WATERFORD – Decks and sheds built on lots at the Keoka Beach Camping Area could cost owner Gary Searles hundreds of dollars.

At a meeting Monday, the Waterford Board of Selectmen said Searles owes the town permitting fees for “appurtenant structures” built next to or on recreational vehicles at the campground.

There are about 140 recreational vehicles on lots in the campground, Selectman Cynthia Hamlin said. Only 12 of them do not sport improvements such as sunrooms or porches. According to the selectmen, Searles never obtained the necessary permits for the construction.

On Monday, Searles was invited to discuss the permit issue. He left as quickly as he had arrived, however. Searles did not agree with the topic of discussion.

“I was asked to be here specifically dealing with stuff out of the 100-foot zone,” Searles said, referring to the areas of the campground that sit more than 100 feet away from the shoreline of Keoka Lake.

“No you weren’t, Gary,” selectmen Chairman Charles Fillebrown Jr. said. “You were asked here to deal with the campground.”

“That’s it, good night,” Searles responded, leaving abruptly.

Selectmen have divided the campground into three zones. Land within 100 feet of the lake shore is considered to be within the shoreland zoning area. Decks and other structures are prohibited from all lots there, and Searles is being asked to remove any similar structures in this zone.

The second and third zones lie beyond the 100-foot shoreline area. The board has asked Searles to document any construction there and to purchase a single, retroactive permit that would cover improvements on each lot.

Searles will be charged $15 for each improvement that required a permit. That bill could be as high as $1,500, according to the board’s estimates on the number of improved lots there.

Hamlin said Monday’s meeting was intended to give Searles a clear understanding of the board’s expectations. Because he left early, the campground owner will be sent a letter of explanation by certified mail and be given until April 1 to comply.

The town’s maximum fine for the alleged permitting and shoreland zoning violations is $100 per day, Fillebrown said.

Fines could be levied and the removal of any construction that lacks a permit could be required.

“We have every right to do that,” Hamlin said, “but we’re trying to make the process as easy as possible and as friendly as possible. Gary doesn’t see it that way, obviously.”