Waterville Valley Planning Board Addresses Dumpster Regulations and Zoning Challenges

The Waterville Valley Planning Board convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss several key issues affecting the town’s development and regulatory framework. The meeting focused on clarifying dumpster enclosure regulations, introducing new planning consultants, addressing potential state legislative impacts, resolving a zoning dispute involving a stone wall, and reviewing conservation efforts, including sediment management in Corcoran Pond.

Dumpster Enclosure Regulations Clarified

A portion of the meeting addressed concerns about dumpster enclosure regulations, raised by property representatives. They sought clarity on the town’s requirements after receiving a letter citing multiple compliance failures, including issues with gate functionality and flooring stability. The board clarified that dumpster regulations fall under the select board’s jurisdiction, governed by specific ordinances. Representatives were advised to consult town staff or the select board for detailed specifications and to resolve their concerns (link).

Introduction of New Planning Consultants

The board introduced a new consultant from North Country Council, who outlined their role in reviewing applications for compliance with local and state regulations, drafting notices, and attending planning board meetings. The consultant emphasized ongoing communication and highlighted their experience with large-scale projects, such as a $34 million microchip facility. Additionally, representatives from the SE Group, a firm specializing in resort community planning, discussed their upcoming planning and zoning audit. This audit will evaluate Waterville Valley’s master plan and ordinances against best practices from other ski resort communities, with work scheduled to begin in July to account for pending state legislation (link).

Concerns Over State Legislation

The board expressed apprehension about proposed state legislation, particularly bills that could mandate multifamily housing in commercially zoned areas, reduce parking requirements, and adjust minimum lot sizes. These changes could override local ordinances, potentially increasing development density in Waterville Valley, a prospect met with resistance due to the town’s significant non-resident homeowner population. The board plans to monitor legislative outcomes to adapt its zoning strategies accordingly (link).

Zoning Dispute Over Stone Wall

A zoning issue involving a developer’s stone wall project sparked debate. Initially proposed as an aesthetic barrier, the wall was constructed within the town’s right-of-way, prompting a select board ruling that walls under three feet are not considered structures, based on a perceived drafting error in the zoning ordinance. This decision, which lacked notification to abutters, raised concerns about clarity in ordinance language. The board agreed to revisit and potentially revise the zoning ordinance to define walls and fences more clearly, preventing future disputes (link).

Financial and Infrastructure Updates

The meeting included updates on infrastructure projects, notably the Boulder Path Road reconstruction, with $1.8 million appropriated at the town meeting. Discussions also covered extending a handrail for safety and improving signage to reduce confusion for visitors. These initiatives reflect ongoing efforts to enhance Waterville Valley’s infrastructure (link).

Conservation and Sediment Management

The conservation commission reported on efforts to manage sediment in Corcoran Pond, with Tyrell confirmed to undertake mediation work this year. This project aims to divert water flow upstream to reduce silt accumulation in the pond, a multi-year initiative addressing environmental concerns. The commission also discussed green belt zoning for a recently acquired 13-acre parcel along the Mad River and strategies to reduce salt usage by homeowners (link).

Looking Ahead

The Waterville Valley Planning Board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 22, 2025, where these topics will likely see further discussion as the town navigates regulatory, developmental, and environmental challenges.