Laconia planning board backs stricter short‑term rental rules, sends amendment to city council

The Laconia Planning Board voted 4–1 on March 3 to recommend a city council amendment tightening rules for short‑term lodging, increasing the definition from 14 days to 28 days and removing by‑right status for short‑term rentals in residential single‑family districts. The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for action on March 9.

The board vote followed a staff presentation that said council altered the board’s draft in two ways: lengthening the short‑term lodging period to 28 days and excluding residential single‑family zones from permitted status for short‑term lodging. Staff said the change would mean owner‑occupied rentals in most zones could continue under a special exception, while non‑owner‑occupied properties in single‑family districts would no longer be permitted by right.

A lengthy public hearing drew more than two dozen residents and officials. Carol Varnie of Ward 1 described fireworks and debris from guests at a short‑term rental near her home and urged the board to “please stop this invasion of short term rentals in single family residential neighborhoods.” Paula Heizer, who said she operates an owner‑occupied short‑term rental, told the board the income allowed her to keep her home and said she follows rules to protect neighbors. Mayor Mike Boards told the board the Lakes Region depends on tourism and cautioned about property‑rights impacts and potential litigation.

Board members debated enforcement and grandfathering. Staff confirmed properties already operating under current permits would remain grandfathered, while properties that never obtained permits would not automatically be protected. One board member argued that removing a carve‑out for the residential single‑family (RS) zone would effectively require owners in that zone to seek variances rather than special exceptions; another argued the proposed language strengthens enforceability and reporting requirements.

Committee member (speaker 1) moved to approve the proposed language; the motion was seconded by committee member (speaker 6). The board approved the recommendation 4–1 and forwarded it to the City Council for its March 9 meeting, where members of the public will have another opportunity to speak.

If Council adopts the amendment as recommended, the city’s zoning map and section references (235‑13, 235‑41, 235‑70 and the table of permitted uses) will reflect the 28‑day threshold and the revised permitted‑use carve‑outs. Staff said the language also requires reporting of short‑term rental statistics to the planning department and emphasized that enforcement tools will be important for the ordinance to be effective.

Next steps: the measure will be on the City Council agenda on March 9, where councilors will consider the planning board’s recommendation and hear further public comment.