The Manchester Conservation Commission on Aug. 28 recommended that the Zoning Board of Adjustment approve a variance allowing a proposed gazebo at 2990 Broadwell Road to encroach into the city's 25-foot wetland setback, provided the structure is moved three feet closer to the house and includes roof runoff control measures.

The recommendation came after the property's applicant, Therese Lugo, told commissioners the gazebo is intended as a low-impact, open-air, personal-use structure without plumbing or a foundation. "We are committed to ensuring that the construction is done responsibly and in harmony with the surrounding environment," Lugo said while presenting photos and a plot plan to the commission.

Commissioners asked about the gazebo's distance from the wetland line, whether the site contains any easements or sewer/drain lines, and the proposed construction and ground surface. Lugo said the gazebo, as revised during the presentation, would be about seven feet from the wetland edge after moving it three feet toward the house from its original position of about four feet from the wetland.

During discussion commissioners suggested measures to reduce concentrated runoff from a metal roof, including dispersing the flow with a stone catchment or infiltration material. The commission's motion, made by Commissioner Jennifer McLaren and seconded by Commissioner Sue Boucher, approved forwarding a recommendation of approval to the ZBA with the two conditions: shift the gazebo toward the house by three feet and require roof runoff control measures.

The motion passed by voice vote; the chair recorded the commission's recommendation and said it would be forwarded to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The commission's action is advisory: the ZBA will make the final determination on the variance application (ZBA2020-513 as referenced in the presentation). The applicant indicated construction would aim to begin before winter if permitting allows, otherwise in spring, and estimated the on-site construction footprint would be hand tools and small equipment over roughly a month to six weeks.

The commission also advised the applicant to avoid brush and debris entering the wetland during construction and suggested dispersing roof runoff rather than concentrating it into a single outlet.