Residents urge caution as Hague opens public hearing on guest-cottage zoning

The Town of Hague opened a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 160 of the town code that would define and permit "guest cottages" and add a definition for short-term rentals. The board voted to open the hearing and said it will keep the record open for another month to receive more input.

Elaine Nogo, a planning-board member, told the board she opposed the "adoption of the guest cottage changes," saying the planning board had not supported the amendment and that "7 of the 10 members of the planning and zoning board did not support the amendment." Nogo described the change as creating potential for increased density, more stormwater runoff, septic complications and enforcement challenges if cottages become effectively separate dwellings.

Ed, the zoning enforcement officer, read the draft language the board is considering: "Guest cottage, a structure which is accessory to a primary single family dwelling and which adheres to the following limitations," including that it be used only occasionally by guests of the primary residence, not be rented separately, be no greater than 0.5 of the enclosed floor space of the primary dwelling, and not exceed 2,000 square feet. The draft also adds a short-term-rental definition as "renting for habitation of a structure for less than 30 consecutive days during any calendar year."

Multiple commenters asked the board to pause and appoint a committee to review code changes in light of the town's comprehensive plan and to ensure the version posted publicly matches the proposal under consideration. After discussion, several board members said the planning and zoning boards and the community are not yet aligned and the board voted to leave the hearing open while it seeks further review.