Commission approves detached accessory dwelling for elderly care

The Andover Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved Special Permit application 26‑4 to allow a 795 square‑foot detached accessory dwelling unit on a residential property, intended to provide wheelchair‑accessible housing for the applicant's elderly parents.

Applicant Ron described a one‑floor, one‑bedroom unit located about 20 feet behind his attached garage. He said the unit will be fully accessible with wide doorways, a roll‑in shower, in‑floor heating and independent HVAC and circuiting tied to the main house. Ron told the commission the existing well and septic have sufficient capacity and that Eastern Highlands and state reviewers had signed off on the septic design.

Ron also requested exemptions from several A2 checklist items (site survey/site‑plan provisions). Planning staff reviewed the submitted material, including the Eastern Highlands septic approval and a pole‑barn plat plan, and told the commission the record provided sufficient information for a reasoned decision. Commissioners asked practical questions about parking, walkway connections and how the unit would be accessed; the applicant confirmed there is room for multiple guest vehicles and a planned walkway to connect the unit to the existing house.

After discussion the commission moved to approve the special permit. Commissioners noted staff would follow up on final documentation and notify the applicant about the next administrative steps. The vote was recorded as 5‑0 in favor.

The applicant was advised to expect correspondence from the town office about filing permit documents and next steps.