Cornwall Collective granted referral to building department for temporary tasting shed

Cornwall Collective representatives told the Cornwall Planning Board they need a temporary solution to operate a tasting-deck while approvals and contractor vetting delay construction of a permanent structure until the fall. "Weare looking for a temporary use permit for the deck," said Cassandra Cogwell, owner, describing a proposed 8-by-10-foot shed to be placed on the existing deck for storage and serving.

The board discussed whether the shed, sited on an already approved deck conversion, requires a full site-plan amendment and county referrals. Staff advised the board that, under past practice, the planning board can refer the matter to the building inspector so staff can issue a temporary approval without triggering a full site-plan amendment and public hearing. Board members agreed that the structure is temporary and consistent with the group's previously approved second-phase improvements; landscaping and the future SLA boundary were noted as part of the permanent plan.

The board moved to refer the proposed temporary shed to the building department for processing so the applicant can obtain a temporary permit and begin operations this summer. The applicant said delivery and installation were planned for early July and that the structure would likely remain until work on the permanent building begins; a board member characterized the expected time frame as "less than a year." The board recorded the referral motion and voted in favor.

The board did not set a formal expiration date in the meeting; staff indicated the building department will handle time-limited approvals and conditions. The referral allows Cornwall Collective to begin limited operations while pursuing the permanent site improvements funded by a awarded Cornwall small-business grant.