The Seabrook City Council on Oct. 7 directed city staff to draft ordinance amendments addressing trailer restrooms, portable toilets and similar temporary facilities, and asked staff to schedule a joint workshop with the Planning & Zoning Commission to review potential language.

Staff told the council the likely amendments will be to the building and plumbing codes and that Planning & Zoning must review any changes before final council action. Council members and staff emphasized two key priorities: (1) clearly distinguishing between different types of temporary restroom solutions (standard porta‑potties for special events versus larger trailer restrooms intended as semi‑temporary facilities) and (2) ensuring any ordinance complies with FEMA floodplain rules and the city’s floodplain ordinance.

Staff reported that FEMA’s interpretation allows trailer restrooms if they are not permanently connected to utilities and are road‑ready (similar to RV/travel trailer standards): they must be movable in the event of an approaching storm and typically must have current registration or be treated like a travel trailer for removal requirements. Council members asked staff to analyze how state or federal floodplain changes (noted in discussion as possible in 2026) could affect any local rulemaking and to factor elevation and anchoring standards into proposed language.

Several council members also requested specific aesthetic standards for visibility from the road so that approved trailer restrooms or temporary facilities are concealed or screened to reduce negative visual impact. Staff emphasized this would be an iterative process with Planning & Zoning and said the item will likely require several meetings to finalize the ordinance.

Council gave staff direction to proceed; no ordinance was adopted at the meeting and staff will return with draft language for review by Planning & Zoning and council.