Planning Board

CITY OF LACONIA PLANNING BOARD 6:30 PM City Hall - Armand A. Bolduc Council Chamber Draft Minutes 1/7/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:31pm by chairmen Charlie St. Clair. 2. ROLL CALL The following members were in attendance; Dave Ouellette, Bruce Cheney, Mike DellaVecchia, Charlie St. Clair, and Amy Lovisek. 3. RECORDING SECRETARY Savanna Brunelle, Administrative Assistant 4. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Planning Director, Rob Mora and Assistant Planner, Tyler Carmichael 5. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING Minutes were accepted as presented. 5.I. Planning Board 12032024 Minutes 6. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE VOTE 6.I. PB2025-014; White Oaks Road (218-241-8) The applicant requested to be continued to the following Planning Board meeting. A. Lovisek motioned to table it this month, seconded by M. DellaVecchia. Motion passed unanimously. 7. NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS, POSSIBLE CONSIDERATION, AND VOTE 7.I. PB2025-025; 150 Valley Street (368-221-24) A. Lovisek motioned to accept the application as complete, B. Cheney seconded. All in favor, the motion carried. Chris Hickey from Keach-Nordstrom Associates representing the applicant for 150 Valley St. The project is a condo conversion. There was discussion about the parking spaces on site for this project, including defining the spaces. Staff confirmed they meet parking requirements. The public hearing was opened at 6:40pm and closed at 6:40:30 due to no comment. T. Carmichael read into record the findings of fact; The application is complete and consistent with State and City land use regulations and the application and revised site plans were reviewed by the Technical Review Committee (TRC) at its December 17, 2024, meeting. Their comments have been incorporated in the recommended conditions of approval. T. Carmichael read into record as well the conditions of approval. Permits and Approvals. The Applicant must possess all required permits and approvals granted by other municipal, state, and federal boards or agencies. All permits and approvals must be in place prior to the signing and recording of the final plans and mylar. Should any permit or approval be revoked at any time during the project, all work must cease until a new permit or approval is obtained. Copies of all permits and approvals must be provided by the Applicant to the Planning Department upon request.  Permits and Approvals. The Applicant must possess all required permits and approvals granted by other municipal, state, and federal boards or agencies. All permits and approvals must be in place prior to the signing and recording of the final plans and mylar. Should any permit or approval be revoked at any time during the project, all work must cease until a new permit or approval is obtained. Copies of all permits and approvals must be provided by the Applicant to the Planning Department upon request. Condominium Documents. Final Condominium Association documents must be submitted to the Planning Department for review and approval. These documents must be recorded at the Belknap County Register of Deeds at the Applicant’s expense. Floor Plans. A floor plan for each unit must be provided to the Planning and Assessing Departments. Final Plans and Mylar. Four final plan sets and a mylar plan must be submitted to, reviewed, and approved by the Planning Department. The mylar plan must be recorded at the Belknap County Register of Deeds at the Applicant’s expense. As-Built Design. An as-built design, application, and fee for each dwelling unit must be submitted to the Planning Department for review and approval. Completion Date. The project and all associated conditions must be completed by no later than January 7, 2030. If all conditions are not met, nor any extension application filed with the Laconia Planning Department, by the completion date, this approval is null and void. M. DellaVecchia motioned to approve application PB2025-025 for 150 Valley Street with the conditions of approval presented in the staff report. A. Lovisek seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 7.II. PB2025-033; 553 Weirs Boulevard (216-243-12 & 13) A. Lovisek motioned to accept the application and D. Ouellette seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Jon Rokeh spoke on behalf of the Langley Cove project. The applicant is looking to change the color of the trim to White. The public hearing was opened at 6:46pm and closed at 6:46:50pm due to no comment. There was discussion as to the previous conditions as that White trim would stand out too much and was not to be used. The board agreed that this condition should be removed. D. Ouellette motioned to approve application PB2025-033 for 553 Weirs Boulevard with the conditions of approval presented in the staff report, seconded by A. Lovisek. The