Board finds Castle in the Clouds event application could have regional impact; hearing continued to July 1

The Moultonborough Zoning Board of Adjustment on June 3 determined that a special‑exception application by the Castle Preservation Society for recreational, high‑impact outdoor events at Castle in the Clouds may be of regional impact and continued the hearing to July 1, 2026 to allow for required notice.

Dari Sassan of Brown Engineering presented the application seeking approval for a range of events — concerts, arts festivals, car shows, weddings and petting zoos — and the application language included a catch‑all for “other such events.” The board noted that the open‑ended scope plus the potential for events with attendance up to 4,000 persons could increase traffic, noise and lighting beyond the town’s immediate boundaries.

Town Planner Chuck Wise told the board that imposing a cap on attendance or narrowing approved event types as a condition could change whether the application constitutes a development of regional impact. The applicant indicated willingness to accept a 4,000‑person cap but said it was not prepared at the hearing to further narrow the application.

On a unanimous vote the board determined the application as presented had the potential for regional impact and directed staff to implement statutory notice procedures, including notifying the Town of Tuftonboro and the Lakes Region Planning Commission. Because a 14‑day statutory notice period applies, the board granted the applicant’s request to continue the hearing to July 1, 2026 (motion by Vice Chair David McDonough; second by Michael Mills). Prior to the Castle hearing Nicholas DeMeo recused himself, disclosing he receives compensation from the Castle Preservation Society; Vice Chair McDonough temporarily seated Kris Carlson as a full voting member for that item. DeMeo later returned to the board.