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ZBA conditionally extends Christian Conference Center subdivision approvals for 12 months
Summary
The Zoning Board granted 12‑month extensions (conditioned on Town Council review) for three previously approved lots at the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center; the extensions were granted with the understanding legal counsel will confirm the board’s authority to extend expired approvals.
The Alton Zoning Board of Adjustment voted Feb. 2 to extend three prior special‑exception/subdivision approvals for lots at the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center for 12 months, conditioned on Town Council review and legal counsel confirmation.
Representatives from the retreat center said original approvals dated from 2021 and a 2023 extension had lapsed; two of the lots are actively in the process of having new owners finalize architectural plans and hope to pursue building and planning permits this spring. The board discussed whether state statute (RSA) or municipal procedure limited the board’s authority to revive or extend approvals that had already expired. To avoid delays for applicants while protecting the town from a potentially improper retroactive extension, the board conditioned the extensions on a legal review by town counsel.
Motions on the three cases (Z21‑22, Z21‑23 and Z21‑24) passed unanimously; each extension was written as a 12‑month extension from the prior expiration date of Oct. 23, 2024, contingent on town‑council confirmation that the extension is lawful. Town staff will contact legal counsel promptly and notify applicants of the outcome. The board emphasized that any work must comply with the original approvals’ conditions; any changes to plans would require new permitting.
