Stoddard planning board advances ADU and commercial zoning amendments to May ballot

The Town of Stoddard Planning Board voted unanimously April 7 to place two zoning amendments — an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) amendment and a commercial-use amendment — on the upcoming town ballot.

Chair Bob Maden reviewed comments from Town Counsel and the NHMA legal inquiry service about the ADU language, saying the proposed use of the word “solely” would mean the unit is restricted to the owner, family and invited guests and would prevent the owner from renting the unit that is designated as the primary owner-occupied unit. Member Steve Jacobs moved to accept the ADU ordinance and move it to the ballot; Jason Kovarik seconded. The motion carried, 6–0.

Immediately after, Member Randy McHale moved to accept the commercial ordinance and advance it to the ballot; Jason Kovarik seconded. That motion also carried, 6–0.

Why it matters: Both measures are amendments to the town’s CPO (zoning) and will be decided by voters at the town ballot. The ADU language narrows allowable occupants for owner-designated units, which could affect homeowners’ options for renting or household composition if approved.

What’s next: Both amendments will appear on the Stoddard town ballot for voter consideration. The Board did not record any amendments to the motions during the meeting. The planning board’s meeting minutes list the motions and 6–0 tallies for each vote.

Authorities and details: The Board referenced advice from Town Counsel and the New Hampshire Municipal Association legal inquiry service when discussing ADU wording. The meeting minutes do not include any ordinance numbers or ballot warrant language; those details were described as moving forward to the ballot but are not specified in the minutes.

Ending: The Planning Board proceeded to other Master Plan work after advancing the two amendments and adjourned at 8:36 p.m.