Annual report of the Town of Hampton, New Hampshire

ZONING BOARD of ADJUSTMENT
As the economy continued its lackluster performance in 1991, the
agendas of the ZBA continued to reflect the effect of that economy as it
relates to real property within the town.
Petitions throughout 1 990 showed a tendency toward "home improvement"
type projects, indicating that the slow market and fairly stable interest
rates had convinced homeowners to improve or expand what they had
rather than await opportunity to "sell and move up."
In contrast, 1 991 petitions were notably lacking in the "home improvement"
category, perhaps indicating two factors related to the general
economy of the region. First, a general reluctance to make any unnecessary
expenditures; second, declining interest rates may again make the more
traditional sell and move up process a viable (albeit lengthy) one for those
with stable income or job situations.
The coastal storms of 1991 were also a factor in the types of petitions
before the ZBA. In
cases where repair of storm damage exceeds exact
replacement, permission from the ZBA is frequently required. It is also the
function of the Board to permit the placement of temporary housing on a
property where damage has rendered the primary residence uninhabitable
during the process of repair or reconstruction.
As always, the Board continues to hear petitions occasioned by changes
in the ordinance. Properties conforming to the ordinance at time of
purchase may later be rendered non-conforming due to changes proposed
by the Planning Board and subsequently adopted by a vote of the
townspeople. Many of the beach properties have been affected by corrections
of lot lines and earlier surveys as leased lots were sold.
The Board meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month (and also
on the fourth as required). Meetings are open to the public, and persons
contemplating a project which requires ZBA approval are encouraged to
attend a meeting or two to get a sense of the general procedure and what
information petitioners are expected to provide.
Sincerely,
Curtis G. McGrady
Chairman
72