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Vinalhaven Planning Board tables two permit requests, approves two others
Summary
At its April 8 meeting, the Vinalhaven Planning Board voted 5-0 to table two shoreland/change-of-use applications pending permits and approvals, and approved two permit applications that had DEP sign-off. The board also accepted prior minutes (one recusal) and set May meeting dates.
The Vinalhaven Planning Board on April 8 tabled two permit applications and approved two others during a meeting at the town office.
Banner Moffat, board chair, moved to table a shoreland permit application submitted by owner Richard Carlsen for 17 Creeds Cove Road. The application proposed a 150-foot pier with a 5-by-90-foot pier section, a 4-by-40-foot ramp and a 12-by-20-foot float; the board noted Department of Environmental Protection approval remained pending and that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had classified the work under a Maine General Permit. Brendan Meagher seconded the motion; the board voted to table the application, 5-0.
The board also tabled a commercial change-of-use permit for 431 Calderwood Neck Road, proposed by Gregory Smith as a multi-site, low-impact wilderness retreat. The DEP declined the property’s driveway "Permit by Rule," citing that the lot is a wetland of special significance. The board urged the applicant to seek Fire Chief accessibility approval, community support and any necessary utility permits before returning the application. Bryan Applegate moved to table the application; Jeanne Bineau-Ames seconded. Vote to table: 5-0.
By contrast, the board approved a residential pier system for 3 Browns Cove Road after the applicant provided DEP approval and Army Corps documentation that the work falls under a Maine General Permit. Steve Brock moved to approve the permit; Banner Moffat seconded. Vote to approve: 5-0 (PB#26-08).
The board also approved a new accessory dwelling proposed by Richard Carlsen at 13 Creeds Cove Road (40 by 32 feet, 29-foot height, three bedrooms). The board found the proposal met Vinalhaven Land Use Ordinance requirements. Banner Moffat moved to approve; Brendan Meagher seconded. Vote to approve: 4-0 (PB#26-07).
The board accepted the minutes from its March 11, 2026 meeting (motion by Banner Moffat; seconded by Jeanne Bineau-Ames). The minutes were accepted by a 4-0 vote; Bryan Applegate recused himself. The board set its next meetings for May 6 and May 13, 2026, and adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Key details the board identified for applicants included DEP approvals where required, Army Corps of Engineers permitting classifications, Fire Chief accessibility sign-off for change-of-use proposals, and utility system permits as applicable.
