Accessory‑use short‑term rental article continued after lengthy debate over enforcement and special cases

Attorney Fritz McClure presented a focused accessory‑use short‑term rental article that would require an owner, family member or friend to use a property for a minimum number of days (30 days in McClure’s draft) in order for that property to qualify for short‑term rentals; the draft also includes a carveout allowing properties that are long‑term rented at least six months a year to qualify as an ‘‘investment’’ use and still be eligible for STRs seasonally.

Public commenters and board members probed practical enforcement questions — how to document owner occupancy, how to handle medical or other unforeseen absences, whether tenants for six months present eviction risks, and how the requirement would interact with leases and boat reservations made months in advance. Multiple people urged the board to avoid regulations that impose record‑keeping burdens or create neighbor‑to‑neighbor complaints. The Planning Board reopened the public hearing for this article and continued consideration to Jan. 30 so staff can work with the petitioner on clearer language and recommended motion text.

Next steps: Proponent will provide finalized draft language and staff will prepare suggested motion language and an enforcement note for the Jan. 30 meeting.