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Housing advisors urge modest zoning changes and ADU flexibility to add smaller units
Summary
Housing presenters recommended modest zoning tweaks to allow manufactured housing in rural zones, permit duplexes/triplexes in R2/R3, extend single-family conversion allowances and relax detached ADU size limits to produce more small, affordable units.
Sarah Rachsmill (Anastra Housing) told the meeting that Exeter already has strong tools—such as a conversion ordinance allowing single-family homes to become up to four units—and that modest zoning changes could increase small-unit supply. She suggested allowing duplexes in rural zones, extending conversion allowances and adjusting detached ADU size limits to better match the principal dwelling footprint.
Regional planner James Ayo presented housing typologies to illustrate options and affordability ranges, from triplexes and 12-unit walk-ups to mixed-use buildings. Ayo noted a federally subsidized model would limit access to households at or below 80% of area median income, while market-rate examples showed higher rents. "This is the reality of the world we live in right now," he said, stressing the cost differences between ownership and rental options.
