Francestown planning board votes to send backland-lot zoning change to town meeting

The Francestown Planning Board voted unanimously on Feb. 2 to put proposed 2026 zoning ordinance changes on the town‑meeting warrant, including a change to Ordinance 3.2 (Backland Lots) that reduces the required setback from 400 feet to 250 feet.

During the board’s third review of the proposed amendments, Diane Gelinas read a request from her attorney, Will Reddington, asking that the description of the change to Ordinance 3.2 separate the reduced setback provision from language about accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The board indicated it considered that clarification reasonable and would accommodate the requested separation in the ordinance description.

The board also noted receipt of two emails from resident Silas Little (dated Jan. 21 and Jan. 22) that included lot-dimension calculations and raised concerns about potential spot zoning; the record indicates his messages sought explanation of how the Planning Board had researched the proposal rather than an outright objection. Board member Sarah Pyle said the board reviewed the proposal with the town’s Master Plan goals in mind. Members Betsy Hardwick and Greg Neilley said the change to a 250‑foot setback would help preserve the scenic quality of town roads and protect wildlife habitat.

Betsy Hardwick moved and Sarah Pyle seconded a motion “to bring the proposed zoning ordinance changes to town meeting.” All voting members present—Gerri Bernstein (Chair), Sarah Pyle, Greg Neilley, Betsy Hardwick, Karen Fitzgerald (ex‑officio) and alternate John Ludlam (voting member)—voted in favor. The board recorded the motion as passing.

The public hearing is recorded as having opened at 4:30 p.m. and closed at 7:27 p.m.; the transcript does not record further procedural steps. The change will appear on the town‑meeting warrant for consideration by Francestown voters.