Watch Hill Fire District v. Westerly Zoning Board of Review

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the Superior Court’s judgment upholding a dimensional variance for expansion of a nonconforming residence. It held that the zoning board properly applied the statutory “more than a mere inconvenience” hardship standard, while the requirement to consider reasonable alternatives pertains to whether the requested relief is the least relief necessary. The Court therefore found no legal error in the Superior Court’s review of the board’s decision.