Planning board denies shoreland permit application for 663 Balmont Road, urges moving structure beyond 100-foot shoreland setback

The Rangeley Planning Board voted to deny the current shoreland permit application for 663 Balmont Road, finding that the house could be moved back beyond the town’s 100-foot shoreland setback and that moving the structure was the preferred option to reduce shoreline disturbance.

During discussion, board members and staff debated the feasibility of locating the replacement structure farther from the shore. Planning board members noted that moving a structure back toward the 100-foot mark would reduce earth disturbance and the amount of rock excavation for water and sewer lines. The applicant and their representative were told the application was denied because the board concluded the structure can be relocated outside the 100-foot shoreland zone; the board’s motion directed the applicant to reapply if they intend to rehabilitate in place, and any structural replacement in place would require a building permit and further review.

A motion to deny 663 Balmont Road (Map 023, Lot 004) carried after a second and an affirmative vote; the transcript records the motion and a voice vote with all in favor but does not list individual vote tally counts. The board discussed a conditional allowance that, if insurmountable glacial rock prevents moving the structure back to 100 feet, the applicant could demonstrate constrained conditions (move to 75 feet as feasible), but the denial stands unless the applicant presents evidence that moving the house is impossible.

The board also clarified that routine maintenance such as roof or window replacement would not trigger the same requirements, but any structural work would require building-permit review. The planning staff will notify the applicant of the denial and the options for reapplication or for submitting additional evidence about site constraints.