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Zoning board approves detached 750 sq. ft. ADU at 136 Bald Hill Road
Summary
The Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment on May 1 approved a special exception allowing Brian and Jessica May to build a detached, one‑bedroom accessory dwelling unit at 136 Bald Hill Road. The board found the site and proposed plans met ordinance criteria; neighbors raised septic and runoff concerns. A 30‑day appeal period applies.
Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment Chair Joan Darje voted with two other members on May 1 to approve a special exception allowing Brian and Jessica May to build a detached, one‑story, 750‑square‑foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 136 Bald Hill Road (Map 51, Lot 28).
The ADU, the applicants said, is intended to house the couple’s aging in‑laws closer to family and will be owner‑occupied along with the principal dwelling. Chair Joan Darje told the applicants, “There is a 30 day wait period,” after the board’s approval before the decision can be challenged.
The board’s approval followed the applicants’ presentation of site plans and a septic design. The May family said the ADU will be a detached single‑story structure with a small crawl space, no second floor, and one bedroom. The structure will be about 17 feet from the existing house, will use the existing driveway for parking, and will not require an additional curb cut. The applicants said they had a septic design prepared by Meridian and that the planned septic system is sized to serve both the principal dwelling and the ADU; the designer Mark Danforth advised that any required reapproval will be completed before construction.
Two nearby residents spoke during public comment. Dale Lockhart of 140 Bald Hill Road asked whether the septic system was designed for both dwellings; the applicant and board confirmed it was presented as a single, expanded system. Dave Ritchie of 138 Bald Hill Road asked that the contractor take steps to prevent dirt and runoff from reaching a low‑lying wetland area behind the properties; board members and the applicant said erosion controls such as hay bales or silt fencing could be used during construction.
During deliberations the board found the proposal met the special‑exception criteria in the Milford zoning ordinance, including owner occupancy, size limits (no more than 750 square feet and no more than two bedrooms), adequate sewage disposal, and that the ADU would not alter the residential character of the principal use. The board conducted a roll‑call vote with Chair Joan Darje, member Rich Elliott and member Kevin Overbee all voting yes. Mike Thornton, a board member who arrived after the hearing, did not vote. The board noted that the ADU must meet all applicable local and state building, fire, health and safety codes and that required inspections and any septic reapproval must be completed before final occupancy.
The board recorded no additional conditions beyond the ordinance requirements and standard permitting and inspection processes. The applicants were advised to submit digital copies of final plans to town staff (send to Terry in Community Development) to be included in the file and to obtain the required building permits before starting major work. The board also noted the administrative 30‑day period in which an abutter or other party may file an appeal of the special exception.
The board had one agenda item that evening, and members approved the previous meeting minutes before hearing the ADU case.
