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Sanbornton Planning Board removes ADU internal-door requirement, raises size cap to 950 sq ft
Summary
The board voted unanimously to remove the internal-door requirement for attached ADUs, raise the ADU size cap from 850 to 950 square feet, strike "manufactured homes" from section 3.N, and omit Section M pending input from the highway director and fire chief; the board also suggested defining owner occupancy as 183 days per year.
The Sanbornton Planning Board on May 21 adopted several amendments to the town's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance, including removing an internal doorway requirement for attached ADUs and increasing the maximum ADU size from 850 square feet to 950 square feet.
During discussion the board examined differences between attached and detached ADUs and language designed to allow reconnection of an attached ADU to the principal dwelling. Tom Lynch moved to remove the internal doorway requirement; Brandon Deacon seconded and the motion passed 5-0-0. Lynch then moved to increase the ADU size limit to 950 square feet; that motion also passed 5-0-0.
Board members agreed the town can no longer require ADU parking areas to be strictly on the same lot and advised removing that language. The board debated driveway rules: Will Ellis argued that "if a separate driveway be installed for an additional housing unit such as an ADU, then the property should be subdivided due to the nature of the separate home and driveway," while others recommended consulting the highway director and fire chief about safety and access implications before finalizing driveway language. Lynn Martinez proposed removing the words "manufactured homes" from section 3.N because the town no longer prohibits them; the board voted to strike the phrase.
The board voted to amend the ADU ordinance per the discussion and to omit Section M until the highway director and fire chief provide input; it also recommended that owner occupancy be defined as the property owner residing in the dwelling for 183 days per year. All recorded motions on ADU language changes passed 5-0-0.
Next steps: staff will seek the requested input from the highway director and fire chief and return with recommended driveway language and any other technical clarifications.
