Members present: Terry Silverman, Chairman, Carole Beckwith, Robin Haynes, Carlotta Pini, and Andy Clukey, Selectmen’s representative.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Public hearing continued: Ordinance amendments.
Amendment to Land Use Ordinance Article III, Section 127- 9, Residential Uses, allowing property owners to use a portable temporary dwelling for recreational use.
The Board wanted to review this amendment, based on comments and input from several sources. Clukey stated he thought the time limit should be180 days, to allow people to camp during the summer and hunting season. Haynes and Pini agreed.
The concept of permanency was discussed at length. The Board explored several scenarios and tried to target the ordinance to the main point, which is to not allow people to live permanently in campers, without restricting recreational camping.
A discussion of affordable housing, and the lack thereof in Fitzwilliam, led in another direction. The Board decided the Town had tools to use to carry out their mandate to insure public health, safety and well being and this ordinance didn’t have to cover it all.
Silverman moved, Pini seconded and the Board voted on the final version of the amendment as follows. The vote was 3 aye, 1 nay and 1 abstain.
F. Temporary Dwellings: A motor home or van, pick-up camper, recreational trailer and tent trailer or any portable, temporary dwelling for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use may not be used as a permanent dwelling.
Property owners may house such units on their property as accessory to an existing primary residential use providing the intent is to store the unit or to use the unit for temporary recreational use of the property owner or non-paying guest. Such units shall meet all required setbacks.
If temporary housing is needed while permanent housing is under construction, a permit may be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer for the period following issuance of a building permit until a certificate of occupancy is issued.
If the Code Enforcement Officer finds, by a preponderance of evidence using the following criteria, that the unit is being used as a permanent residence, appropriate action will be taken. The criteria are as follows:
· Utility connections (electric, telephone, cable)
· Students registered in school
· Address on driver’s license
· Existence of additions, porches, decks, other out buildings
· Septic and/or water connections
· No proof of residence elsewhere
· Clearly immobilized camper
The Board adjourned at 8:00 PM.
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