motion passed unanimously. T. Carmichael read into record the findings of facts The application is complete and consistent with State and City land use regulations. The original applications for a Site Plan, Wetland CUP, Steep Slope CUP, Boundary Line of Adjustment, and Subdivision were approved by the Planning Board on July 10, 2018. The Planning Board approved an additional Wetland CUP on August 2, 2022 to allow for the expansion of a sewer and water easement and the use of a temporary emergency access road. The application was amended by the Planning Board on July 7, 2023 to extend the completion date to July 2, 2024. The application was most recently amended by the Planning Board on July 2, 2024 to extend the completion date to July 7, 2025. T. Carmichael also read into record the conditions of approval. Amended Conditions. Condition 2(b)(i)(2) is removed from the July 10, 2018 approval. White paint can be used for exterior doors and trims throughout the development. All Other Conditions. All other conditions from all prior approvals shall remain in effect.  T. Carmichael also read into record the conditions of approval. Amended Conditions. Condition 2(b)(i)(2) is removed from the July 10, 2018 approval. White paint can be used for exterior doors and trims throughout the development. All Other Conditions. All other conditions from all prior approvals shall remain in effect. 7.III. PB2025-034; Endicott St E; The Gardens (164-72-1) Owners Mike Lacasse and Ed Paquin to represent the project. They’re looking to revoke the cluster subdivision on part of the subdivision. There was no question from the board. The public hearing was opened at 6:51pm and closed at 6:51:35pm due to no comment. The board asked for clarification from staff about the difference. T. Carmichael read into record the findings of facts; The application is complete and consistent with State and City land use regulations. The Planning Board approved the Cluster Subdivision plat at its September 7, 2021 meeting. The application was most recently amended by the Planning Board on October 1, 2024 to construct three single-family homes in lieu of two duplexes. T. Carmichael also read into the record the conditions of approvals. Amended Conditions. The Cluster Subdivision plat and related conditions shall be revoked. All Other Conditions. All conditions related to all other previously approved subdivisions, site plans, and conditional use permits for this project shall remain in effect. A. Lovisek motioned to accept application PB2025-034 for Endicott Street East as complete with the findings of fact as presented. M. DellaVecchia seconded the motion, passed unanimously. A. Lovisek motioned to approve application PB2025-034 for Endicott Street East with the conditions of approval presented in the Staff Report, D. Ouellette seconded. All in favor, the motion was carried unanimously. 7.IV. PB2025-019; 504 Scenic Road (131-234-2) Craig Bailey represented the applicants, but the owners Bill and John Conaton were also present. Craig Bailey presented and summarized the project. D. Ouellette asked about storm water retention and if there was a filtration system in place. Staff confirmed that DPW did look over the drainage report and had no issues. There was discussion about the completion date and the timeline. The public comment was opened at 7:13pm and closed at 7:13:15 due to no public comment. The board asked for further details about the overhead utilities waiver and there was discussion about burying them or having them stay overhead. The board also addressed the sidewalk waiver. Staff confirmed that they did not need a sidewalk due to there being one across the street. There was discussion whether they’ll add a sidewalk just as an extra measure. There was further discussion about the waiver for overhead utilities. M. DellaVecchia motioned to deny the overhead utilities waiver. There was not a second to this motion. D. Ouellette motioned to accept the waiver for overhead utilities, B. Cheney seconded. There was more discussion about trying to get rid of the unsightliness of overhead utilities. There is a pre-existing pole across the street to connect to. 3 in favor of the motion and 1 opposed. The motion passes 3 to 1. T. Carmichael read into record the findings of facts and condition of approval; The application is complete and consistent with State and City land use regulations. The Technical Review Committee reviewed the application and site plan at their October 15, 2024 meeting. The applicant requested to attend another TRC meeting to incorporate the recommended revisions and comments provided by the Committee. The Technical Review Committee reviewed the revised site plan at their December 17, 2024 meeting. meeting. The applicant requested to attend another TRC meeting to incorporate the recommended revisions and comments provided by the Committee. The Technical Review Committee reviewed the revised site plan at their December 17, 2024 meeting. Their comments have been incorporated in the recommended conditions of approval below. 1. PRECONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS All conditions in this section must be completed at least two weeks prior to commencing any work on- site. 1.1. Plan Revisions. Plans must be revised and submitted to the Planning Department in accordance with the following: 1.1.1. Sheet 8: Saddle Detail – The service saddle must be double strapped, the PVC pipe must be removed, and a 60-inch Gatebox bottom must be added. 1.1.2. Sheet 8: Trench Detail – 12 inches of sand must be shown below the pipe. 1.1.3. Fire Access Detail – A detail of the approach and departure to the fire access road for the site must be added. This detail must be approved by the Laconia Fire Department. 1.1.4. Sewer Cleanouts – The cleanouts for the sewer system must be called out on the plan and profile of the sewer system. A cleanout must be added immediately outside of the building before the system turns towards the street. 1.2. Geotechnical Report. A geotechnical report of the material behind and underneath the retaining wall must be provided to the Planning and Public Works Departments for review and approval. 1.3. Deposit for Water Inspections. The Applicant must provide the Laconia Water Department with the required deposit for inspection services. 1.4. Permits and Approvals. The Applicant must possess all required permits and approvals granted by other municipal, state, and federal boards or agencies. All permits and approvals must be in place prior to the signing and recording of the final plans and mylar. Should any permit or approval be revoked at any time during the project, all work must cease until a new permit or approval is obtained. Copies of all permits and approvals must be provided by the Applicant to the Planning Department upon request. 1.5. Site Security. The Applicant must submit a performance guarantee for site improvement and restoration security in an amount equal to 11% of the total estimated cost for all sitework. This guarantee must be submitted to and approved by the Planning Department. This performance guarantee will be returned to the Applicant once the project is complete. Bonds will not be accepted to satisfy this requirement. 1.6. Landscape Security. The Applicant must submit a performance guarantee for site landscaping and restoration security in an amount equal to 11% of the total estimated cost for all landscaping or a minimum of $500, whichever is greater. This guarantee must be submitted to and approved by the Planning Department. This performance guarantee will be returned to the Applicant after two growing seasons following the completion of the project. Bonds will not be accepted to satisfy this requirement. 1.7. Erosion Controls. Erosion controls must be in place and inspected and approved by the Planning Department. The Planning Department will perform regular inspections to ensure erosion controls are installed and maintained correctly. 1.8. Final Plans. Four final plan sets must be submitted to, reviewed, and approved by the Planning Department. The final plan set must include a floor plan for each unit. controls are installed and maintained correctly. 1.8. Final Plans. Four final plan sets must be submitted to, reviewed, and approved by the Planning Department. The final plan set must include a floor plan for each unit. 2. CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS All conditions in this section must be met during the construction of the project. 2.1. Water Specifications. All specifications for municipal water service required by the Water Department apply to all construction. 2.2. Water Inspections. The Water Department must inspect and approve all water work. 2.3. Water Shut-Off. A shut-off must be installed on the two-inch service located at the property line. This will be the delineation of ownership between the Water Department and the property owner. 2.4. Separate Water Service. A separate water service and shut-off must be installed if a fire sprinkler system is used. 2.5. Water Meters and Backflow Devices. All water meters and backflow devices must be installed in a heated and accessible location. 2.6. Water Service Sleeves. All water services must be sleeved through concrete walls and foundations. 2.7. Fire Specifications. The Applicant must adhere to all specifications as required by the Laconia Fire Department. 2.8. Fire Apparatus Access. The angle of approach and departure to the access road must be reviewed and approved by the Fire Department. 2.9. Fire Walls. Fire walls must extend from the foundation to the roof with no connection to other units in order to meet Fire Code requirements for one- and two-family residences. 2.10. Fire Separations. Proper fire separations must be provided between each unit and between each garage and living space. 