Garage addition setback variances at 60 Old Bedford Road
Bedford
Summary
The Murphys' approval shows the board will grant setback relief when wetlands, lot shape, and safety concerns line up — and when abutters support the project. Homeowners in similar R&A-zoned neighborhoods may see this as a path for adding garages close to lot lines.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
No cost to the town; the variance affects only the applicants' property value and construction plans.
The Murphy family gains a safer winter entrance, covered parking for three vehicles, and added home value.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Zoning Board - Sep 15, 2026
The Murphys' approval shows the board will grant setback relief when wetlands, lot shape, and safety concerns line up — and when abutters support the project. Homeowners in similar R&A-zoned neighborhoods may see this as a path for adding garages close to lot lines.
Zoning Board - Jul 21, 2026
Two homes sought relief from setback rules this month. The porch variance was routine, but the oversized garage proposal tested how far the board will let homeowners build up to property lines on small lots — the applicants withdrew rather than face likely denial.
Zoning Board - Feb 17, 2026
The Foudriats' triangular corner lot at Patten and County Road left them no way to build a garage within setbacks. The board agreed the shape itself was the hardship and approved both variances.
Related development
Garage addition variances — 60 Old Bedford Road
The garage would have nearly matched the house in footprint on a 0.17-acre lot; a scaled-down version may return in August.
Murphy garage addition variance
The addition matches neighborhood three-car garages, keeps existing trees and buffers, and gives the family a safer winter entrance.
Front porch setback variance
Approval would let the homeowners construct their porch closer to the street than the zoning allows.
Garage addition side setback variance
Approval would allow the garage addition to sit ten feet closer to the rear lot line than zoning permits.
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