Zoning Board denies short-term rental variance despite community support
Zoning Board of Adjustment · Meeting of May 19, 2026
NH LACONIA — Laconia Zoning Board denies short-term rental variance, approves boarding house with conditions. The board unanimously rejected a variance application for 39 Gale Avenue despite eleven community members speaking in support of the decade-long short-term rental operation by applicant Christine Richer, finding the multifamily property does not meet the Unnecessary Hardship standard required under zoning ordinance. Meanwhile, the board unanimously approved a special exception for applicant Ethan Davis to convert 24 McGrath Street into a structured boarding house despite opposition from three residents citing historical disturbances and safety concerns.
Davis's proposal was approved on two conditions: maximum occupancy of nine individuals and one full-time, on-site property manager. The board also approved four residential variances without opposition.
In the full story:
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Source: the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting of May 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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