Waterville Valley Planning Board Reviews Appointments, Procedures, and Application Completeness
The Waterville Valley Planning Board convened on November 13, 2025, to address new appointments, clarify operational procedures, and evaluate the completeness of a site plan application, among other items.
The meeting began with announcements of new appointments effective immediately. A new member was appointed to complete a term ending in 2028, and a new alternate member was appointed to complete a term also ending in 2028. Both individuals have been sworn in (link).
Board members were reminded of email communication guidelines to comply with state law. The use of “reply all” among members is to be avoided, as it could be interpreted as deliberation outside a noticed meeting, potentially violating RSA 91-A. Communications should utilize town-provided email addresses to separate personal and official correspondence (link).
Clarification was provided on the participation of alternate members during meetings. Alternates may join general discussions but must relocate during deliberations to avoid influencing votes, unless seated as voting members by the chair (link).
The board discussed its decision-making process, emphasizing that evaluations of applications must adhere to state statutes (RSA 674 and 676) and local regulations, rather than public opinion or popularity. Public input is valued but decisions are grounded in verifiable facts and legal standards. Residents seeking to prohibit certain developments were advised to propose ordinance amendments through the planning board or warrant articles at town meeting (link).
The calendar for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026 was reviewed, including upcoming public hearings and regular meetings on December 11, January 8, and February 12. The board noted time constraints due to required zoning ordinance amendments ahead of town meeting (link).
A key agenda item was the review of the Adventure Zone site plan application submitted on October 9. The board assessed its completeness, incorporating a recently submitted parking study from November 11. Minor changes from prior submissions were noted, such as the removal of certain infiltration ponds and a reduction in the maze size. After discussion, the board voted to accept the application as complete (link).
The board proposed extending the 65-day review deadline to February 12, 2026, to accommodate holiday schedules and ordinance work, but the applicant declined, citing potential impacts on construction timelines starting in spring (link).
Regarding the parking study, the board discussed commissioning a peer review by an independent expert at the applicant’s expense to validate assumptions and data. Opinions varied on the necessity, with some members questioning the data sources and others viewing the study as sufficient. A motion was made to proceed with the peer review (link).
The meeting also covered proposed zoning ordinance amendments to align with state law changes, including updates to definitions for accessory dwelling units, workforce housing, and other terms. Discussions included height measurements, wall definitions, and exemptions for political signs under RSA 664. A public hearing on these amendments is planned (link).
An update from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) committee highlighted recent working sessions, including facility tours. The committee plans to present recommendations at the December 11 planning board meeting for forwarding to the select board as part of budget discussions (link).
The board briefly noted ongoing efforts to acquire property for cemetery expansion and the search for a new town manager, which remains in the application review phase by a special committee (link).