By Alex Malm
The Londonderry Zoning Board of Adjustment heard a case during its Dec. 15 board meeting regarding allowing a hair salon to be permitted to operate in the C-III District.
Use Table to allow the hair salon to operate at 1A Commons Drive Unit 4 explained it.
Steven Paquette who was representing the applicant Chelsea Paquette that they were seeking a variance. Steven explained that Chelsea has been a licensed cosmetologist for 14 years and after becoming an independent contractor she is ready to take the next step of owning her own location.
It was also noted by Steven that there is a hair salon in the immediate vicinity of the property that had a variance granted in 2017 that allowed them to operate there.
One question that was asked was what other type of businesses are currently in the strip where the hair salon would be.
Chelsea said that the type of businesses includes a DJ/Entertainment company, State Farm Insurance, and a mortgage company.
Steven said that they are planning on having six chairs there, and that they would be okay if the Board put a stipulation on the property that they couldn’t have more than that.
Steven explained that they will have 1,2000 square feet of space and if they are required to have two parking spaces per chair they would need 12 parking spaces which is what they would need based on the size of the space.
He said that they would be able to comply with the parking requirements.
“I believe that we have that on site,” Steven said.
Chairman Neil Dunn said he’s not against making sure there is adequate parking but wanted to determine the best way to put it as a condition.
Zoning Administrator Nick Codner said that they could put a stipulation that they are required to meet the parking calculations.
Another question that was brought up during the meeting by the Board was in regards to signage.
Chelsea said that they would only have one.
“Just on the front of the building,” she said.
She also noted that three was signage there before but it is currently vacant so there isn’t a sign currently.
“Whatever the sign ordinance is we will comply with it,” Steven said.
It was also noted by Steven that the area is all commercial and that there is no residential nearby which is a reason why it’s important to be able to use the currently vacant space as a commercial use.
The two conditions that the Board had for the property was that they would have a maximum of six chairs for the business and that the parking regulations would be followed.
The zoning board ultimately approved the variance with a 3-0 vote.