Town of North Harmony
Planning Board
Tuesday, 10/16/2018, 7:00 PM
Members Present: PAT RICE DICK JOHNSON
LOUIS RIEG PHIL STRAND
Brad Lawson, Zoning C.E.O
Others Present: Stephanie Gibbs, Deputy Town Clerk; Dick Sena, Don McCord
Mr. Rice opened the meeting at 7:00 PM.
Mr. Lawson, Zoning C.E.O. gave report.
Mr. Sena, Town Board Councilmen gave Town report.
VIOLATIONS & PENALTIES
Don McCord presented the proposed North Harmony Zoning Law for Violations & Penalties
Mr. McCord said he made just a few minor changes to the law.
Phil Strand motioned to forward the Violations and Penalties to the Town Board, Seconded by Louis Rieg.
All in favor yes (4) No (0)
TINY HOMES
Mr. McCord said that he has researched tiny homes with other towns and his response to the idea is just say no to tiny homes.
Mr. McCord said they seem to trend in warmer climates.
Mr. McCord said a lot of the tiny homes are as small as 160 sq. ft., and that the majority of tiny homes are on wheels which would classify them as a recreational vehicle.
Mr. Lawson said that if one was to be built in the town now it would not be in code, but if they were on wheels and it was a manufacturer that was recognized by all the RV manufacturers with certification you are talking about an RV or a manufactured home and would fall under the RV rules.
Mr. McCord said we could consider having a tiny home community, but we would run into some complications just allowing them everywhere.
PLANNING BOARD POSITION
Gary Winger resigned from the Planning Board position which opens a position on the planning board.
COTTAGE RENTALS IN THE R1 DISTRICT
Mr. Lawson said the code does not say that anyone can run a bed and breakfast or an Airbnb in the R1 district.
Mr. Lawson said If someone is running an Airbnb they should be paying bed tax, be inspected and have permits.
Mr. McCord said the town allows special districts for bed and breakfasts and the host must be present at a bed and breakfast. Airbnb’s don’t have someone present all the time so when there is an issue there is no contact.
Next regular meeting scheduled for November 20, 2018 at 7:00 P.M.
Pat Rice motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Phil Strand.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15PM
Stephanie Gibbs
Deputy Town Clerk
