Bedford Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Summary - August 18, 2026

The Bedford Zoning Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on August 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM UTC. The board reviewed three variance applications: a car storage home occupation, a garage addition, and a detached garage. One application was approved with conditions, one was approved with conditions after revision, and one was denied.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes of April 21, 2026, and July 21, 2026, with no changes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eric Lumbert (106 Jenkins Road): No public comments were made.
• Matthew and Melissa Sorrett (60 Old Bedford Road): Neighbors Lisa Brent (58 Old Bedford Road) and Bill Brent (58 Old Bedford Road) expressed strong support for the garage addition. Lisa Brent stated she had lived there since 1965 and that the garage would provide more privacy and not detract from property values. Bill Brent noted that the lot sizes from the 1960s are small and that the applicant had improved the property over 20 years.
• Kyle Litlow (105 McAllister Road): No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Eric Lumbert: Car Storage Home Occupation Variance

  • Proposal: Variance from Article 3, Section 275-21 F1A2 to permit a greater than 650 sq ft car storage home occupation (up to 918 sq ft attached and detached structures) at 106 Jenkins Road. The applicant planned to store 6–8 vehicles seasonally (October–May) for neighbors and friends, with contracts, insurance, and 24-hour surveillance.
  • Board Discussion: Members clarified whether storage would be seasonal or year-round. The applicant indicated willingness to limit the detached structure to seasonal use (October–May) and to accept conditions including a maximum of 8 vehicles, indoor storage only, and a requirement that vehicles be removed only once per season. Concerns were raised about traffic and parking, but the board noted the existing structures and setback from the road.
  • Decision: The board granted the variance by a vote of 4-1 (one opposed). Conditions included: (1) maximum of 8 vehicles stored at any one time, (2) all vehicles stored indoors only.

• Item 2 – Matthew and Melissa Sorrett: Garage Addition Variances (Two Requests)

  • Proposal: Two variances from Article 3, Section 275-22A and Table 1 to permit an 840 sq ft attached garage addition: (a) 7 feet from side property line (15 required), and (b) 11.9 feet from rear property line (15 required) at 60 Old Bedford Road. The applicant revised plans from a previous meeting to reduce depth from 48.5 to 42 feet.
  • Board Discussion: The applicant explained the tandem parking layout and need for depth to accommodate two full-size vehicles. Neighbors voiced approval. The board discussed the unique narrow lot (0.17 acres) and noted that the structure matched the house style. For the side setback, the board found no hardship issues. For the rear setback, some members questioned the depth but accepted the screened location and neighbor support.
  • Decision: The side variance was approved unanimously (5-0). The rear variance was approved 4-1 (one opposed). Conditions included a 42-foot foundation with a 10-inch overhang on either side (as shown in plans).

• Item 3 – Kyle Litlow: Detached Garage Variance

  • Proposal: Variance from Article 3, Section 275-22A and Table 1 to permit a 16 ft × 30 ft (480 sq ft) detached garage 8 feet from the property line (25 required) at 105 McAllister Road.
  • Board Discussion: The applicant cited need for storage of lawn equipment and occasional parking for visiting in-laws, and to avoid noise under the master bedroom. The concrete pad was already installed. Board members questioned whether the need justified the encroachment (the entire structure except 10% was within the setback) and noted alternative locations on the 4-acre property. The board concluded the variance was a "want" not a "need," and that the hardship was self-created.
  • Decision: The board denied the variance by a vote of 4-1 (one opposed). The motion stated that the request did not satisfy all five criteria, particularly the unnecessary hardship and spirit of the ordinance.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Eric Lumbert’s car storage home occupation variance (4-1) with conditions (max 8 vehicles, indoor storage only).
• Approved: Matthew and Melissa Sorrett’s side setback variance (5-0) and rear setback variance (4-1) with condition on overhang dimensions.
• Denied: Kyle Litlow’s detached garage variance (4-1).
• The board adjourned after completing all agenda items.