Planning Board — April 23, 2026
Routine procedural items dominated, but the retroactive CUP approval and steep-road waiver discussion produced explicit board criticism and one split vote.
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At the April 23, 2026 Goffstown Planning Board meeting, members approved a conditional use permit for Map 17 Lot 176 on College Road. The permit allows two driveways only 21 feet apart on a triangular commercial lot, well under the 100-foot separation required by zoning. The new duplex replaced a fire-damaged house; the driveways were already in place when the application came forward.
The vote was not unanimous. Two members opposed, with statements that the deviation was too large and that the problem should have been resolved before building permits were issued. The board added one condition: the applicant must obtain a driveway permit from DPW.
In the same meeting the board reviewed a conceptual subdivision on Rainbow Drive and pushed back on requests for major waivers on road length and grade. Members stated that a 10% grade would not be acceptable and reiterated opposition to private roads in town.
Topics discussed
Board reviewed and corrected April 9 minutes (name spelling fix under election of chair/vice chair), then approved them with one abstention.
Application for conditional use permit to allow two driveways 21 feet apart (vs. 100 ft required) and with insufficient frontage on a commercial-zoned triangular lot for a new duplex replacing a fire-damaged house. Board accepted application, held public hearing, and discussed compliance with zoning criteria 7.4.3.1.
Application to include a Goffstown parcel in an open-space cluster subdivision primarily located in Ware; board confirmed completeness, regional impact notifications, and approved inclusion subject to conditions.
Conceptual review of a steep 9-acre agricultural-zoned parcel accessed via extension of Rainbow Drive; applicant sought feedback on required waivers for road length (>1000 ft) and grade (0.5% vs. 8% max), plus fire safety accommodations.
Discussion of typical road grades in Goffstown (e.g., 5-8%), with references to existing steep roads like Summit, Mountain Base, Terrell, and Worthley Hill; board members clarify that no 10% roads have been built recently.
Review of extending a road from the Rainbow Drive cul-de-sac to access new lots, including concerns about width, turning radius, removal of the cul-de-sac bubble, and upgrade requirements.
Explanation of the 2026 open space ordinance requiring yield plans for 20+ acre lots, with limits of five lots unless each is 10+ acres; board notes need for corrections on lot counts and buildable areas.
Concerns raised about non-buildable lots (e.g., lot 7), wetland delineation inconsistencies, a tower easement, and whether lots meet setback and access requirements.
Board to sign CIP appointment papers, swear in members for EDC/CEA, and continue regulation review; motion to adjourn passes.
Discussion of whether accessory dwelling units (ADUs) count toward unit totals when applicants seek multi-family approvals after adding a duplex; board agrees ADUs should be treated as units for impact fees and regulations.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
CUP for Map 17 Lot 176 duplex driveways
Rainbow Drive conceptual steep-road subdivision waivers
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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grok-4.3, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-01.
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