Portsmouth board approves accessory dwelling unit as part of candy cottage project

Portsmouth's Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variances this week allowing an accessory dwelling unit to be built as part of a larger redevelopment project at 20 Pray Street.

The ADU will be located in a detached garage alongside a new single-family home and the preservation of a historic former candy store cottage that once operated as a Black-owned business.

The board granted two key variances: one permitting a second driveway to serve the detached garage ADU, and another allowing the accessory structure to be positioned closer to the street than the principal dwelling.

The approval came with conditions, including a requirement that the developer submit a stormwater management plan to the city's Department of Public Works to address drainage concerns raised by residents and board members.

Some neighborhood opposition emerged during the approval process, with critics questioning the project's design and scale.

The Historic District Commission had previously approved the overall development in July after multiple meetings.

For California developers and homeowners, this case illustrates common challenges in ADU development, particularly regarding setback requirements and site drainage.

Accessory dwelling units, which are small residential structures on the same lot as a primary home, have become increasingly important for addressing housing shortages.

While California has more permissive ADU laws than many states, local zoning boards still frequently require variances for projects that don't meet standard setback and access requirements.