Planning staff presents site‑plan threshold matrix as part of Nashua recode

Planning Department staff presented a proposed approach to recalibrate site‑plan review thresholds as part of the city’s recode effort, outlining a matrix that combines building types, zoning district types and new land‑type categories (L1–L6) to determine the proper review path for projects.

Connor, the planning staff presenter, said the exercise aims to reduce routine waiver requests and make review more predictable: “We can kind of learn from our lessons and get rid of the waiver for existing conditions, etcetera,” he said, summarizing recent small‑to‑medium case studies such as office‑to‑residential conversions, a dealership expansion, and several small multifamily projects that commonly request relief. The approach would allow routine projects in areas where more intense development is intended to proceed through staff or TRC review while reserving Planning Board review for projects that present greater contextual impacts.

Board members pressed staff on thresholds and public notice. Several members voiced concern that percentage increases (for example a 75% unit increase cited in one case) may feel large to abutters even when numerically small. Staff said the matrix intends to be contextual and will include backstops — such as floor‑area caps and district‑transition rules — to prevent developers from using repeated administrative approvals to circumvent board review. Staff also noted that administrative decisions will remain appealable and that the Tech Review Committee will continue technical checks for fire, engineering and building safety.