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Atkinson conservation commission backs ZBA letter for ADU variance at 15 Little Rob Road, asks for NHDES permit condition
Summary
The Atkinson Conservation Commission voted 7-0 to send a letter to the Zoning Board of Adjustment supporting relief from the 100-foot wetland setback for an accessory dwelling unit at 15 Little Rob Road, while noting any approval should be conditioned on a New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dredge & Fill permit.
The Atkinson Conservation Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 25 to send a letter to the Town’s Zoning Board of Adjustment supporting a variance request for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 15 Little Rob Road, while specifying that any board relief should be conditioned on obtaining an NHDES Dredge & Fill permit.
Tom Schomburg of SEC & Associates presented the site plan for the property, describing two wetland areas near the house and saying the proposed attached ADU would not increase encroachment on the wetlands. Schomburg said the plan includes mitigation measures such as a drip-line roof and erosion controls during construction and that the owners are requesting 21.5 feet of relief from the 100-foot wetland setback.
Chair Paul Wainwright noted correspondence with the town planning office and a prior exchange with NHDES staff indicating the project falls within the agency’s 100-foot vegetative buffer jurisdiction for Bryant Brook Prime Wetland. The draft letter attached to the Commission’s record states the property is “grandfathered” from a larger town buffer for zoning purposes but that Dredge & Fill authorization will still be required from NHDES; the chair said the Commission will include that condition in its communication to the ZBA.
Commission members asked practical questions about the site. Member Jeff Nenart and others confirmed the disturbed area is currently lawn and that the plan does not add new lawn area. Vice Chair Bill Steele and Member Charlie Pitts asked about septic capacity; Schomburg said an existing septic system is in place and the owners have approval for a replacement system in case of failure.
Member Nenart moved to send the letter to the Zoning Board of Adjustment; Member John Fournier seconded the motion, which passed 7-0-0.
Next steps: the letter will be transmitted to the ZBA and, if the ZBA grants relief, the applicant must secure any required NHDES permits before wetland impacts proceed.
