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Residents press Exeter council on zoning enforcement and persistent ATV noise near homes
Summary
During public comment, residents raised long-standing zoning enforcement concerns including an alleged prohibited woodworking shop and recurring ATV/dirt-bike noise; the council and police said staff are investigating and encouraged formal complaints for enforcement.
Several residents used public comment at the Exeter Town Council meeting to press officials on zoning enforcement and persistent neighborhood noise.
Asa Davis presented a newly recorded map and argued the town’s zoning map has not been updated in roughly 13 years, saying that a woodworking shop operating in a residential zone is prohibited and that consistent enforcement is needed. He urged consideration of converting the zoning-inspector role to an appointed position to ensure qualifications and impartial enforcement, noting such a change would require a charter amendment.
A nearby resident, Grace, described repeated daily noise from ATVs and dirt bikes near her home, saying the machines run “upwards of 5 to 6 hours a day” and that prior informal conversations produced what she said were dismissive responses. “It’s very loud… I can’t tell you what it’s like to go to bed at night and still hear ATVs and motorcycles,” she said.
Sgt. Greg Miller, who said police and staff had been in contact with residents about the issue, encouraged those affected to continue reporting problems so officials can act. Town staff and the council said they would follow up and review enforcement options under local ordinances and state law, and reminded residents about the council’s three‑minute public-comment limit during meetings.
Council members acknowledged the concerns and asked staff to continue investigating whether zoning or noise rules apply and to return with options.
