Planning Board Meeting- Tomorrow, December 6th at 7pm
Great Hall at the Town Hall
The Planning Board is considering a blizzard of amendments that will seriously threaten the watershed.
If accepted as written, these proposed zoning amendments will open up most parts of the town and (both directly and indirectly) waterfront properties and those immediately adjacent to them to multifamily residences, almost uncontrolled ADUs (accessory dwelling units), and will likely lead to more STR (short-term rentals).
If you are in town, please show up and tell the town that these amendments threaten water quality.
Public Hearing on 2023 Zoning Amendments
The amendments make major changes to multiple sections of the Zoning Ordinance that would increase density and weaken existing regulations. Of particular concern are the following:
Article 2. Accessory Dwelling Units
Allows detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) everywhere except in the Shorefront Residential District.
Doubles the number of single-family dwellings allowed on a lot. Where one single-family dwelling is permitted now, two would be allowed.
The impact of a detached ADU is considerably greater than the impact of an ADU that is within or attached to a single-family dwelling as is currently allowed under the Zoning Ordinance.
Authorizes the Planning Board to waive the requirements intended to limit the impact of detached ADUs, including the requirement that the lot meet the minimum lot size and frontage requirements of the zoning district.
Allows an ADU located some distance from a single-family dwelling, but connected to it by a tunnel, enclosed walkway, or other “conditioned space” to qualify as attached and be permitted in the Shorefront Residential District.
Article 3. Inclusionary Zoning
Contrary to the purpose statement of Inclusionary Zoning that new units should be located close to jobs and services, the regulations permit projects in all zoning districts except the Shorefront Residential and Municipal Watershed Districts.
Permits multifamily dwellings everywhere except in the Shorefront Residential and Municipal Watershed Districts.
Eliminates the protection afforded by requiring an applicant to obtain a special exception from the Board of Adjustment.
Permits an increase in density of 15% and a density bonus of 30% provided certain conditions are met, but it is not clear how either are to be calculated.
Authorizes the Planning Board to waive application submittal requirements and all provisions of the Inclusionary Zoning regulations.
Article 8. Boathouse Standards
Eliminates the requirement that the applicant for a boathouse receive a special use permit from the Planning Board which shall consider the recommendation of the Conservation Commission prior to rendering its decision.
Article 9. Multifamily Dwellings
Eliminates the requirement that multifamily dwellings in the Village Residential, Residential, and General Residential Districts have no more than 5 dwelling units per building so that there is no longer a limit on the number of unit that can be in a building.
Allows the conversion of an existing residential building to as many multifamily dwelling units as can be contained within the existing building.
Eliminates the requirement that, for the conversion of a residential building to multifamily dwelling units, the lot must contain 7260 square feet of area per proposed dwelling unit.
Eliminates the requirement that multifamily dwellings in the Central Business District and Wolfeboro Falls Limited Business District have no more than 6 residential units per building so that there is no longer a limit on the number of unit that can be in a building.
Eliminates the provision allowing residential units in buildings which also contain commercial units.
Eliminates the density calculation where commercial and residential units are on the same lot.
Happy Holidays!
Board members Carl Crosley and Maggie Stier stand proudly with volunteers and members of the WWA at our Snow and Ice (use less salt) educational installation at the Wolfeboro Holiday Festival of Trees
The WWA Store is Open!
Don't know what to get for your family or friends? We have some ideas! Give your lake lover and outdoor enthusiast a 2023 gift membership to the Wentworth Watershed Association and a WWA ball cap.
We will ship to you or if you are in town, you can stop by the office to pick up your order.
