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Council adopts zoning map amendment to rezone Blueberry Lane parcel for apartments; council asks planning board to add tree-protection condition
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 2025-235-15 to adjust the official zoning map for a Blueberry Lane property so it will be zoned for proposed apartment development. Councilors asked planning staff to add a staff‑report condition ensuring protection of a prominent tree and to consider escrow for an arborist review.
The Laconia City Council on April 28 approved Ordinance 2025-235-15, a zoning‑map amendment that moves the boundary near Blueberry Lane to place a lot in the zoning district appropriate for a proposed apartment complex.
The ordinance went through the required steps: the council waived full reading and approved second reading before adopting the amendment on a 6-0 roll call. Planning staff told the council the application had been reviewed by the planning department and the Planning Board public hearing had already occurred with no abutter comments recorded.
Councilors asked for added protections for vegetation near the site. Councilor Soucy asked whether abutters had been notified and whether the landowner of record had been notified; staff confirmed notifications were sent and no abutter feedback had been received. When Councilor Soucy asked whether a significant tree on an adjoining lot would be protected, staff reported they had discussed safeguards with the property owner and that the proposed building footprint would be placed on the opposite side of the lot. Councilor Soucy requested that the council’s planning‑board representative ensure a staff report to the Planning Board include a proposed condition — and suggested the council consider requiring escrowed funds to pay for an arborist if needed. Planning staff agreed to include the protection condition in the Planning Board staff report and to notify the requesting councilors when that condition is added.
The ordinance title as recorded in the packet is "Ordinance 2025-235-15 amending Chapter 235, Zoning, Article 3, Districts — Official Zoning Map and Attachment 1, Table of Zoning Map Amendments." The council passed three motions related to the ordinance (waive reading, second reading, final approval), each recorded as six affirmative votes.
The rezoning moves the zoning line a few hundred feet in order to make the parcel conforming for the applicant’s planned multi‑unit residential development. Planning staff said they will include the tree‑protection language as a proposed condition at the Planning Board level so the board can consider it when reviewing site plans and related permits.
