Brookfield Planning Board re-elects chair, reviews fees and short‑term rental guidance

The Brookfield Planning Board re-elected Ed Ingalls as chair and nominated Marshal Goldberg as vice chair in a combined motion that passed unanimously among members present. The board also reviewed a consolidated fee schedule, discussed short‑term rental issues tied to accessory dwelling units, and heard legislative updates from Concord.

Rich Zacher moved to nominate Ed Ingalls as Chair and Marshal Goldberg as Vice Chair; Mark Lofgren seconded. The recorded vote was Ingalls – Yes; Goldberg – Absent; Lofgren – Yes; Berry – Absent; Gage – Absent; Zacher – Yes; Faucette – Yes (4‑0). The chair and vice chair nominations were approved with four members voting in favor and three absent.

Members examined two inconsistent fee documents and proposed a consolidated schedule for future adoption. Proposed fees discussed include subdivision administration $200, site plan review $200, subdivision per‑lot fee $250–$300 (inflation adjustment), lot line adjustment $100, notification fee $15 (up from $7), recording fee $50 (pending Carroll County Registry verification), and conditional use permit $200. The board clarified that applicants provide abutters’ lists and labels while the town mails notices; recording and county filing fees will be verified before a vote at the next meeting.

Short‑term rental concerns were raised in the context of anticipated growth in accessory dwelling units. Board members noted there are no current local short‑term rental rules and discussed safety, occupancy, and enforcement challenges. The board reached consensus to post state registration and rooms‑and‑meals tax guidance (noted in the meeting as 8.5–9% for stays under 180 days) on the town website immediately; comprehensive local regulations could be proposed later as a warrant article.

Mark Lofgren summarized four bills of interest currently moving through Concord, including measures to allow ADUs in or attached to some nonconforming structures, options to limit detached ADUs in shoreland zones, provisions allowing tiny houses and yurts as permitted housing or ADUs (minimum 400 sq ft), and an interim study proposing broader municipal land‑use changes and a potential Invest New Hampshire program. No immediate town action was required on those items.

The board also noted that the Master Plan draft will be distributed and a public hearing scheduled at the next meeting; Rules of Procedure remain pending attorney review; and budget clarification indicated the Planning Board expense line of $20,000+ primarily reflects staff salary and a Strafford Regional Planning Commission contract of about $12,000–$12,500. The next regular meeting was set for Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.