Scarborough board reviews zoning change to allow mobile saunas; council hearing set

Planning staff presented a proposed amendment to Chapter 405 of the Scarborough zoning ordinance on July 20 to create a new use category for "mobile saunas," portable, towable trailers that provide the same heat and steam experience as a traditional sauna. The amendment would add a definition, permit the use as accessory to a permitted nonresidential use, and add performance standards.

Erin, the planning staff presenter, said the draft defines a mobile sauna as "a portable towable trailer or other mobile platform designed and constructed to provide the same heat and steam experience as a traditional sauna" and notes the use must be temporarily placed and not permanently installed. Staff proposed reviewing mobile sauna permits through the town clerk and subjecting each application to interdepartmental review (planning, police, fire and assessing).

Board members focused on operational limits and public‑safety safeguards. The draft would allow no more than one mobile sauna per lot, require placement on existing asphalt or concrete, and prohibit placement in ADA parking spaces, fire lanes, the public right‑of‑way or vision triangles. The ordinance would require a minimum of three parking spaces designated for the sauna, with the possibility of additional spaces required by staff after interdepartmental review and through shared‑parking agreements.

Jennifer Ladd asked whether the ordinance should specify unit capacity or a duration for temporary placement; Erin said size limits and an annual registration are handled in Chapter 10.15 (the town’s licensing code). A planning‑staff representative summarized the licensing side: "All heating and electrical equipment must comply with applicable safety regulations, including but not limited to applicable fire and electrical codes. Mobile saunas shall obtain an annual fire inspection from the fire department prior to opening," and the licensing draft sets hours of operation and insurance requirements.

The board suggested cross‑referencing Chapter 10.15 in the performance standards so applicants and reviewers can see both the zoning use and the licensing and inspection expectations in one place. Chair and members repeatedly emphasized safety questions about heating sources and occupancy; staff said equipment standards, inspections and insurance requirements in the licensing chapter are intended to manage those risks.

The ordinance committee and town council previously discussed the use; staff told the board the zoning amendment has already had a first reading at the council and is scheduled to return for a council public hearing and second reading in August. The board made no formal vote on the zoning text at this meeting; it opened the item for public comment but no members of the public spoke.

Next steps: staff will incorporate the board’s suggested cross‑references to licensing and return the draft to the council for the scheduled public hearing and second reading.