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Planning board tables proposed home‑based childcare ordinance changes pending legal review
Summary
The Planning Board voted to table proposed zoning ordinance changes related to home‑based and group family childcare to allow time for legal review and to receive a memo from the city attorney; the board requested additional information before sending any revisions to city council.
The Somersworth Planning Board voted to table proposed zoning ordinance amendments addressing home‑based childcare and a new provision for group family childcare, citing the need for additional legal review and a memo from the city attorney.
Staff presented two alternative draft proposals: one that would require a conditional‑use permit for group family childcare and another that would not require that permit but would include different standards. The board requested an opinion from the city attorney about whether conditions may be attached to a conditional‑use permit for home‑based childcare; staff said an NHMA (New Hampshire Municipal Association) memo and a legal opinion from Attorney Stephen Buckley were being consulted. Planning Board member Robert Bellmore and others asked that the attorney memo and legal review be provided to the board before further action.
Planning Board member David Witham moved to table the item to the next meeting to allow time for legal review and to provide the Stephen Buckley memo to members; Robert Bellmore seconded and the board approved the motion by voice vote.
Staff said they would circulate the attorney memo and reprint materials for the next meeting.
