Town of Farmington Planning Board Public Notice

Town of Farmington Planning Board Public Notice The Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on January 7, 2026 at 6:30PM in the Municipal Offices Building, 356 Main Street to present and discuss the following proposed amendments to the Farmington Zoning Ordinance to be presented to the voters in March 2026. Proposed Amendments: To amend Sections 1.14, Definitions and Section 6.01, Accessory Dwelling Units, to comply with state law. The Town of Farmington is required to update its Zoning Ordinance and any related requirements pertaining to ADUs to reflect changes referenced in House Bill 577. This bill expands upon the existing ADU law (RSA 674:71:73) to allow one attached or detached ADU as a matter of right in all zoning districts where single-family homes are permitted and increases the maximum square footage. In addition, this bill: allows for conversion of existing structures, including detached garages, into ADUs even if the structure doesn't meet setback or lot coverage dimensional standards; adds flexibility for ingress and egress; and retains the local option to require owner occupancy of the principal dwelling unit or ADU. To amend Section 3.17, Open Space-Residential Cluster Development Standards, to comply with state law. The Town of Farmington is required to update its Zoning Ordinance and any related requirements pertaining to minimum on-site parking requirements to reflect changes referenced in Senate Bill 284. This bill modifies the maximum number of accessory parking spaces that municipalities can require for residential units. Specifically, it changes the requirement from a maximum of 1.5 residential parking spaces per unit to a maximum of 1 residential parking space per unit. Developers are not prohibited from building more than 1 parking spot. To amend Section 3.19, Sexually Oriented Business Standards, to clarify where sexually oriented businesses may be located within town. It specifies that such businesses are permitted only in the Commercial Business District in the area west of Route 11, north of Meeting House Hill Road, and south of Paulson Road To remove Section 3.22, Impact Fees, to eliminate the Section related to impact fees. Impact fees are charges assessed on new development to help cover the cost of expanded infrastructure and public services, such as schools, roads, or emergency services, needed due to population growth. To amend Section 2.04, Urban Residential District, to reduce the minimum side and rear setback for accessory buildings and structures from 25 feet to 15 feet in the Urban Residential District to mimic all other residential districts. To amend Section 1.04, Authority, to eliminate provisions related to the Planning Board's authority and moving it into the town's site plan regulations. To amend Section 3.01, Relationship of Building to Lots, to clarify that a lot may contain up to two single-family homes without requiring subdivision approval, as long as the lot meets all zoning and subdivision dimensional requirements. The applicant must show that the property could be legally subdivided, and may be asked to submit a survey plan to verify compliance. All buildings and utilities must be placed so the lot could be subdivided without needing ZBA relief. Rear-lot subdivisions are not included. Copies of the full text are available for review online and in the Planning and Community Development Department located in the Municipal Offices Building. The public is invited to attend and participate in the Public Hearing. If you have questions, please leave a message at the Planning Office 603-755-2208, or contact Kyle Pimental, Director of Planning and Community Development at kpimental@straffordrpcnh.gov. December 26 2025 LPRT0428361