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Residents tell Coventry zoning board ordinances are not being enforced; staff says board lacks enforcement power
Summary
Multiple residents told the Coventry Zoning Board that a neighbor is operating an unpermitted home business, creating noise, debris and alleged bonfires; staff and the director said the board does not have enforcement authority and advised residents on appropriate enforcement pathways.
During the meeting’s public-comment period, residents raised continuing complaints about an alleged unpermitted customary home occupation on Schoolhouse Road and urged town officials to enforce local ordinances.
A resident who identified herself as Cheryl Payne of 185 Reedsville House Road told the board she had filed a zoning complaint on November 1 and provided photos, videos and a flash drive to the police and zoning office. She alleged the property stores boats, campers, salvage items and heavy equipment, and said neighbors had observed bonfires and nuisance smoke. "It's a free for all ... campers everywhere, all over the properties," she said, adding that she and other neighbors feel intimidated from filing complaints and that the situation has persisted for about two years.
Another resident said the property contains "piles and piles and piles of dry brush" and described it as a potential fire hazard, urging that the risk be addressed to protect nearby homes.
Director Doug McQueen responded that the zoning board "does not have enforcement, our other authorities," explaining the board lacks the power to take enforcement actions for properties not on its agenda. He said the formal matters that properly come before the board are variances, special-use permits or appeals, and that staff have had multiple conversations with the complainant to clarify enforcement pathways.
The board did not make an enforcement determination at the meeting; staff directed residents to the appropriate channels and recorded the complaints. The public-comment period concluded and the board proceeded to adjourn later in the meeting.
