Fall 2024 Sutton Planning Board Housing Survey

The Sutton Planning Board invites you to complete a short survey regarding housing in Sutton. The survey includes questions related to single, two and three-family dwelling units, cluster developments, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), senior housing, workforce housing, and potential mixed-use development.

We appreciate that you are taking the time to fill out the survey and help the Planning Board with this process. At this time, we are working to develop potential zoning change recommendations for consideration at 2026 Town Meeting.

The survey is completely anonymous and should take less than 5 minutes.

Please direct questions to Peter Stanley, Land Use Coordinator at (603) 927-2402

What do you feel are Sutton's greatest housing needs?

2. Two-Family Dwellings

A building containing two dwelling units constructed on a single lot. Two-Family dwellings are currently allowed by Special Exception.

3. Three-Family Dwellings

A building containing three dwelling units constructed on a single lot. Three-Family dwellings are not permitted at this time.

4. Workforce Housing

Workforce Housing ordinances are local laws designed to allow for the development of housing that is affordable to a typical working household.

Workforce housing is affordable for people who are just starting their careers or families, such as people who grew up here and want to stay or who left and want to return.

5. Senior (55+) Housing

Housing for older adults (55+) wanting to remain in or move into the community.

6. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

ADUs are residential living units that occupy the same parcel as an existing single-family dwelling and can either be attached or detached.

A single ADU (either attached or detached) is currently allowed by Special Exception from the Sutton Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) in both Residential and Rural/Agricultural zoning districts.

7. Comments on Sutton’s greatest housing needs:

What type of zoning changes would you support to achieve these needs?

The Town can make changes to existing zoning rules to promote certain types of development.

The Town cannot negate State rules and regulations that allow or disallow certain development. State laws regarding wetlands, septic design, and wells cannot be weakened by the Town, nor can the Town disallow development that is within the right of the property owner.

8. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

As described previously, ADUs are a residential living unit that occupies the same parcel as an existing single-family dwelling and can either be attached or detached.

Do you support changes to the Town’s regulations to further promote the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) throughout Sutton?

9. Three-Family Dwelling Units

As described previously, Two-Family dwellings are currently allowed by Special Exception from the ZBA. Three-Family dwellings are not permitted at this time.

Would you support enabling Three-Family dwellings by Special Exception from the ZBA?

10. Cluster Development Ordinance

This land use planning technique groups buildings together on smaller lots, preserving more open space for the public benefit. This approach can help preserve natural habitats, reduce sprawl, and create more walkable communities. The Town's Cluster Development Ordinance was modified in 2023 to strengthen protections.

Would you support further changes that could be added to promote senior housing, workforce housing, or other housing needs while also conserving land for the public benefit?

11. Planned Unit Development (PUD)

This land use planning technique allows for greater flexibility in the design and development of residential areas. Unlike traditional zoning ordinances, which dictate specific land uses and building standards for each zone, PUDs allow developers to create more integrated and diverse communities. The Town does not have a provision for PUDs.

Do you support the future development of a PUD regulation to promote a potential mixed-use, new small village area in appropriate large tracts in Sutton?

12. Do you have any further comments/concerns or recommendations related to housing in Sutton?