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Planning amendments—ADU alignment and home-business rules—headed to Stoddard ballot
Summary
The Planning Board will present two warrant articles: one to align the town’s accessory dwelling unit rules with new state law and another to legalize and regulate commercial activity by self-employed contractors operating from residences. The Select Board also reviewed ZBA budgeting and building-permit fee responsibilities.
The Select Board placed two proposed amendments from the Planning Board on the warrant: one to update the town’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules to comply with new state law, and a second to legalize and regulate commercial activity by self-employed contractors operating from their residences.
Town Administrator Michelle Pong said the Planning Board’s $19,269 budget increase is primarily to pay for professional services needed to update the Master Plan, which has not been revised since 2005. The board also reviewed a proposed separate Zoning Board of Adjustment budget ($16,725) that includes increased secretary payroll due to higher application volume.
During the hearing a resident asked why building-permit fees do not cover ZBA costs; the Select Board clarified that permit fees are set by the Select Board and said it will review fee-setting after the budget season. The board did not change fee schedules during the hearing but indicated further review is planned.
Both amendments will appear on the warrant for voter consideration at Town Meeting.
