Zoning Board of Adjustment — July 7, 2026
While neighbors provided targeted input regarding specific applications, the board engaged constructively with concerns and the meeting proceeded without internal disagreement.
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At the July 7 Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) meeting, several decisions were made that directly impact Goffstown residents and the future of our local zoning enforcement.
First, the Board engaged in a substantive discussion regarding the need to clarify zoning definitions for multi-family housing, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and home occupations. This discussion, which included plans for a joint meeting with the Planning Board to address 'gray areas' in the ordinance, was not listed on the public agenda. When the rules governing land use and housing are being re-evaluated, residents deserve prior notice so they can participate in the conversation.
Additionally, the Board approved a variance for ZAK LLC to allow overnight dog boarding at a commercial facility. While the Board moved forward with the approval, neighbors expressed specific concerns regarding trash management, odors, and light pollution. In a second case, the Board granted variances to Sarette Brothers Inc. to move a business from a residence to a detached structure on an agricultural lot, a move that effectively bypasses the stricter regulations typically applied to 'home occupations.'
We will continue to monitor how these decisions move through the Planning Board and how the proposed ordinance clarifications affect our community.
Public impact
Potential changes to definitions of multi-family use, ADUs, and home occupations.
The board agreed to compile a list of items to discuss with the Planning Board.
The board plans to coordinate a joint workshop or meeting with the Planning Board in October or November.
Topics discussed
The Board reviewed and voted to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
The motion to approve the minutes carried.
An application for a variance to allow overnight dog boarding at a commercial kennel/daycare facility in the Goffstown Plaza.
The Board voted to grant the variance, with the intent to memorialize a 100-foot setback requirement in the decision to align with the spirit of supplemental regulations.
The applicant must proceed to the Planning Board for the site plan approval process.
An application for two variances and a special exception to build a detached office/garage for an existing plumbing business on an agricultural lot.
The board granted two variances (lot size and side setbacks) and the special exception for the business use.
The project will likely require a site plan review through the Planning Board.
Board members discussed the need to clarify various zoning definitions, such as multi-family use, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and home occupations, to ensure consistent interpretations.
The board agreed to compile a list of items for discussion with the Planning Board, specifically mentioning Section 5.12.
The board plans to prepare a list of items to discuss during a potential Planning Board workshop in October or November.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
ZAK LLC Dog Daycare and Boarding Variance
Sarette Brothers Inc. Business Relocation
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Agenda brief
Board considers variances for a dog daycare and a detached business structure.
Z.A.K. LLC and 553 Mast LLC are requesting a variance to operate a dog daycare business with long-term and overnight boarding at 553 Mast Road. This variance is necessary because commercial kennel uses are not currently permitted within the Commercial Zone.
The Wayne R. Sarette and Sandra R. Canada-Thistle Revocable Living Trusts are seeking two variances and a special exception for 294 Goffstown Back Road. The applicants want to build a 2,160 sq. ft. detached office/garage for W.W.W. Sarette Bros. Inc. Plumbing, Heating & HVAC. The requests involve a lot size deficiency and side setback requirements in an Agricultural Zone.
Key items
- Variance for dog daycare and overnight boarding at 553 Mast Road
- Special Exception for W.W.W. Sarette Bros. Inc. Plumbing, Heating & HVAC
- Variance for lot size requirements at 294 Goffstown Back Road
- Variance for side setback requirements at 294 Goffstown Back Road
Why this matters
The board will decide if specific business uses and building placements can bypass existing zoning rules regarding land use, lot size, and setbacks. Residents may be interested in the impact of overnight animal boarding in a commercial area or the expansion of a home-based business in an agricultural zone.
litellm::gemma-4-26b on 2026-06-24. Not a substitute for attending or watching the meeting.
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
Accountability flags
Topics discussed — not on agenda
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-07-09.
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