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Planning board OKs small wetland waiver for exterior stairs to ADU at 323 Jones Avenue
Summary
The board granted a conditional‑use permit to allow approximately 96 square feet of wetland‑buffer impact for exterior stairs that will serve an accessory dwelling unit above an existing garage at 323 Jones Avenue.
The Portsmouth Planning Board approved a wetlands conditional‑use permit April 16 to allow construction of exterior stairs that will provide primary access to an accessory dwelling unit above an existing garage at 323 Jones Avenue. Owner Pete Evans said the stairs would create roughly 96 square feet of impact within the wetland buffer; the board adopted findings of fact and granted the permit with conditions 2.1–2.3.
Members discussed whether frequent small buffer impacts like this could be eligible for administrative approval rather than full board review and asked staff to consider regulatory changes. The board voted unanimously to grant the CUP with the stated conditions.
What happens next: the owner can proceed with the stairs under the conditions adopted by the board and will coordinate conservation commission requirements as needed.
