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Stoddard planning board proposes limits for home-based contractors and commercial activity
Summary
The Planning Board proposed amendments to permit self-employed contractors to operate from residences while restricting visible inventory and limiting regularly parked commercial vehicles (two light/medium vehicles by right; no heavy-duty vehicles regularly parked). Public commenters questioned truck-size limits, grandfathering of existing businesses, and potential legal exposure; votes deferred to April 7, 2026.
The Town of Stoddard Planning Board introduced a draft Commercial Uses amendment intended to allow self-employed contractors to perform commercial‑related activities from residences while minimizing impacts on neighbors and preserving rural character.
Bob Maden, chair, said the amendment aims to define permitted commercial‑related activities and set standards that “maintain compatibility with surrounding residential areas while preserving rural character, public safety, and neighborhood tranquility.” The draft distinguishes Small Scale Commercial Business (under 10,000 sq ft, permitted in the Rural District with a conditional use permit) from home occupations and from commercial‑related activities conducted by self‑employed contractors.
Key provisions in the draft include lot and siting rules for small scale commercial uses (minimum two‑acre lots, 150 feet of frontage, 75‑foot setback), a required landscape buffer (50 feet, or 100 feet for same‑side abutters or at an abutter’s request), and limits on operations (no drive‑through windows; business hours limited to 8:00 PM for most businesses, 10:00 PM for restaurants with permits).
For home‑based commercial‑related activity the draft permits self‑employed contractors by right so long as: inventory and equipment are stored out of public view; the property retains a residential appearance; and no more than two light/medium duty commercial vehicles are regularly parked overnight on the property. The draft bars regularly parked heavy‑duty commercial vehicles or equipment (vehicles requiring a CDL or over 26,000 lbs GVWR) from being regularly parked at residences.
Jason Kovarik, the Selectmen’s representative, said the vehicle limits focus on overnight parking and neighborhood impact rather than daytime travel: “we are talking about overnight parking on residential property in our regulation, nothing to do with traffic.” Several residents, including Joshua Hutchins and Alex Chase, pushed back on the limits and asked whether the rules would unfairly target existing local businesses. Terri LaRoche noted that current residential businesses are not automatically grandfathered into the new rules.
Bob Fee cautioned the board about enforcement costs and litigation risk, saying defending ordinance violations can be expensive even when the town ultimately prevails. The board repeatedly emphasized that property owners may seek variances from the Zoning Board of Adjustment for operations that exceed the by‑right limits.
No final votes were taken. The board closed the public meeting and voted to defer formal votes on both the ADU and Commercial amendments to the Planning Board meeting on April 7, 2026.
