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Residents operating tent short‑term rental told to pursue zoning special exception
Summary
Shannah and Timothy Stone told the Springfield Selectmen they have rented a furnished tent on a second parcel; the board and the Zoning/Health Officer told them to pursue a Zoning Board special exception, register for rooms-and-meals tax, and obtain required seasonal burn and life‑safety checks before continuing operations.
Shannah and Timothy Stone appeared before the Springfield Board of Selectmen on July 22 to discuss a short‑term rental they operate: a furnished tent (yurt) on a second parcel off Route 4A that is listed on Airbnb.
The Stones told the board the tent is removed during winter and the site lacks plumbing and electricity; the property uses a composting toilet. Zoning Coordinator and Health Officer Tim Bray said the family has not yet obtained a seasonal burn permit for the fire pit, which is part of the life‑safety inspection. Bray said seasonal burn permits are available and that inspections include review of the fire pit.
Poul Heilmann and other selectmen advised the Stones that they may continue operating only if they comply with town regulations and move forward with the approval process. Bray said the Stones should start by applying for a special exception through the Zoning Board and that they must register their business with the state to remit rooms‑and‑meals tax via the Secretary of State’s online services.
The board asked Bray to follow up by email with a synopsis of the steps the Stones must complete, including the burn permit and life‑safety checklist. No formal permit decision was taken at the meeting; the Stones were directed to pursue the special‑exception process and to bring any required documentation to the Zoning Board.
