Atkinson Planning Board focuses on Master Plan housing actions; discusses ADUs, cottage courts and assisted-living zoning

Chair Sue Killam convened the Atkinson Planning Board on Jan. 21 for a workshop focused on Master Plan implementation, with regional planner Jenn Rowden of RCPC steering a review of housing-related action items.

Rowden told the board much of the Master Plan’s housing work will require coordination beyond the Planning Board and recommended the board prioritize a manageable action item to advance. She called out design standards, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) outreach, cottage courts, and assisted-living zoning as near-term topics to examine and suggested waiting to pursue some measures until state housing law changes are clearer.

Board members debated how far to go with design standards. Rowden said the town may adopt general standards for single-family and nonresidential buildings but noted state law limits town authority over the appearance of ADUs. Chair Killam cautioned against drafting rules that might need to be redone if state law evolves.

On regulatory changes, Rowden outlined options to allow more than one ADU on a lot — including conditional-use permits or special exceptions — but said local adoption might be slow and advised observing results of the recent warrant article before acting. She offered to present examples of cottage courts and tiny-house village models (citing Hampton’s experience) after Town Meeting to explore feasibility, ownership models and lot-size issues.

Members discussed creating zoning to permit assisted-living facilities. Member Paul Wainwright said voters had rejected such proposals twice in prior years; Alternate Karen McFadden and others noted Master Plan feedback showed some support for senior housing and suggested limiting siting to specific zones, such as Commercial/Professional, to address concerns about deployments “anywhere in town.” The board also raised infrastructure constraints — water, sewer and a nearby Superfund site — as practical limits on facility siting.

Rowden recommended additional outreach materials on ADU processes, including fact sheets and public presentations. The board discussed easing restrictions on home businesses and ways to encourage conversion of nonresidential properties to residential use, with Rowden advising that simpler allowance procedures (fewer conditional-use steps) would likely be more effective than financial incentives, which she said Atkinson is unlikely to qualify for.

Board members also discussed renewable-energy language and noted a prior wind-turbine application had been withdrawn. Rowden summarized pending state-level housing measures — including proposals affecting multifamily and commercial-zone mandates, parking rules and ADU provisions — and said she would keep the board updated and pursue potential grant opportunities such as the state’s Housing Champion Program.

For next steps the board agreed to bring the “reimagining zoning” item (1.7) back onto its action list, to consider a spring workshop for free-form discussion, and for Rowden to prepare recommended wording and options (she asked for mid-October timing for draft language). The board also agreed it would be useful to meet with the Water Resources Committee to clarify water and sewer capacity before advancing new housing allowances. Selectman Bob Worden suggested representatives brief the Board of Selectmen when those land-sale or zoning items appear on that body’s agenda.

On procedural business, Member Paul Wainwright moved to approve the Jan. 7, 2026 minutes as amended; Selectman Bob Worden seconded and the board voted 5–0–0 to approve. Alternate Karen McFadden moved to adjourn, Member Paul Wainwright seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. The board set its next meeting for Feb. 4, 2026.

The workshop produced next-step direction and a list of topics for detailed follow-up but no formal zoning changes or votes on ordinances.