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Killingworth planners delay commercial-district rule changes; discuss accessory-apartment amendments
Summary
Commissioners said a recently passed state housing bill requires further review before local regulations are changed. The commission plans a public hearing—likely in February—to consider accessory-apartment rule updates including reduced acreage thresholds and adjusted bedroom allowances.
The Killingworth Planning and Zoning Commission discussed pending state housing legislation and possible changes to local regulations governing accessory apartments and commercial districts on Nov. 18, and agreed to delay any public hearing until the commission is at full membership.
Commissioners noted a sweeping housing bill recently passed by the state legislature and said the document requires detailed review before local adoption or notice to the public. Linda, the town zoning officer, told commissioners she is reading the bill and will circulate the full text, a synopsis and the fiscal analysis to the commission once available. "The governor hasn't signed it yet," she said, adding that she expects to distribute both the bill and a summary to members for review.
On accessory-apartment rules, commissioners said previous discussion had reduced the caretaker/acreage threshold from 20 acres to 10 acres and adjusted bedroom allowances. A commissioner said the regular accessory apartment allowance was increased to two bedrooms while the caretaker (or regular secondary) apartment allowance was increased to three bedrooms. The commission agreed not to proceed to a public hearing until they have a full commission and aim to schedule hearings on the regulatory changes in February unless a special meeting is called.
Commissioners also discussed technical steps needed for notice and intergovernmental review, noting required notification to neighboring regional bodies before a local public hearing.
The commission directed staff to collect and circulate the bill text, the synopsis and fiscal analysis so members can prepare substantive comments ahead of the planned public hearing.
