Salem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Salem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Zoning amendments enacted by Town Council
The council passed five zoning amendments on September 28 with tweaks — dropping cigar bars from one amendment and tightening ground-floor use rules for mixed-use buildings. A board member noted the new language may contradict the Master Plan's intent for active frontage.
Recommended plantings list for development review
A new native-friendly plantings spreadsheet could become part of the Planning Board's design guidelines, steering developers toward salt-tolerant and native species. One resident even suggested requiring 50-60% of new-development plantings come from the list.
Recommended planting list and design guidelines
The commission is shaping a recommended planting list that will go into the Planning Board's design guidelines for new developments. Members want the not-recommended species (like ash trees vulnerable to emerald ash borer) moved to a separate tab explaining why, with a clean list coming back in November.
Variance for two-lot subdivision at 66 Hampstead Road
A 9.9-acre property in the Rural District can now be split into two house lots even though the new lot lacks the required 150 feet of road frontage, using a driveway easement to Ballard Lane instead. One new home will be built in a residential neighborhood.
Electronic sign standards in commercial districts
The Keewaydin sign fight exposed a bigger question: Salem bans digital signs outright, yet keeps granting variances. The planner said he'd oppose a townwide amendment, and the board discussed whether sign decisions should shift to the Planning Board via conditional use permits.
Gateway Auto Center nonconforming sign permit
The owner of 354 Main Street wanted to refurbish a 36-foot, 187.5-square-foot sign that badly exceeds the district's 15-foot/32-square-foot limits. The board approved it 3-2 with conditions, deciding an improved existing landmark beats an abandoned rusty one.
Whole Foods signage at Tuscan Village
Whole Foods can put up three big temporary banners — coming soon, opening date, and now open — each capped at 30 days within a 90-day window, a one-time deal that can't be reused.
Kennel Noise Buffer
The proposed amendment would require cigar bars operating after 10 p.m. and kennels to sit at least 750 linear feet from residential districts. Critics say the buffer is so wide there'd be almost nowhere on Broadway for these businesses to open, and the board wants a map of viable locations before moving forward.
Building height rules (35 feet vs. stories)
The zoning currently reads '35 feet or 2.5 stories,' and developers keep hitting the story limit even under 35 feet. The board is debating whether to allow three stories in some districts and wants input from lake associations.
Residential solar siting rules and the 'when feasible' standard
Salem's solar ordinance prefers rear-yard placement 'when feasible,' but a shaded rear yard on this 8.5-acre lot would produce 51% less power. The debate shows how the town applies flexibility in its 2021 solar rules.
Accessory dwelling units on Samoset Drive
Salem is seeing heavy interest in accessory dwelling units since state law changed, with septic capacity the biggest roadblock. The town is hosting a free ADU seminar May 27 with financing and permitting info, and zoning amendments are being drafted.
Truck traffic and neighborhood character on Atkinson Road
Neighbors raised concerns about dumpsters, dump trucks, and early-morning activity at 31 Atkinson Road, worried a new lot would intensify it. The owner said the trucks are his work commute.
Zoning ordinance update
The long-running zoning update is drafted but not yet posted; the RFP should go out before June, with HB 631 amendments due at the next meeting.
Signage standards enforcement on South Broadway
Canobie Lake Toyota wanted bigger signs than the town's rules allow. Some board members felt the voter-approved limits should hold; a majority ultimately allowed the larger signs.