Bedford Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – December 16, 2025

The Bedford Zoning Board of Adjustment held a meeting on December 16, 2025, to consider one new business application, continue an old business item, and approve previous meeting minutes. The board voted unanimously to grant a variance for a front porch at 28 Westview Road.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from November 18, 2025: Approved 5-0 with no changes or issues.

Old Business

• Joshua and Kathleen Miller / Kevin and Mary Brown: The application was continued to the February 17, 2026 meeting. No further action taken.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sharon Dowdy (30 Westview Road): Expressed full support for the applicant, stating he always does things the right way.
• Alan Dowdy (30 Westview Road): Voiced support, stating the porch would improve property values and neighborhood appeal.
• Andrew Vincent (applicant/owner): Testified that the home and lot are non-conforming (about one-third of the house already past the front setback). The proposed 7' x 26' (182 sq ft) porch would extend 20 feet from the front property line, compared to the required 35 feet. The actual deck would be 6' x 22', with roof overhangs accounting for the additional footage. The current 8' x 6' porch is deteriorating and creates icy/safety issues. He presented a letter of support signed by all neighbors on Westview Road (Paul and Nancy O'Regan, Alex and Amy Rowie, John Harding and Susan Bradley, Alan and Sharon Doherty, Jason and Jennifer Stevens). He noted the porch would not interfere with DPW road maintenance or overhead utilities. He used AI to draft the variance criteria letter and a rendering.

Discussion Items

• Board Deliberation: Members reviewed each of the five variance criteria:
  1. The variance will not alter the essential character of the locality – the porch is modest and complements the neighborhood.
  2. The variance will not threaten public health, safety, or welfare – it will improve safety for egress/ingress.
  3. The spirit of the ordinance is observed – the setback ordinance aims to prevent overcrowding; the porch maintains adequate separation and only encroaches one foot more than the existing porch in air space.
  4. Substantial justice will be done – the owner can reasonably improve the property; denial would cause hardship without public benefit.
  5. The values of surrounding properties will not be diminished – neighbors support the project; porches generally increase property values.
• The board noted the house was built before the zoning ordinance, creating special conditions (non-conforming lot). The proposed use is reasonable.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: Motion to grant the variance from Article 3, Section 275-22A and Table 1 to permit a 7' x 26' porch 20 feet from the front property line (where 35 feet required) passed 5-0. The motion included findings of fact: no threat to public health/safety (contributes to safety), likely increase in neighborhood attractiveness, and no public benefit from denial.
• Next Steps: The applicant can proceed with the porch project; the board’s decision is subject to a 30-day rehearing request period per RSA 677:3.

Meeting adjourned.