08/11/2025 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Select Board Minutes August 11,2025 inspection at a reasonabletime. Followingthat, annual inspections will be required to ensure continued compliance. During discussion on the proposed changes to the short-term rental inspection process, Selectman Weeden asked about the potential drawbacks of requiring both the Health and Building Departments to conduct annual inspections. He noted that most complaints appear to be health-related and questioned why both departments shouldn't be mandated to inspect properties annually. Seabury responded that complaints specific to short-term rentals have historically been minimal. He explained that the Building Department typically focuses on structural concerns, such as verifying smoke alarms or ensuring no unauthorized bedrooms have been added. In contrast, the Health Department is more often involved when there are habitability issues—like chronic dampness orventilation problems. Seabury explained that while dual inspections could be written into the bylaw, requiring both departments to go out annually may not be efficient or. Instead, the departments have been working collaboratively, with the Building Department adopting the Health Department's checklist to streamline inspections. If needed, the Health Department would continue to join inspections upon request. Selectman Weeden then suggested the Town develop a standardized inspection form that ensures both departments use consistent criteria. Seabury confirmed that this is already in progress. The Health Department's existing inspection form and checklist are being transferred to the Building Department so that all inspectors are evaluating properties based on the same expectations. Many of the applicable codes overlap between departments, and the goal is to ensure a unified and efficient process. Chair Wyman-Colombo raised concerns about excessive parking and over- occupancy at some rental properties. She inquired about incorporating Title 5 compliance into the rental regulations to ensure occupancy aligns with septic capacity. Seabury responded that the Health Department has already begun cracking down on this issue. As part of the registration process, property owners must match their bedroom count with the septic system's Title 5 approval or, if applicable, sewer capacity. When discrepancies are found—such as unapproved additional bedrooms—corrective actions are taken, which can include removing bedding from non-compliant rooms. Seabury clarified thatviolations could incur fines of$300 per day, perviolation.