Claremont Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting - October 5, 2026

The Claremont Zoning Board of Adjustment met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Roll call was taken: Michael Hurd, Amy Keeper, Michael Mew, and John Dean were present; Aaron McLean was absent. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of previous meeting minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public testimony was offered during the public hearing for the variance application. A letter from neighbor Mr. Hood was referenced regarding a fence dispute and tree cutting; the applicant stated they only trimmed limbs overhanging their building on their own property.

Discussion Items

• Variance Application ZO 2026-00007 (Applicant: Mark Remote / Mark Lamoges - name discrepancy) : The applicant sought a variance to reduce rear and side setbacks for construction of a lean-to at 67 Pleasant Street (Tax Map 143, Lot 27, R1 district). The proposed lean-to would have zero setbacks on the rear and side (zero lot line). Discussion addressed a discrepancy between surveys regarding the property line, which the applicant argued was resolved by agreeing to stay on their side of the existing fence. The board reviewed the variance criteria: (1) not contrary to public interest, as the neighbor's concerns were a civil dispute; (2) the spirit of the ordinance is maintained because the lot is unique and the lean-to will enhance property use; (3) substantial justice is served by providing covered parking; (4) property values would not be diminished; (5) unnecessary hardship exists due to the lot's irregular shape and existing building location. The applicant agreed to plant a vegetative buffer of about half a dozen trees along the fence line if the variance was granted.
• Future Meeting Venue (November 2, 2026): Board discussed potential large public attendance for a future case. Options included moving to Valley Regional Tech Center, hosting a neighborhood meeting at the visitor center, or staying at the current location with better organization. Staff noted that changing venue would require re-notifying abutters at city expense. Ultimately, the board decided to keep the meeting at City Hall but implement a sign-up sheet to manage speakers efficiently.

Key Outcomes

• Variance Approved: A motion carried unanimously to approve the variance with the following conditions: (1) The structure must be built in substantial compliance with Application ZO 2026-00007 and testimony given; (2) Minimum rear setback reduced to 15 feet (not zero as initially proposed) and minimum right side setback reduced to 0 feet; (3) The applicant must obtain all necessary permits from local, state, and federal governments before commencing work; (4) A vegetative buffer of approximately half a dozen trees shall be planted and maintained by the applicant. Vote: 4-0 (Aaron McLean absent).
• Item B Withdrawn: Application ZO 2026-000010 was withdrawn.
• City Planner Hire: Staff reported that an offer has been extended to a new city planner, who is expected to start in two weeks pending background check.
• November 2nd Meeting Arrangements: The board voted to keep the regular meeting location at City Hall, with an organized sign-up sheet for public comment. The motion passed unanimously.