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Resident says town has failed to enforce building rules; selectmen ask staff to follow up
Summary
In public input, resident Donna Richardson alleged the town failed to notify abutters about a variance and did not enforce building-code violations for a neighboring property; the board extended her time and requested staff follow up and review of the complaint.
During public input at the Nov. 12 selectmen meeting, Donna Richardson described a long-running dispute with a neighboring property owner and accused the town of failing to enforce building-code and zoning conditions.
Richardson said her family was not notified as abutters before the Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a variance in 2019 that, she said, permitted a building to be built but stipulated it remain unfinished. She said the structure has since been completed and includes a bathroom not supported by the approved septic design. Richardson said she filed a formal complaint in 2023 and that it took more than a year for a code officer to visit the property, after which the officer acknowledged the bathroom existed and needed remediation. Richardson said her family recently filed corrected deed documentation with Belknap County and provided those papers to the planning department.
She asked the board what will happen to outstanding violations and how a property can be transferred if it lacks a certificate of occupancy. Richardson said selective enforcement and perceived preferential treatment have created a larger perception problem in town.
Board members allowed extra time for Richardson to finish her remarks and requested staff to follow up with planning and building officials; no formal action or findings were recorded at the meeting.
What happens next: Richardson said she will supply deed documents to the planning department; staff indicated they will review the complaint and update the board on next steps and any enforcement options available under town code.
