Planning Board Deliberates Zoning Amendments and Future Initiatives
The Waterville Valley Planning Board convened on February 12, 2026, to review and discuss a series of proposed zoning amendments, future planning initiatives, and updates on ongoing town projects. The meeting focused heavily on clarifying language for upcoming town meeting warrant articles and setting a proactive agenda for the board’s work in the coming year.
Minutes Approval
The Board reviewed and approved the minutes from its January 8 and January 13 meetings, with minor amendments to ensure accuracy in attendance records and voting tallies. A motion was made to table the approval of the January 22 minutes until the March meeting, allowing members more time for review, with the understanding that the Notice of Decision could be attached to augment the minutes (link).
Discussion of Zoning Amendment Explanation Sheet
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to refining the explanation sheet for upcoming zoning amendments, intended to provide clarity to voters.
Permissive Zoning The first proposed amendment clarifies that only uses specifically listed in the zoning ordinance are allowed. Any unlisted use would require approval through an existing variance or special exception process. The Board discussed adding “by the ZBA” (Zoning Board of Adjustment) to clarify the approval authority for voters (link).
Restrictive Standard The second amendment states that if two rules conflict, the stricter requirement will prevail. This amendment was deemed clear and straightforward (link).
Definitions (Dwelling Unit, ADU/STR) Discussion arose regarding the definition of a “dwelling unit,” particularly concerning Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Short-Term Rentals (STRs). The current language states that “this use shall not be deemed to include such transient occupancies as hotels, motels, rooming, boarding houses, or short-term rentals,” leading to confusion about whether these are considered “permanent dwelling units” (link). The Board decided to clarify that the definition is meant to capture “permanent housing” and that ADUs are not considered permanent dwelling units.
RV/Tiny Homes A Resident raised a question about whether tiny homes on wheels, often designed for permanent living but movable, would be classified as Recreational Vehicles (RVs) which are not allowed as STRs. The Board acknowledged this as a “gray area” that needs future clarification, possibly by linking “permanent housing” to permanent utility connections (link).
Food Service Establishments An amendment clarifies that the zoning ordinance applies only to state-licensed food service establishments. Community events serving food (e.g., soup and chili sales) are not impacted (link).
Short-Term Rentals (STRs) The Board addressed an inconsistency in the definition of “transient” rentals, noting that the zoning ordinance currently uses “less than one month” while permits might refer to “30 consecutive days.” The Board agreed to use “one month” for this year’s explanation and aim to amend the ordinance to “30 consecutive days” next year for consistency (link). A significant change was highlighted: ADUs will no longer be allowed as STRs, which represents a limitation on a current property right (link).
Parking Delineation A new amendment will require any new open parking area to have delineated parking spaces, in addition to being paved. This would not apply to one or two-family developments (link).
Residential Parking This amendment adjusts town parking rules for residential dwellings to meet state law, which allows only one parking space per living unit (link).
Off-Site Parking Measurement The Board discussed clarifying where the measurement begins for off-street parking, aiming to measure from the “main entrance or principal area as determined by the Planning Board” to prevent distant, impractical parking locations (link).
Political Signs An amendment clarifies that the town does not regulate legally permitted political signs, aligning with state RSA 64 (link).
Temporary Signs (Residential) This amendment will allow single-family homes and two-family residential units to have one temporary sign on their property, provided it meets existing sign rules. This is a new allowance, including “for sale” and “open house” signs, which were not previously permitted on private property (link). The Board clarified that these signs would require an approved permit.
Maintenance of Structures An amendment will expand maintenance requirements to include “structures,” not just “buildings,” ensuring broader coverage for property upkeep (link).
Zoning Designation Amendment (White Mountain Athletic Club) The White Mountain Athletic Club is requesting its property at 90 Valley Road be rezoned from “Special District” to “Village Commercial” to better match its uses (link).
Grammar and Formatting Corrections Minor grammar and formatting corrections were also included in the proposed amendments (link).
The Board agreed that the explanation sheet for these amendments would be finalized and posted on the town website with a link provided in the “Wig Wag” (town newsletter) before the March 20 deadline (link).
Future Initiatives for 2026-2027 Season
The Board initiated discussions on key areas for future zoning amendments and site plan regulations.
Landscaping and Architectural Consistency The Chairman highlighted the need for more specific language in landscaping and architectural ordinances to prevent “anywhere USA” aesthetics and ensure consistency with the town’s master plan. A working group, including Planning Board members and potentially a Conservation Commission member or other experts, will be formed to investigate how to make site plan review regulations more effective in this regard (link).
Town Square Parking Analysis The Select Board raised concerns about the lack of a clear baseline for parking requirements in Town Square. The Planning Board will undertake a survey of all uses within Town Square to determine the maximum number of parking spots required by current ordinances, before applying metrics like shared parking or internal capture rates. This initiative aims to proactively address parking issues and ensure consistent application of regulations for changes of use (link).
Board Roster and Leadership
Three positions on the Board are up for reappointment: two members and one alternate. A current alternate indicated they would not seek reappointment, leaving an open alternate position. The Chairman encouraged members to consider their commitment to upholding ordinances and actively participating in discussions, emphasizing the Planning Board’s critical role in guiding the town’s development (link).
CIP Committee Update
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee will meet after the town meeting to begin developing a new process for capital planning. This includes preparing for a 2028 vote on a new Town Hall/DPS facility, with Phase 2 of a space needs study requiring an additional $75,000 in funding (link). The Select Board also decided to include a $55,000 warrant article for the Conservation Commission’s Snow’s Brook sediment remediation project, reversing an earlier decision to pause it due to concerns about its connection to the larger Corcoran Pond dredging efforts (link).
Town Manager Search Update
A committee is currently interviewing six to seven candidates for the Town Manager position. The committee anticipates discussing candidates on February 27 and referring a shortlist to the Select Board for live interviews in March, with a selection hoped for by late March (link).
Next Meeting
The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for March 12, following the Town Meeting on March 10. Topics will include a review of the Town Meeting outcomes, election of officers, and a discussion of the Board’s workload for the coming year, including revisiting previously tabled items like tiny homes and other master plan action items (link).