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Planning board seeks clearer trailer bylaw to limit trailers on vacant lots
Summary
The Chester Selectboard reviewed a Planning Board-backed amendment to clarify the town’s trailer bylaw after residents stored trailers on vacant lots; planners recommended requiring trailers be beside or behind homes, address fire access and add road setbacks.
The Chester Selectboard on March 2 reviewed a proposed amendment to the town’s trailer bylaw intended to prevent trailers from being stored on vacant lots and to address public-safety and health concerns.
Liz Massa, speaking on behalf of the Planning Board, told the Selectboard that residents had interpreted the bylaw to allow trailers on vacant lots they own. Massa said a parcel is not a principal residence "unless there is a livable structure on it" and that the town has received complaints about trailers’ appearance. She also said that occupying trailers without self-contained bathroom facilities may violate health code regulations.
A resident attending the meeting asked why a trailer could not be parked in a front yard; Massa and Selectboard members said the bylaw language should make placement clearer. Selectboard member Craig Gauthier suggested adding specific setbacks from the road to address frontage differences and recommended the amendment include provisions to preserve emergency fire access so trailers do not obstruct first responders.
The Selectboard asked staff and the Planning Board to draft further revisions reflecting setback language and fire-access requirements before the proposal is presented to voters at Town Meeting.
The Selectboard meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
