Claremont Planning Board Meeting Summary – August 10, 2026

The Claremont Planning Board met on Monday, August 10, 2026. The board approved minutes from July 27, 2026, held a public hearing for a conditional use permit (CUP) for a ground-mounted solar array at the Claremont Senior Center, discussed a regional pilot project on family-based child care zoning, and touched on pending updates to chicken regulations and the noise ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the July 27, 2026 meeting (motion made and seconded, unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• For the solar array public hearing: No oral public comments were received. A written letter from Thomas and Denise Livingston (abutters at 5 Acer Heights Road) was read into the record. The Livingstons stated they do not oppose the solar array but expressed concern about visual impact from their home, especially in winter when leaves are gone. They requested that the array closest to the center be moved 10 feet north (toward Maple Avenue) to reduce visibility, and suggested planting evergreens or installing a fence. The board discussed the request.

Discussion Items

• Conditional Use Permit for Solar Array (PL2026-00014): The board reviewed an application by the Claremont Senior Center, Inc. for a 28.6 kW AC ground-mounted commercial solar array. Staff recommended approval with conditions. The applicant, Mr. Austin (Light on Earth Solar), confirmed the array would be placed in two small arrays near the senior center, surrounded by tall trees. Board member Richard Burley raised concerns about glare near the airport; the board agreed to require an FAA statement and glare treatments if needed. The board also discussed the abutters' request to shift the array 10 feet north; the applicant stated this would not affect efficiency and could improve production slightly. The board moved to approve the CUP with conditions (listed below). Additionally, the board waived formal site plan approval but required a revised site plan sketch showing the adjusted array location.
• Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission (UVLS RPC) – Family-Based Child Care Pilot Project: Renee Thiel from UVLS RPC presented a pilot project to update zoning ordinances to comply with recent state law changes (House Bill 1195). The law now requires that home-based family day care (up to 6 children) and group family day care (7–12 children) be allowed by right in all residential zones, eliminating special exceptions and site plan review for these small-scale operations. Claremont was selected as one of four pilot communities. The board expressed interest in participating and discussed the need to revise the zoning ordinance to remove conflicting special exception requirements. They also noted the importance of supporting child care availability while ensuring safety.
• Chicken Regulations: The board briefly revisited the ongoing issue of updating chicken regulations. Staff noted that efforts to draft amendments had stalled due to public feedback complexities. The board agreed to move forward with developing a clear set of rules to avoid a free-for-all situation and to re-engage public input.
• Noise Ordinance: Board member Nick Palacios raised the issue of duplicative and unenforceable noise ordinances in the zoning code. The board agreed to ask the city attorney for legal guidance on how to reconcile the two ordinances.
• Master Plan Update: Staff reported that they are working on drafting zoning amendments and hope to begin a master plan update later in 2027, with a target completion in early 2028. The board discussed whether to update the entire plan or focus on specific chapters.

Key Outcomes

• Solar Conditional Use Permit (PL2026-00014): Approved unanimously with conditions:
  1. Development in substantial conformance with the application and testimony.
  2. Obtain all necessary permits and approvals.
  3. No work until local, state, and federal compliance is submitted and approved.
  4. Permit valid for two years from date of approval.
  5. Failure to comply constitutes a zoning violation.
  6. Applicant shall obtain a statement from the FAA regarding glare; if required, add appropriate glare treatments.
  7. Applicant shall move the array 10 feet north (or northwest if needed to maintain setbacks) to reduce visibility from the Livingstons property.
• Site Plan Waiver: The board waived formal site plan approval, but directed the applicant to submit a revised site sketch showing the relocated array for the record (unanimous).
• Child Care Pilot Project: The board agreed to participate in the UVLS RPC pilot project. Staff will conduct an audit and draft language for zoning amendments, with a target to present preliminary findings in September 2026.
• Chickens: The board committed to revisiting the chicken ordinance and bring a draft for public discussion.
• Noise Ordinance: The board will request a legal opinion from the city attorney to resolve inconsistencies.
• Master Plan: Staff will continue groundwork and aim to establish a steering committee and begin work in 2027.

Meeting adjourned.