Thursday, October 8, 2026

Zoning amendment on irregular shaped lots

The Board agreed to hold the first public hearing next month.

A member asked for an update on a rule to prevent irregular shaped lots. The Board wrote draft language at its September meeting, and it is in the September minutes. The Board agreed to hold the first public hearing on the proposed changes next month.

Pool rules for non-conforming lots

No decision. The Board asked the town planner to research the options.

The chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) said an above-ground pool counts as a temporary structure. An in-ground pool counts as a structure and must meet setback and building coverage rules. A non-conforming lot is one that does not meet current zoning rules. On small lots, an above-ground pool may fit while an in-ground replacement would not. He asked if a special exception, which is a use allowed only if the board approves it, would work better than a variance, which is permission to break a zoning rule on one property. The Board discussed whether small village lots could show the hardship a variance requires. The town planner said the ZBA can attach any conditions to a variance, including limiting it to an in-ground pool. He said keeping the variance process is safest. The Board asked him to review the town's ordinances, see whether a zoning amendment or special exception could solve the problem, and look at how other towns handle it.

Rockingham transportation priorities corrected

The Board approved the September minutes as amended. All were in favor and the motion carried.

A member corrected the Rockingham Planning Commission transportation priorities listed in the September minutes. The list is: a flashing crosswalk on Route 85 near the school; two more flashing crosswalks on Main Street; shoulder improvements on Route 87; and shoulder improvements on Route 85. Routes 87 and 85 were given priority because they have little or no shoulder and can be hazardous for people on foot, on bikes, and in cars. The study of the Route 85, Route 87 and Summer Street intersection should look at sidewalks and safety.

Muddy River Smokehouse seasonal dome proposal

On October 8, 2026, a representative of Starlight Dome Cinema gave a first look at a plan for a seasonal dome for dinner and movie reservations at Muddy River Smokehouse, 70 Route 108. The dome is portable, 13 feet wide and 9 feet tall, and weighs about 800 to 1,000 pounds. It would sit inside the existing patio footprint in winter and be removed when the patio reopens. It would run on a 3,500-watt generator, with two diesel heaters outside and heat piped in. It would have a carbon monoxide detector and two fire extinguishers. The chair said the Fire Chief should inspect it and approve it. A member asked if it counts as an event. Another member said it looks like a space people can reserve all the time, in addition to the restaurant. The town planner said no plan is on file as recorded. Three members said the Board should not take up new proposals until the site plan is recorded. One member said the dome would not raise the approved capacity or the need for parking. The chair said he would contact the people who can help get the plan recorded.

CIP survey quote update

The Board had expected a survey quote from a Rockingham Planning Commission staff member before this meeting. CIP means Capital Improvement Plan, the town's long-range list of big purchases and projects. A member agreed to ask her to come to the November meeting. She would answer questions, give the quote, and share a sample survey from Brentwood.

Oaklands Road subdivision easement review

The town planner said he recently got proposed easement language for two lots that share a driveway. An easement is a legal right to use part of another person's land. He sent it to Town Counsel for review. He also sent the abutters list (neighbors next to the property) to Town Counsel to check for conflicts of interest. The "no cut" and "no disturbance" zone language also needs review and will be sent to Town Counsel.