The New Ipswich Planning Board is discussing updates to its regulations for accessory dwelling units and a new regulation with rules for food trucks and mobile kitchens.
A public hearing is required before the changes are adopted; the board has yet to schedule a hearing on either proposal.
The board is proposing changes in several sections of the town’s accessory dwelling unit regulation, mainly to change the definition of what the town considers an ADU.
New language in the regulations would define an “attached” accessory dwelling unit as within, attached or in new added language “completely contained within a pre-existing detached structure.” The new language specifies that “attached accessory dwelling units shall have either an independent means of ingress and egress or ingress and egress through a common space shared with the principal dwelling.”
“Detached” accessory dwelling units would be defined as “a unit that is neither within nor physically connected to the principal dwelling unit” rather than the current limitation of being within a barn or garage.
Additional rules proposed include limiting the size of ADUs to no larger than 950 square feet, provided that that is appropriate for the site and neighborhood.
The town previously allowed a second ADU by special exception, and is proposing adding language to clarify that they are allowed when “the land properties and the soil based considerations” will support it.
Proposed language also requires that ADUs have similar architectural style, materials and colors consistent with the neighborhood.
New language would allow ADUs to be constructed at the same time as the principal dwelling.
Rules for mobile food vendors
A new proposed regulation would set rules for mobile food vendors, including carts, trailers, canteens, food trucks and mobile kitchens.
The board discussed a permitting system for vendors to operate at fairs and festivals. One idea was that the Select Board would grant permits for a set period of time, with applicants required to provide details on setup, traffic flow and safety measures.
The board has also discussed adding mobile food trucks to the town’s zoning regulations. This would create a process for owners to set up mobile vending units as a business on a lot, either individually or as part of a vendor court. This model would require Planning Board site plan review and approval by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Applicants would need to provide information typical of site plan reviews, including the proposed layout of vendors, parking and traffic patterns, snow storage, seating areas and drainage and stormwater plans.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.