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Moultonborough ZBA reviews bylaws updates, limits public comment and streamlines remote participation
Summary
At its Feb. 4 meeting the Moultonborough Zoning Board of Adjustment reviewed proposed bylaws and policy updates that would restrict public comment on quasi‑judicial applications, confirm that tie votes equal denials, and allow the chair and town planner to approve remote participation for applicants.
The Moultonborough Zoning Board of Adjustment on Feb. 4 reviewed proposed updates to its bylaws and policies intended to clarify procedural rules for quasi‑judicial hearings and board practice.
Town Planner Charles H. Wise presented the package of housekeeping changes, procurement‑policy alignments and adjustments reflecting 2024 legislative changes to rehearing procedures. Board members voiced support for several clarifications, and Mr. David McDonough volunteered to help redraft the document.
The board reached a consensus that public comment on applications or on hypotheticals would be inappropriate in the ZBA’s quasi‑judicial hearings, and confirmed that deliberations will continue to be conducted publicly with the option to pause briefly to ask clarifying questions. The board also affirmed a clarification that tie votes will constitute denials of applications.
Members discussed streamlining approvals for remote participation by applicants. Under the proposed change, the chair and the town planner would be empowered to approve remote participation without requiring a full board vote, a procedural shift intended to expedite administrative decisions for applicants requesting remote access.
Why it matters: the bylaws and policy updates would change how the ZBA handles public input, deliberation format and administrative approvals, potentially affecting how applicants and neighbors participate in hearings. The board plans to present a revised draft approximately two weeks before the organizational meeting following Town Meeting.
The board did not adopt final language at the Feb. 4 meeting; Mr. Wise will work with Mr. McDonough on revisions and return a redrafted version for review.
