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Planning staff seeks public hearing on parking rule changes tied to state law
Summary
Planning staff recommended zoning and site-plan rule updates to align with House Bill 1400; the board voted to schedule a public hearing and forward recommended changes to the City Council.
Planning staff told the Somersworth Planning Board that state changes require local updates to the zoning ordinance and site plan regulations governing residential parking, and the board voted to schedule a public hearing to solicit comment and prepare forwarding language for the City Council.
Director Mears summarized the proposed revisions tied to 2024 House Bill 1400 and related RSA provisions, saying the changes affect accessory parking limits for certain residential units and establish authority to review and approve alternative parking solutions. She said staff’s draft would allow the planning board to request third‑party reviews under RSA 674:16 and 676:4(b)(I) for proposed alternative parking solutions and to approve residential uses with alternative parking that may differ from the zoning ordinance.
Board member Witham moved to schedule a public hearing at the next regularly scheduled meeting and forward recommendations to the City Council; the motion was seconded by Planning Board member Berry and passed by voice vote.
Staff told the board the city had previously moved parking regulation authority from the zoning ordinance into planning board review and that the proposed amendments would align local regulations with the new state statute effective January 1, 2025. The board asked that the item be placed on the next agenda for public comment and formal action.
No final ordinance changes were adopted at the meeting; the board only scheduled the public hearing and directed staff to prepare the formal amendment and supporting materials for review.
