Board recommends updated standards for manufactured-housing developments; public asked about HUD distinctions

The Planning Board opened a public hearing on a rewrite of Section 700 to set standards for manufactured-housing developments. The draft replaces prior language with development standards that resemble open-space subdivisions: requirements for density, private roads and infrastructure, neighborhood-oriented layout and protected buffers, a minimum development size, and a reserved portion of open space.

Board staff told the public that manufactured housing allowed under the section would follow the state’s definition (HUD-numbered manufactured housing) and that modular or site-built homes follow different building-code processes. One board member explained the draft’s mechanics: developments would require a minimum site size and reserve roughly 30% of the parcel as open space; density and cluster rules (no more than five units per cluster and required separation between clusters) would avoid rows of units that conflict with town character.

Residents asked whether the change would permit trailers or replace older-site trailers; staff clarified that manufactured housing as defined in RSA 674:31 differs from travel trailers and is built to HUD standards. The board discussed one nearby example of a small cluster that had been permitted and explained that such projects would still be subject to site-plan review and design guidelines under the proposed rules.

After public comments and clarification on minimum acreage, density and design-guideline aims, the board voted to recommend the Section 700 amendments for placement on the March 2026 warrant so voters can decide.