Neighbor testimony prompts magistrate to order compliance, fines for alleged industrial use at 2793 C Road

Special Magistrate Amity Barnard found respondents for the property at 2793 C Road in violation of multiple town code provisions and ordered phased compliance and potential fines after neighbor testimony describing industrial activity adjacent to equestrian facilities.

Code Compliance Officer John Suarez presented the case (CE2552), saying multiple unpermitted structures and outdoor storage had been erected or altered since the parcel was purchased in 2015. Neighbor Jane Cleveland testified she bought the adjacent property in 2018 and described truck traffic, storage of materials and new buildings that have changed the use from agricultural to industrial. "I invested way more than I should have in a horse barn," Cleveland said, explaining concerns about safety and the effect of commercial operations on her equestrian business.

The magistrate set a January 25 compliance date for obtaining business tax receipts (or changing the principal address) and a February 5 compliance date for permits and removal of non-incidental storage. The town sought fines of $250 per day per violation upon noncompliance and requested administrative costs; magistrate Barnard set the daily fine at $250 per violation and awarded administrative costs for the town's expenses ($234.05) payable within 30 days. She scheduled a fine-assessment hearing if the violations persist past the compliance dates.

Barnard noted the matter had been before the magistrate previously and encouraged the town and neighbors to continue coordinated enforcement and follow-up with permitting and FDA (floodplain/other) processes as appropriate.