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Planning staff reports: detached ADU administrative approval and Amherst's 18‑unit project declared regional impact
Summary
Amanda reported a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) was approved administratively following state law changes allowing detached units. Staff also said Amherst declared an 18‑unit project near Labelle Winery as of regional impact, and the 7 Crows Nest application will likely be handled administratively rather than return to the board.
At the Oct. 7 meeting the Planning & Zoning Administrator, Amanda, reported that the only administrative approval since the last meeting was for a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that had previously been approved as an attached unit; the change reflected updates in state law that now allow detached ADUs.
"The only administrative approval since our last meeting was a detached ADU, that had previously been approved as attached, but due to the changes in the law in July, someone had come back looking to build it detached," Amanda said.
Robert (staff member) also told the board that the town of Amherst declared a nearby housing project as having regional impact to put Merrimack on notice; he described the Amherst project as about an 18‑unit housing development near Labelle Winery and said the notice was precautionary.
Board members also discussed the 7 Crows Nest Circle project, which staff said had completed phase 1 and was likely eligible for administrative review of a phasing adjustment rather than returning for full board review, allowing the applicant to proceed with construction this year.
Next steps: staff will continue to monitor regional notices and process administrative approvals per the revised procedures discussed in the work session.
