Alton residents & property owners being asked for input on possible commercial zoning changes

ALTON — Town officials are asking Alton residents and property owners to provide some input on the need for changes in commercial zoning districts, and initial feedback on possible zoning changes being considered — through a community survey. The survey will provide direction to the Zoning Amendment Committee and Planning Board so they can draft possible changes to present to the voters.

The Zoning Amendment Committee has been reviewing the existing commercial zoning districts to ensure that there are opportunities for new commercial and light industrial development in Alton. The committee includes members from the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Considering the existing pattern of development in these areas, constraints to development, and the vision for the community as outlined in the Master Plan is a challenging effort. The committee is also exploring the possibility of changes to the zoning on several properties that have appropriate access and land area to accommodate new commercial or light industrial businesses.

As background information, the Residential Commercial (RC) Zone permits commercial, light industrial and mixed uses. Over time many of the residential uses in this zone have converted to commercial or mixed uses. The current Residential Commercial (RC) Zone generally extends along Main Street from the traffic circle to Sandy Point in Alton Bay. Lot sizes in this area pose real constraints because of the need for septic system expansion to support conversion of properties to commercial or light industrial use. Analysis of assessing property records indicates the current usage of the properties in the RC Zone break-down as follows:

a. Commercial & Mixed Uses 25.8 percent

b. Residential Uses 55.4 percent

c. Institutional Uses 10.3 percent

d. Vacant 8.5 percent

The committee is also reviewing the Rural (RU) Zone and the Residential Rural (RR) Zone. In the current zoning ordinance the Rural (RU) Zone and, to a lesser extent, the Residential Rural (RR) Zone allow some commercial and light industrial uses with approvals by the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board.

The community survey can be completed on-line by going to the town website at www.alton.nh.gov/. As an alternative, printed copies of the community survey are available to pick up, complete and submit to the town Planning Department.

Additional information, if needed, is available by contacting Kenneth McWilliams, town planner, by phone at 875-0108 or by e-mail at planner@alton.nh.gov