At its final meeting of 2025, the Hudson Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) discussed preparations for an expected increase in Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) applications in 2026. Demand for ADUs has grown statewide, prompting passage of a law allowing units up to 950 square feet. The Zoning Ordinance Review Committee (ZORC) recently recommended aligning Hudson’s regulations with the new state standard.
“ZORC’s been pretty busy,” said Zoning Administrator Chris Sullivan. “We’re getting too many people coming in with nonconforming proposals.”
Although the RSA permitting ADUs is now law, details are still being finalized. Hudson voters will decide on a warrant article next March to incorporate the changes locally. The goal is to reduce the number of applications requiring ZBA review.
“950 square feet is the standard, so we’re following the state and saying 950,” said Selectman Liaison Dillon Dumont.
Board member Dean Sakati noted that the law sets a minimum standard, preventing municipalities from restricting ADUs to less than 950 square feet if they meet zoning requirements. The ZBA would still have authority to grant variances for larger units.
“We just had one member with one that was almost 1,150 square feet, and we granted,” Sakati said. “It was a basement, basically.”
Sullivan confirmed that such requests are common.
“I think it’s a great option, even if you want to build it out,” said Board member Tristan Dion. “If you have your parents or grandparents living on your property, instead of having them stuck in the basement, it’s a little nicer to give them their own space. Especially if you’re building a new garage at some point, having an above-garage ADU is now more feasible.”
Despite streamlined rules, board members expect ADU applications to rise in 2026.
“I expect to see probably a slew of more in this coming year,” said Dion.
The trend reflects statewide efforts to address housing costs by expanding ADU options. Before the March vote, the ZBA is also planning a training workshop to review legal standards for variance decisions.
“We’ve got Thursday, Jan. 8, where we’ve got a ZBA training workshop for the ZBA decision-making processes,” said Dion. “That’s being done by Jonathan Cowal, legal services for the NH Municipal Association will be presenting.”
As a quasi-judicial body, the ZBA is limited in the reasoning it can use when ruling on variances or appeals.
The next ZBA meeting is set for Thursday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. in the Buxton Room at Town Hall.
