8.25.2026 Board of Adjustment

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire Board of Adjustment held a meeting on August 25, 2026, to consider a variance request from Road to the West LLC for their property at 140 West Road. The applicant sought variances to allow a restaurant and function room with an occupant load between 250 and 500, indoor recreation use, outdoor dining as an accessory use, and parking variances related to the location and setback of parking spaces. The board reviewed the history of the property, which was previously approved in 2022 for indoor recreation use but did not explicitly include restaurant or outdoor dining uses. The applicant presented the case emphasizing community benefits, including fundraising for local nonprofits. Several community members spoke in support of the application. The board discussed the appropriateness of the variances given the industrial zoning and the property's unique location near gateway districts. After deliberation, the board voted 4-1 to approve the variances, allowing the continued and expanded use of the property as requested. The approval included recognition that the parking variances reflect existing conditions and that the outdoor dining area is limited in size. The decision will be followed by further site plan review by the Planning Board.