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Planning Board approves updates to Land Development Control Regulations to add stream buffers, electronic submissions and align with state law
Summary
The Board unanimously adopted a package of amendments to the Land Development Control Regulations, adding stream buffers to buildable-area calculations, removing paper submission requirements in favor of electronic permitting, updating stormwater and sewer references, and extending vesting and active-development timelines.
The Bedford Planning Board voted 7–0 on June 15 to approve staff-recommended amendments to the Land Development Control Regulations that update submission standards, environmental protections and timelines to align with state law.
Planning Director Becky Hebert told the Board the changes correct a buildable-area definition (replacing an incorrect reference to wetland "buffer" with "setback"), add stream buffers to the buildable-area calculation consistent with the Town’s Stream Protection Ordinance, and add a definition for non-residential driveways to clarify standards for multi-unit developments. She said the regulations will remove paper-copy submittal requirements to support an electronic permitting system and create an electronic final submission format to facilitate GIS imports.
The package also aligns sewer and stormwater references with the Town Sewer Use Ordinance and current New Hampshire DES guidance, specifies that grease traps are required for restaurant uses, updates storm drain material limitations (HDPE under wheel loads not permitted), and revises performance-guarantee and inspection timelines per new state law. The Board approved extending the active and substantial development deadline to three years and increasing vesting to seven years.
On parking, the Site Plan table was updated to reflect state law limiting municipal requirements for multifamily housing to no more than one parking space per dwelling unit; staff added a note recommending developers provide adequate parking despite the statutory minimum. The Board discussed using conditions on individual applications to address parking adequacy when needed.
"We're going to an electronic permitting system and that's no longer needed," Hebert said when explaining the removal of paper-copy requirements. Mr. Chris Bandazian moved to approve the amendments and Mr. Steve Clough seconded; the motion carried 7–0.
