board of Adjustment on Sept. 3 granted the Ekstrand Family Trust a special exception to expand an existing parking area at 111 New Hampshire Route 4A by approximately 150 square feet within the Riverbank Protection Overlay District.

The board opened the public hearing for ZB2026-614 SE and heard from applicants Paul Ekstrand and Leslie Ekstrand, who told the board the expansion would allow safer winter parking, reduce snow-plow conflicts and provide room for occasional guests. Leslie Ekstrand said the project will "convert the current parking surface from being impermeable to being permeable" and include a dry well and extensive plantings to limit runoff; she also said the project had received DES review and conservation commission approval.

During questioning, board members asked how the new layout would reduce conflicts with the state plow and whether neighboring properties would be affected. Paul Ekstrand said the change will let vehicles be positioned away from the roadway and make clearing easier in winter. Staff reported the Conservation Commission convened a special meeting and unanimously recommended approval, and staff characterized converting impervious surface to pervious as a major environmental improvement for the site.

After a short deliberation, Paul McDonough moved to grant the special exception under sections 410.6 and 410.8 of the zoning ordinance, incorporating findings of fact based on testimony and submitted materials and requiring a building permit for any retaining wall taller than 4 feet and adherence to conservation-commission conditions. Michael Morris seconded the motion; the board voted unanimously to approve.

The board’s written decision (placed on the record at the meeting) cites that the application is authorized by section 410.6, that proposed construction will be consistent with the purpose and intent of section 410.1, and that the project will not create a public-safety hazard if constructed per the conservation-commission conditions. The applicants were told to apply for the required building permit before construction.