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Francestown planning board narrows zoning amendments, withdraws short-term campsite proposal
Summary
At a Jan. 6 public hearing the Francestown Planning Board approved targeted edits to proposed 2026 zoning language — adding the word “new” before septic systems and removing a 400-foot backlot setback — and voted 4-3 to withdraw a new short-term campsite rental ordinance.
Francestown — The Francestown Planning Board on Jan. 6 reviewed proposed 2026 zoning amendments tied to recent state legislative changes and approved a set of targeted edits while withdrawing a new short-term campsite rental measure.
Chair Gerri Bernstein opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. and led the board through several ordinance sections. In written and oral comments residents raised concerns about removing local oversight and potential impacts to neighbors.
The board unanimously approved a motion by Susan Kane, seconded by Betsy Hardwick, to insert the word “new” before “septic systems” in ordinance 2-A.2.6(a-1), language the board said would allow variances for repairing existing systems while clarifying future permitting. The board also voted unanimously on a motion by Betsy Hardwick, seconded by Karen Fitzgerald, to strike subsection (d) from section 3.2, removing a 400-foot backland setback and directing staff to update any tables or cross-references that reference the setback.
Members discussed a proposed new section 3.0 (Conforming Uses, Structures and Lots). Linda Kunhardt submitted written comments opposing the addition and asked that it be withdrawn; the board discussed her concerns but took no action on section 3.0 at this meeting. On accessory dwelling units (sections 3.11.1 and 3.11.2) Kunhardt also submitted written objections to removing language that referenced approval by the Town Building Inspector and supported adding an off-street parking requirement; the board debated system design versus location and took no immediate action.
A separate proposal, a new section 3.19 that would allow renting a single campsite or glamping site on lots larger than five acres, drew particular opposition from resident Richard Barbalato, who expressed concern about impacts on quiet enjoyment and town resource use. Barbalato asked that the Board withdraw the ordinance so it would not go before Town Meeting. The Board was split; Karen Fitzgerald moved and Betsy Hardwick seconded a motion to withdraw the Short-Term Campsite Rental ordinance. The motion passed 4-3, and the proposal was officially withdrawn.
After resolving individual items, the board voted unanimously on a motion (moved by Gerri Bernstein, seconded by Betsy Hardwick) to hold a new public hearing on the zoning amendments that will incorporate the septic wording change and the backlot setback deletion, along with any table edits. The public hearing closed at 7:25 p.m.
What happens next: the board will include the adopted edits and the removed campsite proposal in a revised packet and hold the scheduled follow-up public hearing before finalizing the amendments for Town Meeting consideration.
