Waterville Valley Planning Board Addresses Ordinance Revisions and Social Districts

The Waterville Valley Planning Board convened to review minutes, handle member transitions, and discuss necessary ordinance updates to align with recent state laws. Key agenda items included compliance with new regulations on social districts and proposed changes to zoning definitions.

Member Resignation and Appointment

A board member announced their resignation due to relocation, expressing continued interest in the town’s development and appreciation for their service. The board discussed promoting an alternate to a full member position, with the recommendation to be forwarded to the select board for approval. (link)

Social Districts and Open Container Ordinance

A significant portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 467, effective September 5, which introduces social districts—designated outdoor areas where alcoholic beverages from licensed establishments can be consumed. The board debated integrating this with the existing open container ordinance (Ordinance 28), noting potential clarifications for enforcement and compatibility with current practices on private property like Town Square.

Concerns were raised about signage requirements, boundaries, glass containers, and maintaining the town’s resort character. The chief of police recommended adopting the new language to simplify regulations. A working group, including board members and public safety representatives, was formed to draft recommendations for a warrant article, potentially replacing or amending the current ordinance. (link)

Zoning Ordinance Definition Updates

The board reviewed proposed changes to zoning definitions for compliance and clarity. This included broadening “restaurants” to “food service establishments” to encompass various food-related businesses, as defined in state statutes. Additional amendments addressed accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as separate from multi-family dwellings, and adjustments in specific zones to permit certain uses. These updates aim to modernize terminology and resolve interpretive issues. (link)

Committee Reports and Future Planning

Updates were provided on various committees, including the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) committee, which scheduled a meeting to review departmental needs. The board also discussed recruiting additional alternates and emphasized the need for broader community involvement in town governance. A special meeting was set for November 20 to address unresolved items, and the regular meeting time was adjusted to 8:30 a.m. starting November 13. (link)

No major financial decisions were made, but discussions highlighted potential costs for signage in social districts and the importance of aligning ordinances to avoid enforcement complications.

The full meeting video is available below.