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Zoning board approves three cottage permits at Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center
Summary
The Alton ZBA granted three special exceptions allowing expansion of a nonconforming use to construct cottages at the Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center, subject to standard permitting and code review.
The Town of Alton Zoning Board of Adjustment on March 6 approved three special exceptions allowing the Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center to construct new cottages on its campus.
The board unanimously accepted applications Z25-09, Z25-10 and Z25-11 as complete and approved special exceptions from Article 300, Section 320(d) to permit expansion of a nonconforming use in order to construct single-family dwellings (described on the applications and staff review as cottages).
Why it matters: the approvals allow the retreat center to move forward with construction of three cottages that were included in prior approvals but lapsed when applications expired after multiple continuances. Board members emphasized that the approvals are for the same plans previously approved and that new cottage owners must submit building plans to code enforcement before work starts.
What the board heard: David Perrella, who identified himself as chairman of building and grounds at the Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center, told the board the project returns to the board with the same dimensions and plans as earlier approvals and that cottage owners are prepared to submit architectural drawings once the zoning approvals were granted. Perrella said the cottages are to be 20 by 34 feet and that some originally committed owners had dropped out because of cost and inflation; replacements are in place.
Norma Dietrich, the town’s code official, said she revised the application wording in staff review to reflect the correct zoning standard: "it is to section 320 d to permit the expansion of a nonconforming use in order to construct 3 new single family dwellings." Dietrich said using the nonconforming-use language aligns the notice and the board’s final motion with the ordinance.
Infrastructure and conditions: the applicants told the board that a shared septic system installed about five years ago is in place and currently serves the site and that the retreat center will soon receive a new 6-inch water main from Rand Hill to the center to improve service. The retreat center also described an internal rights-to-build agreement that requires cottage owners to submit plans within two months of acceptance into the retreat community.
Votes and outcomes: the board completed the special-exception worksheets for each file and approved all three cases by voice vote. Staff will prepare formal notices of decision that reflect the ordinance citation and conditions for each approval.
Next steps: applicants must submit building plans and obtain any required permits from code enforcement and building inspection before construction.
