Surveyor asks for 1,600 sq ft ADU; New Ipswich board advises filing variance and special-exception applications

Dan Barowski of Fieldstone Consultants told the New Ipswich board the Gallister team had initially planned a roughly 1,600-square-foot detached ADU but that the town27s recently updated ordinance limits ADUs differently (950 sq ft by right, up to 1,250 by special exception; above 1,250 requires a variance).

"We were originally aiming for a 1,600-foot ADU, but it's now capped at 1,250. So we would like 1,600 if we can," Barowski said, explaining the project siting, driveway alignment and septic considerations behind the size request. He described wetlands on the property, a shared driveway, and that the ADU placement and septic layout were adjusted to address constraints.

Board members clarified that a variance and a special exception use different legal criteria and that each is a separate application with distinct fees and notice requirements. Several members recommended submitting both applications concurrently: if the variance is granted, the special-exception request could be withdrawn; if the variance is denied, the board could consider the special exception for a unit up to 1,250 square feet.

The board moved to accept the application materials and to notice both the variance and special-exception portions; Dwayne White made the motion and another member seconded. The board directed the applicant to file the variance application promptly, pay all fees, and provide advertising copy so the matter could be placed on the July 2 meeting agenda.

No final determination on the Gallister ADU size was made at the meeting; the board27s action was procedural, admitting the materials for public notice and scheduling further review and hearings.