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Multifamily proposal for 397 Durham Road referred toward public hearing; commissioners flag water and sprinkler issues
Summary
The commission reviewed a preliminary multifamily application for 397 Durham Road and agreed to refer it toward a public hearing; staff and commissioners discussed wetland status, lack of public water, and whether sprinkler requirements will be triggered by the building layout.
Staff presented a special-exception multifamily application for 397 Durham Road and said the commission may open a public hearing next week pending resolution of fire-code and water-supply questions. Staff noted the site is set back from the road, has existing wetlands review for the footprint and septic constraints, and that the applicant is seeking clarity on whether a central common-entry design would require sprinklers.
Commissioners discussed layout options to avoid sprinkler triggers (townhouse units with separate entrances or firewalls), the trade-offs in per-unit costs for small multifamily units, and whether modular construction might reduce costs and improve aesthetics. The staff member told the commission there is currently "no public water" to the parcel, a constraint that affects whether sprinklers will be required and that the applicant must clarify with state code officials before final PNZ review.
