[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6589635,"mediaKeyId","5528779-12f0e1e1769c3ad584f82590b109ea12","parentId",5528779,"title","Planning board advances multiple development-regulation amendments; tables conceptual-notification rewrite","audioSeconds",257,"startMs",3553000,"endMs",3296000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528779-12f0e1e1769c3ad584f82590b109ea12&start=3553&end=3296","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528779-12f0e1e1769c3ad584f82590b109ea12/thumbnail_3553000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6589635/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Planning-board-advances-multiple-development-regulation-amendments-tables-conceptual-notification-rewrite","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589635-4353c90d6b31bf642b27539e4ee72ca3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775305898&Signature=WdkMTrSUw4iLj5VU3Qjl6K26WsZtfIOdyyQdwaFxUt9CSL9CW4H6aT9fid5NViWV7~eluzVhfLNA9l8sCgb5oLZnfgpAUMRCYZrMi-TxeIs9ShnFUL7-9vPlt7NplCbnSLys1OMeyU4FMQQjb0fEAxm1aWvkO9vONoCE9LYsSVGZxtI3As5MYB-lRaUBfLR83gYXFJD8tMVDQZLv0ehu1xKxzARNy2-go1mbF5Xbuilqg1zLuQuM-zzhjcxv8OsxpWM1nivRf9iJyd5vwwIA~vFpMvve26dVezXX3OOzUg8N5yzSCOOX3lGKX5MdcB5SZ7FXQQVCSy74MH6X~9qR0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hooksett","date","2025-08-04T00:00:00Z","article","The Hooksett Planning Board held a public hearing on proposed changes to the town’s development regulations and took action on several amendments.

Sewer manhole placement: The board approved an amendment (Part 1, Section 11.14) that clarifies sewer manholes and related infrastructure are to be located within the paved roadway/right-of-way rather than outside the traveled way. Supporters said placing manholes within the roadway eases maintenance and location by municipal crews; the board voted to approve the change.

Parking standards: The board approved proposed edits to parking standards that implement a state-law change limiting residential-parking regulation to a minimum of one parking space per dwelling unit. That amendment (Part 1, Section 15.01, subsection 12) reduces the town’s prior minimums to the new statutory baseline for residential units; the board approved the change in public hearing.

Residential site-plan parking: The board also approved changes to the residential site-plan parking subsection (Part 1, Section 15.01, subsection 27) consistent with the statutory change and staff recommendations.

Occupancy review and landscape standards: The board approved language intended to clarify when a change of occupancy or a “land use proposal” triggers full compliance with the performance-zone landscape standards. The amendment ties the planning board’s review authority to the state standard requiring a substantial change in use or structural dimensional modification before applying current zoning requirements. The board approved the change after discussion; one member registered opposition on the record.

Conceptual-discussion rules tabled: The board chose to table and rework a more extensive rewrite of the section governing preliminary conceptual discussions (Part 1, Section 8). Members debated whether abutter notification should be mandatory for conceptual meetings, how detailed conceptual review should be, and whether applicants should be allowed to waive a preliminary conceptual meeting and proceed directly to design review. The board voted to postpone the conceptual-notification rewrite and to return with revised language that more clearly defines the two-stage conceptual/design-review approach and abutter-notification triggers.

Why it matters: The approved changes update the town’s development regulations to reflect recent state law on residential parking and clarify technical standards for utilities, occupancy review and landscaping in the performance zone. The tabled conceptual-notification rewrite addresses public-notice and process clarity for developers and abutters, and the board will reopen that item for additional public hearing once revised language is posted.

