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Residents warn guest-cottage change could strain septic systems and shoreline protections
Summary
Multiple speakers told the Town Board that allowing guest cottages by right and larger size limits could increase septic burdens, stormwater runoff and shoreline impacts; commenters urged engineering review and closer alignment with the comprehensive plan.
Residents repeatedly raised infrastructure and environmental concerns during the public hearing on the guest-cottage draft. Commenters said that permitting a second dwelling or sizable accessory unit on small lots could force septic redesigns, create more runoff and increase pressure on shoreline areas.
One commenter summarized the problem: "More dwelling units on a property compromise the number of plants and trees on that property. It increases stormwater runoff. It increases sewage output, compromises placement of septic and well," and added that the town has "no way to check that" guest cottages are only used occasionally by guests. Several speakers urged the board to require site-specific engineering reviews where septic systems or wells would be affected.
The draft language sets a hard size cap—"not greater in size than 2,000 square feet"—and a relative cap of half the primary dwelling's enclosed floor space, which commenters said could still permit structurally large cottages on multi-level homes. Town staff and commenters agreed the engineering and permitting process for any large accessory dwelling needs clarification before the code is changed.
