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Planning Board discusses limits on camping units in zoning update; rental to be prohibited
Summary
Board members debated changes to Ordinances 307 and 408 on Camping Units (CUs), agreeing to limit intermittent use to 90 days annually, allow 180 consecutive days during construction, prohibit commercial rental, and ask Chairman Brodbine to draft revised language including CU definitions and potential changes to section 207.7.
The Planning Board reviewed proposed zoning changes to Ordinances 307 and 408 covering Camping Units (CUs). Member James Hancock urged clearer language on when a CU is considered "in use," arguing that an electrical hookup alone should not qualify. Hancock suggested phrasing that a unit is not in use "if all awnings and extensions are retracted and it is not in active use by people." He also said the board should avoid using the term "trickle charge."
Chairman Joe Brodbine said some campers lack pop‑outs and asked how "in use" should be defined; he suggested sewer connection could indicate active use. Brodbine also noted state RSA 216‑1:16 sets a seven‑day maximum for non‑permitted stays while the town’s current language allows 10 days, and the board agreed to align with the state limit. The board agreed intermittent use should not exceed 90 days in a year and that for use during residence construction the Town will allow 180 consecutive days or until the building permit is closed.
On rental, Beverly Bernard and Brodbine said commercial rental of CUs should not be allowed; the board agreed CUs may be used by family and guests only (with the word "immediate" removed from the family requirement). The board discussed whether storage of CUs requires a residence on the property and whether CUs should follow structure setback requirements; Hancock recommended including general requirements in section 207.7 so the mobile nature of RVs does not exempt them from setback rules. Brodbine said he will revise the draft ordinance—potentially incorporating language from ordinance 408 and changes to 207.7—and bring the new draft to the next meeting.
