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Planning board approves Beaufort Bar’s outdoor‑operation permit extension
Summary
The board voted to approve Beaufort Bar’s request to continue outdoor operations beyond the one‑year pilot; the owner highlighted investments in noise controls and community programming, and board members discussed whether to make the permit permanent or time‑limited before ultimately approving the request.
The Beaufort Planning Board voted April 20 to approve a request from Beaufort Bar to continue outdoor operations beyond its one‑year special‑use permit.
Planning staff explained the existing outdoor operation permit had been granted in 2025 and included a condition that it sunset on July 14, 2026. Owner Mike Sager told the board the outdoor space cost about $50,000 to construct, has hosted fundraisers and community events, and that he has implemented noise controls after earlier complaints. "We have made investment in controls... I purchased independent, volume controls for inside and outside and taken the knob off of the control for outside, so it can't be changed," Sager said.
Board members asked about notification and enforcement. Staff noted that because some special‑use applications are quasi‑judicial, only property owners with standing can testify; the town will notify adjacent owners by letter, post a sign and advertise the hearing in the newspaper. Members also discussed whether the board should recommend a multi‑year permit rather than an unlimited one. One member suggested a five‑year sunset to preserve the town’s ability to respond to future noise or nuisance problems; another noted the town can enforce noise ordinances regardless of permit duration.
After discussion, a motion to approve the applicant’s request "as presented" passed by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will forward the board’s recommendation and file materials as required for the commissioners’ hearing and any public notices.