What’s next: Staff will post revised draft language for the conceptual-discussion section and schedule a new public hearing. Approved language will be transmitted to appropriate town records; occupancy- and parking-related changes are effective according to the town’s rule-adoption schedule and state timing noted in the statute.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hooksett - Planning Board","oneSentenceSummary","At a public hearing the Hooksett Planning Board approved amendments covering sewer manhole placement, residential parking minimums and occupancy-review language, and tabled a broader rewrite of the town’s conceptual-discussion and abutter-notification rules for further drafting.","taxTitle","Hooksett, Merrimack County , New Hampshire","taxId",68560,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6589640,"Developers present conceptual plans for 4,765 sq ft car wash on Hooksett Road; planning board raises landscaping and access questions",2104,1400000,3504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528779-12f0e1e1769c3ad584f82590b109ea12&start=1400&end=3504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528779-12f0e1e1769c3ad584f82590b109ea12/thumbnail_1400000.jpg","/articles/6589640/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Developers-present-conceptual-plans-for-4765-sq-ft-car-wash-on-Hooksett-Road-planning-board-raises-landscaping-and-access-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589640-cbac3df1d12607c62c87cd6418cb12bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775305898&Signature=NXSVCudMTURB-opR3KH3jildJVp1PETsUNKCy7BGxk-1asha5aO0DQvSa4Y1M~gmaToPv-n2xgzTbh68c6G0kSu~R5HV8pYRA0E749000qCYc5x-y53bS3Gr-aWfc598WloLggcfJQqbCrzgkCI4jF5Kb6Kh~e3A6OiCMinRaguOihu43kDzlf-M1mCGs2WpbgchrAufSA0B2ge4pNF6iYbHH2h87R2RT~iZ-U07KJXknyS88r5EKN9n1r8tU-6zc25lnUtAJP0rD3YhYjFJYapoIUKDvpxgGWmMOA-XAywnm3czK0vAreK5klHltO7SgxL7M2fPreAzrnFOjm9leA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Greenman Peterson and the project team presented conceptual plans for a new express car wash at 1317–1319 Hooksett Road, proposing demolition of the existing auto wholesaler and construction of a 4,765-square-foot facility with three drive-through bays, a 135-foot tunnel and 24 vacuum stalls.

The applicant, representing Washville-style operations, said the plan would reduce total impervious surface on the property from about 85,000 square feet to under 40,000 square feet, a reduction of roughly 45,000 square feet, while proposing about 870 square feet of wetland impact. Because the wetland disturbance is less than one acre, the team requested the planning board comment to the Zoning Board before the applicant seeks state wetlands permitting from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES).

Engineers described site improvements that include drainage treatment, reuse of existing catch basins that connect to the town system, a bioretention basin on the north side of the building, and an infiltration basin in the southwest corner to meet infiltration requirements. The team also said it would tie into an existing 6-inch sewer stub in the northwest corner and provide a 6-inch water service to the site with smaller building service piping.

Traffic and queuing were central issues during public review. The applicant asked for a waiver from a full traffic study and proposed providing a traffic memo instead, arguing that the difference in trip generation from the existing auto-wholesaler use would be minimal. Several board members said they were comfortable with a traffic memo rather than a full study given the existing automotive use on site and existing traffic volumes on Route 3, while requesting the applicant supply comparison data from similar market towns if available.

Board members and residents pressed for changes to architecture and landscaping. Planning Board members said Hooksett’s design standards favor New England–style elements such as pitched or gambrel roofs and called for more street trees and plantings in front of the site to screen vacuum bays and improve the streetscape. The applicant responded that alternative architectural treatments are available and agreed to provide additional renderings — including gambrel and New England–style options — before the board’s formal review.

On wetlands procedure, the planner said the board’s comment to the Zoning Board is advisory and that the Zoning Board must make any variance/approval; the applicant advised that a DES permit would be filed after design review and conservation comments are addressed. The planning board stated it would provide a favorable comment to the Zoning Board on the limited wetland disturbance but asked the applicant to coordinate with Conservation and DES and return with detailed plans.

Other operational details discussed: the applicant said about 60% of wash water is recycled; vacuum use is broadly accessible (the operator said vacuums are available to subscribers and those on site during business hours) and the operator described a membership-based business model. Fire chief comments were addressed: the applicant showed a 20-foot paved turnaround to meet fire access needs.

Why it matters: the proposed car wash would replace an existing automotive business on a high-visibility stretch of Route 3. The project raises questions about compatibility with local architectural standards, landscaping, and wetland impacts near a state road widening project. The planning board did not object to the applicant filing to the Zoning Board for wetlands clearance but requested revised architectural renderings, a landscaping plan with more trees, and clarity on traffic generation data before formal site-plan review.

