Boscawen approves package of zoning ordinance amendments to align with state rules and FEMA maps

BOSCOWEN — Town voters approved a package of ten zoning ordinance amendments at the March 13 meeting, changes the Planning Board recommended to align local rules with updated state law and federal floodplain mapping.

Moderator Charles R. Niebling announced that Articles 2 through 11 would be read and tallied by ballot and would not be read aloud in full with the meeting's consent. The amendments covered a range of zoning topics: use regulations and the Table of Uses, village district lot setbacks (increasing setbacks from 5 feet to 15 feet), private campsite requirements, accessory dwelling unit language to conform with state statutes, manufactured housing and tiny‑home foundation rules, off‑street parking standards to meet state statute, code enforcement procedures, added definitions (including townhouse, tiny home, group child day care center and accessory dwelling unit), and updates to the floodplain ordinance to reflect FEMA map changes.

Ballot tallies were reported in the meeting record for each amendment. Example results include Article 2 (101 yes, 38 no), Article 3 (106 yes, 35 no), Article 10 (119 yes, 21 no). All ten amendments were adopted by ballot vote.

Why it matters: The amendments bring Boscawen's zoning code into alignment with recent state statutory changes and federal FEMA mapping updates, which can affect permitting, development standards and eligibility for certain state and federal programs.

Next steps: The ordinance changes take effect as provided in the town code; local officials and the Planning Department will implement the updated standards in permit review and public guidance.