Atkinson Planning Board weighs allowing more ADUs and limited mixed-use in commercial zones

Atkinson Planning Board members on Feb. 4 discussed expanding housing options by considering multiple accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on parcels and permitting residential uses in some commercial zones.

Chair Sue Killam said the board should explore ideas presented earlier by Jenn Rowden and voiced concern about "the look and the feel of the town" if ADU rules change. Member Edward Stewart cautioned that many large lots exist because of topography or wetlands — citing Stillwell Road as an example — and argued those site constraints make adding ADUs difficult in practice.

Board members also raised tax and assessment questions. Alternate Paul Cardone asked whether "a 1,000 SQFT barn" would be taxed differently than a 1,000-square-foot ADU; Alternate Karen McFadden said assessors determine market value and cited studies showing ADUs can raise home values. Chair Killam said the town assessor and eventual state guidance will need to clarify tax treatment and said she would follow up with the assessor.

Several members suggested a phased approach. Stewart warned that adding a second ADU immediately after allowing one could "overwhelm the voters," and recommended considering residential conversions in commercial areas — for example, offices with residences above — as a lower-risk way to add housing. Killam said limited commercial-professional and industrial zones already include residents and that the board could ask Rowden for zoning examples that allow businesses to flex back to residential.

The board did not take formal votes on zoning changes. Members agreed to seek further information from the Circuit Rider Planner and the town assessor, hold public outreach (focus groups and community-center meetings), and defer major drafting until after the March vote.

The discussion will return to the board for further study and possible public hearings.