Owner seeks conditional use permit for 900 sq ft detached ADU at 296 Dunbarton Road

David Ford Jr. told the Manchester Planning & Zoning Board on May 1 that he intends to construct a 900-square-foot detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with a carport and turnaround behind his single-family home at 296 Dunbarton Road. The structure would be on a crawlspace and include high windows on the side facing adjacent properties and a privacy fence.

Neighbors said the proposed ADU would be close to abutting yards, could reduce privacy and change neighborhood character, and they reported recent clearing and debris that had temporarily crossed the property line. The owner acknowledged the spillover, said he had the debris removed and apologized, and said he would clean up and work with neighbors. He told the board the ADU is intended to house family members in the future and described 2–3 off-street parking spaces and a carport in the plan.

Planning staff said the deck/patio and other features submitted are included in the application and that the ADU would be reviewed under ADU rules; the board and staff discussed massing and noted the primary home is a split-level while the ADU is single-story. Staff confirmed the carport area would not count toward ADU square footage but recommended attention to massing and compatibility with the existing house from the public-facing streetscape.

Board members asked about driveway width, fencing, colors and the potential to scale back or reorient the ADU; the applicant indicated options were limited by site constraints but said he could alter fence placement and exterior color. Several neighbors asked for a retaining wall and assurances on erosion control; the applicant said typical erosion controls (silt fence, yard drains) would be used and that he expected to fill portions of the rear grade rather than export material. The board closed the public hearing and will take up the staff report and vote at its next meeting in two weeks.