Springfield board reviews shoreland septic outreach, short-term rental permits and Class VI road limits

The Springfield Board of Selectmen on Dec. 22 reviewed a Zoning and Health Officer report that listed several vested and non-vested short-term rental permit filings, discussed shoreland septic compliance outreach and clarified limits on regulating building on Class VI roads.

Tim Bray, identified in the meeting as the town’s Zoning Coordinator and Health Officer, told the board there were no new zoning permits but several vested permit cases requiring follow-up, including applications by Jose Ossa Concha, Andre Keplar, Kieth Matte and Shannah Stone. Bray said Keplar’s application has septic repairs documented and a site-plan-review application is being prepared; one prior Planning Board hearing had denied an application for lack of information.

Bray described non-vested STR or conditional use submissions for Anthony Pavati, David Saggese and Bernard and Katrina Cahill, and said staff will send STR/CUP packets to applicants after the January Planning Board meeting. Bray also said he will send an updated site-plan-review checklist to vested permit holders.

On shoreland septic outreach, Bray presented a draft postcard produced by the Lake Sunapee Protective Association (LSPA) to notify shoreland property owners of updated septic zoning requirements. Bray said LSPA will process and mail the postcard at no cost to the town and that Emily Rogers will provide the mailing list. Board members were told that roughly one-third of shoreland property owners are currently compliant; the next phase will use a checklist completed by septic haulers as proof of compliance.

Vice Chair Amy Lewis asked whether the mailings should reference the town’s penalty schedule for repeat noncompliance; Bray said septic penalties follow the town’s ordinary zoning violation penalty schedule and that third- and fourth-notice mailings should reference those penalties.

Bray and Board members also discussed the Planning Board’s work on zoning ordinance amendments. Town counsel provided clarification, Bray said, that the Planning Board cannot impose regulation of building on Class VI roads without amending the zoning ordinance to require road frontage or otherwise rely on the Zoning Board of Adjustment for variances. Bray said that, in practice, he currently approves building and driveway permits from Class VI roads only after the landowner signs a waiver required by town ordinances and state RSA and shows proof of insurability; Bray added that the state requirement for proof of insurability is being challenged in the courts.

The Planning Board’s proposed changes — including short-term rental and accessory dwelling unit provisions — were described as priorities to be voted on at upcoming meetings; ballot wording for warrant articles is due by Jan. 31, 2026.

The board accepted the Zoning/Health report as presented.