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Planning board approves seasonal "dry cabin" permit with non‑residency condition
Summary
The board granted a special permit for a seasonal dry cabin at Route 214, approving a motion that conditions the permit on non‑residential use (no full‑time occupancy or rentals); the applicant said the cabin is for his family use only.
The Shandaken Planning Board voted July 8 to approve a special permit for a small seasonal "dry cabin" on a Route 214 parcel, with a condition that the structure not be used as a full‑time residence. The applicant, addressed by the board as Mr. Acker, told members the cabin is intended for personal, non‑rental use and that he lives in Woodstock part of the year.
"I'm hoping to build a small seasonal cabin on 214, which will be for my personal use, not for Airbnb or renting of any kind," the applicant said while explaining he owns another house in Woodstock and intends the cabin for family visits and weekend use only. He also said he had an elevation certificate and architect drawings showing the structure meets required heights and is not located in the floodway.
Members raised technical questions about foundation depth and flood scour risk; one board member recommended an engineer review footing details while others noted standard frost‑line piling of four feet was consistent with code. The board discussed whether an explicit non‑rental condition was necessary given existing short‑term rental law; proponents said listing the intended use in the permit would provide clarity while opponents argued the condition could burden future owners.
A motion to approve the dry‑cabin application with the condition that it not be a full‑time residence was made, seconded and approved by roll call; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from members present. The permit will be recorded with the condition noted; future structural work will require building permits as required by the town's enforcement processes.
