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Selectmen reiterate short‑term rental rules and review Rowley consent decree
Summary
The board reviewed a consent decree that allows the Rowleys to use their property as a short‑term rental only through Dec. 15, 2024, and reminded them that continued STR use requires a ZBA special exception and Planning Board site plan approval with a Dec. 27, 2024 submission deadline for consideration in January.
The Springfield Board of Selectmen reviewed zoning enforcement actions and a recent consent decree affecting a short‑term rental property at 2380 Main Street.
The Zoning Coordinator reported that a notice of violation was issued to Tyler Rowley on June 18, 2024. A consent decree agreed to at Newport District Court on Oct. 21 allows the Rowleys to continue using the property as a short‑term rental through Dec. 15, 2024. The board emphasized that after that date no STR use may occur unless the Rowleys obtain a special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment and site plan approval from the Planning Board.
To be considered by the Planning Board in January, the Rowleys were told they must submit a complete Site Plan Review application to the town by Friday, Dec. 27, 2024; the board noted that some application components (for example septic or survey plans) may require professional preparation and additional lead time. The ZBA previously accepted Rowley’s application as complete but continued the hearing when Rowley failed to attend the Dec. 3 ZBA meeting.
The Board voted to accept the report of the Zoning Coordinator/Health Officer as presented; Amy Lewis moved, Poul Heilmann seconded, and the three selectmen voted in favor.
Board members directed staff to inform Rowley that attendance at the next ZBA meeting is expected and reiterated the requirement that the property not be advertised or rented as an STR until all applicable approvals are in place.
