Zoning Board of Adjustment — June 2, 2026
Goffstown ZBA holds unannounced discussions on major housing density and zoning definition changes.
The meeting featured spirited debate regarding the legal interpretation of 'hardship' and serious discussions about systemic flaws in the town's zoning glossary.
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During the June 2 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, two significant topics were discussed that were not included on the public agenda: the redefinition of multifamily housing and how voters are informed about ordinance changes.
Because these items were not listed, residents were denied the opportunity to prepare or attend specifically to provide input on how changes to dwelling and density definitions might affect our town. This is a transparency failure; when discussions involve high-significance policy shifts—especially those involving state-level housing pressures—the public deserves prior notice.
The Board admitted that the current ambiguity in the zoning glossary is creating "glossary variances," where residents must seek legal relief not because of their land's physical condition, but because the town's definitions are unclear. These definitions are now being moved to the Planning Board, with the goal of having amendments ready for a March warrant vote.
We must insist that the ZBA and Planning Board include all substantive policy discussions on their agendas so that Goffstown residents can participate in the decisions that shape our community's future.
Public impact
Potential changes to density and dwelling definitions via March warrant vote
The board recommended that the Planning Board clarify these definitions in the ordinance.
The Planning Board is expected to wrap up amendments by December for a March warrant vote.
Topics discussed
The board reviewed and voted on the minutes from previous meetings.
The motion to approve the minutes with editorial corrections passed, with one abstention from Bruce Buttrick.
The applicants requested a variance to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and a one-stall garage addition on a lot that does not meet the minimum 5-acre requirement.
The variance was approved, with the understanding that the ADU must still comply with all other dimensional and ADU-specific requirements (e.g., not exceeding 950 sq ft).
The board discussed the need for clearer definitions regarding single-family, duplex, and multifamily dwellings to prevent 'glossary variances.'
The board agreed that these definitions should be clarified through the Planning Board.
A joint discussion with the Planning Board is anticipated to alleviate definition conflicts; the Planning Board is expected to wrap up ordinance amendments by December for a March warrant vote.
Board members discussed how to better inform voters when zoning ordinance changes are presented as warrant articles.
The board discussed the limitations of what they can control but emphasized the importance of civic engagement and clear documentation.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Variance Application: 521 Mountain Road (ADU)
Zoning Definitions and Multifamily Housing
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Accountability flags
Topics discussed — not on agenda
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-14.
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