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Jackson Planning Board removes short-term rental exemption and orders signage review
Summary
On Sept. 18, 2025 the Jackson Planning Board voted unanimously to remove the pre-existing short-term rental exemption in section 4.4.5 and asked Members David Campbell and Sarah Kimball to draft revised ordinance language for review with the town attorney; the board also agreed to update local signage rules to match recent state changes.
Jackson Planning Board — Sept. 18, 2025 — The Jackson Planning Board voted unanimously on Sept. 18 to remove the exemption in section 4.4.5 of the town’s short-term rental ordinance that had previously granted a 'grace period' to rentals operating before the ordinance’s adoption.
Member Scott Badger moved to amend section 4.4.5 to eliminate the annual-exemption; Member Dick Bennett seconded and the motion carried unanimously, the board recorded. The board directed Members David Campbell and Sarah Kimball to draft replacement language; Chair Bill Terry will review the draft with the Town Attorney before the changes return to the board for formal adoption.
Board members described the intended effect as tightening the annual-rental limit on short-term rentals. The board stated that, as discussed at the meeting, owners who operated rentals before March 2020 would be subject to a maximum of 30 rentals per year when filing new applications, but members noted that the exact drafting of that limit will be clarified in the language Campbell and Kimball prepare.
The meeting also addressed the town’s signage ordinance. Chair Bill Terry said the local ordinance needs updating to align with recent state sign rules (the discussion referenced "Alpine" and "Nordic" sign requirements in the state guidance). Member David Campbell noted neither the state nor current town code clearly addresses temporary signage. The board agreed Campbell will circulate the relevant state materials and the planning board will propose local amendments and a transparent enforcement process; the board also agreed to place a link to the state signage guidance on the town website to help residents.
Earlier in the meeting Member Scott Badger asked for clarification on last month’s discussion of soil-testing methods and lot-size requirements for single-family subdivisions, noting the town’s current ordinance references a four-bedroom minimum and that frontage requirements tend to have a larger effect on lot size than soil-testing methodology. The board discussed variance in lot-size determinations and noted the site-lot-size rules can be confusing for residents.
The board handled routine business as well: Member Scott Badger moved to approve the August minutes (seconded by Selectman Bob Thompson) and the board approved them unanimously. Member David Campbell presented a short-term rental application from Genn Anzaldi of 48 Switchback Way (Map V08, Lot 18); Member Dick Bennett moved to accept the application, Alternate Jane Knell seconded, and the application was accepted unanimously.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Bill Terry at 7:08 P.M. and adjourned at 8:16 P.M. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2025. The meeting recording and unofficial minutes will be available on jacksonflicks.com.
