Grafton select board votes 4–1 to warn short‑term rental ordinance; warning starts June 1

The Grafton Select Board voted 4–1 on May 18 to warn a revised short‑term rental ordinance that the board said aligns town language with state law and clarifies fee authority.

Anna, the board member who introduced the revisions, said the text now cites the correct state authorities and uses the state definition for short‑term rentals. She read the definition included in the ordinance: "a short‑term rental is defined as a furnished house, condominium or other dwelling room or self‑contained dwelling unit rented to the transient traveling or vacation public for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days and for more than 14 days per calendar year." The presenter also noted the definition does not include yurts or tents, which the presenter said the state excludes because such units often lack indoor bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Board members debated whether the ordinance is properly framed as law rather than policy and emphasized that operators who register must meet the ordinance requirements or face violations. After a motion to vote that night and a second, the board approved warning the ordinance and set the formal warning to begin June 1 so it can be published in the Grafton News and posted in five locations. The presenter explained that a 44‑day petition period follows the warning; if a valid petition is filed the matter would proceed to a town vote.

The vote was 4 in favor, 1 opposed. The select board thanked Anna and staff member Morgan for the work over several meetings to address stakeholder concerns and to refine fee language that the board said can be adjusted later to reflect expected administrative costs.

Next steps: the town will post the warning, publish the ordinance text in the local newspaper, and begin the petition window; the board will address any petition or challenges according to statutory timelines.