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Vinalhaven Planning Board approves three permits, tables shoreland pier application
Summary
At its May 13, 2026 meeting the Vinalhaven Planning Board approved three building permits (an accessory dwelling, an accessory structure, and a house addition) and tabled a shoreland pier application pending DEP approval; one commercial-use application was withdrawn.
Board Chair Banner Moffat called the Vinalhaven Planning Board to order at 7:00 p.m. on May 13, 2026 at the Town Office, where the panel approved three permit applications and tabled one shoreland pier request pending state review.
The board unanimously approved an accessory dwelling at 263 North Haven Road proposed by owners Amy Carpineto and Josh Safdie. The board found setbacks acceptable relative to the present high-tide line and that the existing septic system was adequate. Board Chair Banner Moffat moved to approve the permit (PB#26-09); Committee member Brendan Meagher seconded and the motion passed 3–0.
The board also approved an accessory structure for owner Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld, with David E. Moyer III listed as applicant. The proposed two-floor garage/studio would measure 60 by 27 feet and rise to about 30 feet. The board found the parcel met Shoreland Zone setback requirements and concluded the proposal complied with the Vinalhaven Land Use Ordinance; Committee member Steve Brock moved to approve (PB#26-10), Brendan Meagher seconded, and the vote was 3–0.
A plan for an addition to a single-family home at 75 York Road, presented by owner Ann Newman Chelminski and applicant Bryan Austin, R.A., was similarly approved after the board confirmed requested plan clarifications had been satisfied. Board Chair Banner Moffat moved approval (PB#26-11); Brendan Meagher seconded and the vote was 3–0.
The board tabled a shoreland pier application from owner Richard Carlsen for a 150-foot pier with a 4' x 40' ramp and a 12' x 20' float because DEP approval was still pending on the agency website. Board Chair Banner Moffat moved to table the application; Committee member Steve Brock seconded. The motion to table carried 3–0.
Separately, owner/applicant Gregory Smith withdrew a commercial change-of-use application for a proposed multi-site “Wilderness Retreat,” after board members noted that the described commercial use did not fit any classification in the Vinalhaven Land Use Ordinance. No formal vote was required on the withdrawal.
Committee member Brendan Meagher moved to accept the minutes from the April 8, 2026 meeting, Committee member Steve Brock seconded, and the board approved the minutes 3–0. The board set its next meetings for June 3 and June 10, 2026 and adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Actions taken at the meeting were procedural approvals of permits and scheduling; no zoning text changes, appeals, or enforcement orders were issued.
