Council adopts zoning amendment to resolve split lots along Route 108 and allow commercial use within 100 feet

The Somersworth City Council adopted Ordinance 1-26 on Sept. 2 to amend Chapter 19, Section 3 (establishment of zoning districts) to clarify how split lots — parcels bisected by zoning lines — are handled and to allow owners in the commercial-industrial district to use either zone’s permitted uses for portions of a lot within 100 feet of the district line.
Planning Director Michelle Mears explained the change applies to lots that are split by two zoning districts, principally along Route 108, and that the measure allows uses permitted in the Commercial‑Industrial District to extend up to 100 feet back from the zone boundary. Mears emphasized that existing buffer-yard requirements and site-plan regulations remain in force and that automobile/service uses would not be allowed to extend beyond the 100‑foot allowance.
Councilors asked for clarification about impacts on deep parcels that have road frontage in one zone and residential areas in the rear; Mears and staff confirmed that buffer yard requirements and any use beyond 100 feet would require a variance and that site‑plan requirements still apply. A resident (Richard Brooks) had earlier offered a related public comment urging zoning based on road frontage to simplify some parcels.
The ordinance was moved for adoption by Councilor Witham and seconded; the roll-call vote recorded all affirmative votes from Councilors Witham, Goodwin, Cameron, Pappen, Vincent, Gibson, Harry Catanzaro and Michaud.
Councilors and staff said the change was intended to reduce uncertainty for property owners and developers on deep lots split between commercial and residential zones while preserving protections for neighboring residential areas through buffer requirements and limits on certain vehicle-related uses.