What’s next: the applicant will refine designs and submit materials for design review and Zoning Board consideration; the planning board will issue a favorable advisory letter on the wetland disturbance to the Zoning Board and expects to see revised renderings and a landscaping plan before the next planning-board hearing.","Greenman Peterson presented conceptual plans to demolish a Hooksett auto wholesaler and build a 4,765-square-foot express car wash at 1317–1319 Hooksett Road, proposing three tunnel bays, 24 vacuum stalls and drainage improvements; the planning board requested stronger landscaping and alternate architectural renderings before formal review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6589645,"Hooksett planning board recommends outreach to abutters before auctioning two town-owned parcels on Hooksett Road",755,397000,1152000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528779-12f0e1e1769c3ad584f82590b109ea12&start=397&end=1152","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528779-12f0e1e1769c3ad584f82590b109ea12/thumbnail_397000.jpg","/articles/6589645/Hooksett/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Hooksett-planning-board-recommends-outreach-to-abutters-before-auctioning-two-town-owned-parcels-on-Hooksett-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589645-73ea40aaa92cc4817b8406c4861d9358/orig.mp4?Expires=1775305898&Signature=C7cCq00kQYaOyhGdw47rDt0TzHlMgdYmAhq54JHfNnQKHGmbFP2NsndV9WUBKzj8cJAHmrLoQh4f3tmPCxcjv1JhwI7RbV09AecLKZwGov8SEz5~3NxAtQDGSRjZLY17SjG8gJGMZLOdfTImh1exroKY3oevtF5PEZmVKkOOZ89XKHJ-taGlwrX02MsHoe-KZeLYkUajU-Mt5C54ljpFNPtpiStycV~owxoC~VTo7P0~rnXQIl3-2rmcj0oN-zXucBeGYcMacTx7hKTjrRtCEm4at7cdLzQ2p-2yeCga5fWlAHQIAo4sp94HvCAal2UD-O1BNpxgXsXqhzQ930sjsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hooksett Planning Board recommended that the Town Council notify abutting landowners before placing two town-owned parcels on Hooksett Road up for auction, saying the board sees no public planning benefit to the town retaining the lots.

The motion directs the council to seek interest from adjacent property owners before designating Map 25, Lot 7 and Map 41, Lot 72 for public auction; the board voted to send that recommendation to the council after debate and a brief public comment period.

Map 25, Lot 7 was described by staff as roughly 2 acres split by property owned by the power utility Eversource; the parcel is mostly wetlands and contains little developable area, the planner said. The board discussed whether it would make sense first to ask Eversource if it wanted the portion that bisects the lot, and several members urged contacting abutters before a sale because the land’s utility and development potential are limited.

Map 41, Lot 72 is about one-tenth of an acre with roughly 50 feet of frontage and contains a small, long-vacant ranch house. Board discussion noted that a planned Route 3 widening would further reduce the lot’s usable area. The planner said lapse of use has negated prior nonconforming rights for the house, and that any future development would need to comply with current setbacks and zoning, likely requiring demolition of the existing structure.

Resident Robert Duhame spoke during public comment to urge the board to consider the conservation value of wetlands, noting that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services sometimes encourages municipalities to hold wetland parcels for use in negotiations. \"Just to remember... through the DES, at times, you are encouraged to purchase wetland properties so that you can use them in negotiations,\" he said.

After debate the board made two linked recommendations to the council: first, that the planning board sees no planning benefit in the town retaining the two parcels; and second, that the council should reach out to abutting property owners before considering the parcels for auction. The board voted to transmit the latter recommendation to the council; the motion passed with one recorded opposition (Alicia). The planning board’s recommendation will be considered by the Town Council at its public hearings required by statute before any auction is authorized.

Why it matters: the council must hold two public hearings and a subsequent meeting before voting to dispatch town land for auction. The planning board’s recommendation will be part of the council’s record; outreach to abutters could produce private purchases or other options the council may prefer to auction.

What’s next: the planner will include the planning board’s recommendation in the materials sent to the Town Council for the required public hearings. The council will schedule its hearings and may choose to approach abutters or proceed to auction based on the totality of board and committee recommendations.","The Hooksett Planning Board told the Town Council it sees no benefit to the town holding two small, mostly nondevelopable parcels on Hooksett Road and recommended the council contact abutters before proceeding with auction. The board voted to forward a favorable recommendation that abutter outreach be attempted in lieu of immediate auction.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning board advances multiple development-regulation amendments; tables conceptual-notification rewrite

Developers present conceptual plans for 4,765 sq ft car wash on Hooksett Road; planning board raises landscaping and access questions

Hooksett planning board recommends outreach to abutters before auctioning two town-owned parcels on Hooksett Road