3. POST-CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS All conditions in this section must be met prior to the issuance of any Certificate of Occupancy. 3.1. Impact Fees. Impact Fees in the amount of $1,814.48 per new multifamily dwelling unit must be paid to the Planning Department. In accordance with RSA 674:39, the Applicant is exempt from any changes to impact fee rates for 5 years from the approval date. Should the project not be completed during the exemption period, the Applicant must pay any and all increases to impact fees regardless of vestment status. 3.2. As-Built Design. An as-built design, application, and fee for each dwelling unit must be submitted to the Planning Department for review and approval. 4. COMPLETION DATE The project and all associated conditions must be completed by no later than January 7, 2030. If all conditions are not met, nor any extension application filed with the Laconia Planning Department, by the completion date, this approval is null and void. M. DellaVecchia motioned to accept PB2025-019 for 504 Scenic Road as complete with the findings of fact as presented in the Staff Report. D. Ouellette seconded, all in favor. M. DellaVecchia motioned to approve PB2025-019 for 504 Scenic Road with the conditions of approval in the staff report. A. Lovisek  The project and all associated conditions must be completed by no later than January 7, 2030. If all conditions are not met, nor any extension application filed with the Laconia Planning Department, by the completion date, this approval is null and void. M. DellaVecchia motioned to accept PB2025-019 for 504 Scenic Road as complete with the findings of fact as presented in the Staff Report. D. Ouellette seconded, all in favor. M. DellaVecchia motioned to approve PB2025-019 for 504 Scenic Road with the conditions of approval in the staff report. A. Lovisek seconded; the motion carried unanimously. 7.V. PB2025-031; 758 Endicott Street North (114-252-3) The applicant was proposing to amend the sidewalk condition on their previous approval. A. Lovisek motioned to deny the application due to lack of completeness. M. DellaVecchia seconded. There was discussion that the applicant provides more detail or plans of what they’re proposing to do with the sidewalks. All in favor of denying the application as complete. The board allocated time to discuss this with the applicant. Jonathan Boutin spoke and represented the applicant. The board discussed with Mr. Boutin that there were no plans submitted with the application. Staff asked the applicant to provide a new plan, and this will go to the Planning Board meeting in February. 7.VI. Zoning Ordinance Amendment: Games of Chance and Accessory Gaming T. Carmichael summarized the description of Casino and Game of Chance and what they’re looking to change in the ordinance. Staff met with the City Manager and legal to go through the RSA and what to incorporate in the Zoning Ordinance. There was discussion about the roads Casinos were going to be limited to. There was discussion about adding a waiver option for the Planning Board to accept for access to and from Lakeside Ave. The public comment was opened at 7:56pm and closed at 7:57 due to no comment. B. Cheney motioned to propose the ordinance change to City Council with the provisions added by staff. A. Lovisek seconded, all in favor the motion passed. 8. PRESENTATIONS 9. PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT 9.I. Planning Department Monthly Report R. Mora summarized the Planning Department monthly report. The board would need to appoint two members Gary Dione and Eric Hoffman to the Master Steering Committee. B. Cheney moved to have both nominations appointed, A. Lovisek seconded. All in favor, the motion carried. R. Mora brought attention to amending the waiver process. Going forward if waivers are not accepted then the application will be considered not complete. The board will need to act on the waivers before they accept the application. This process allows for a more complete plan and process. The Board would like more detail, and staff will write out policy. 9.II. TRC Draft Minutes Staff added TRC so the Board could be aware of what was going to be coming forth. 10. LIAISON REPORTS 10.I. CITY COUNCIL No updates from City Council. 10.II. LAKES REGION PLANNING COMMISSION LRPC is on break until March. 10.III. CONSERVATION COMMISSION No updates from Conservation Commission.  LRPC is on break until March. 10.III. CONSERVATION COMMISSION No updates from Conservation Commission. 10.IV. HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Staff is working on getting this Commission up and running. 11. OTHER BUSINESS There was discussion about additional personnel for the Planning Department. 12. ADJOURNMENT M. DellaVecchia motioned to adjourn, D. Ouellette seconded. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:16pm.