Council approves zoning changes to allow state-authorized home-based childcare; some councilors seek more local oversight

The Somersworth City Council on Sept. 2 adopted Ordinance 2-26 to amend Chapter 19 of the zoning ordinance by adding a new section for home‑based childcare and updating accessory-use tables and definitions to conform with state law cited in the meeting.
The ordinance implements provisions described by the clerk as allowing “all types of home based care, family care, and group family care to be allowed as an accessory to the primary residential use in accordance with the newly passed state RSAs, RSAs 6 72, VA and RSA 6 70 four‑sixteen VI,” language read into the record by the clerk. Councilors noted this is intended to expand childcare capacity in the state and in Somersworth.
During debate, Councilor Vincent and other councilors asked whether the change could permit childcare operations in residential neighborhoods similar to a former center (referred to in debate as “Little Folks”). The city manager said the ordinance’s goal is to improve access to childcare and that thresholds and protections exist for managing impacts but he deferred on precise regulatory detail. Councilor Witham and Councilor Weathers noted the planning board reviewed the ordinance; Weathers asked specifically whether the city has local authority for traffic, parking and other site impacts and was told that most operational oversight for safety and operations comes from state licensing and local site rules but that planning and traffic committees may review impacts when they arise.
The motion to adopt was moved by Councilor Perri de Canzera and seconded by Councilor Pepin. The roll-call vote recorded in the meeting shows the ordinance passed with affirmative votes from Councilors Witham, Goodwin, Cameron, Pepin, Vincent, Gibson, (Paradis) Catanzaro and Michaud.
Councilors stressed this change is a state-driven reform and that the city will need to address local consequences — particularly curbside traffic and parking — through planning, traffic safety and enforcement options as home-based operations expand. The council did not add local permitting or licensing beyond the amendments required to conform zoning with the state RSAs.