WOODSTOCK — Selectmen last week opened a preliminary discussion on ideas for a short-term rental ordinance to propose to voters in the future.
Fire Chief Kyle Hopps has been researching the issue out of concern at what his firefighters have encountered on calls to such rentals.
In an email to Town Manager Vern Maxfield, Hopps noted “the increasing amount of emergency calls that we receive for these rental properties. Upon arriving at these calls, we are finding substandard conditions, such as missing or never-installed smoke and CO detectors, severe overcrowding of the properties, inoperable life safety devices like emergency lights, exit doors or fire alarm systems.
“Our normal adopted building codes don’t seem to be enough to enforce these on a regular basis, without a regular building inspection program. The codes are only enforced after the fact (after an emergency was called in or a complaint is filed). The point of this new ordinance is to try and be proactive and prevent a loss of life or property damage from occurring before something happens.”
At the Dec. 17 board meeting, Hopps brought copies of a Casco ordinance as an example of what Woodstock might consider.
In describing its purpose, the introduction to that ordinance reads: “Casco residents prize the peace and quiet of their residential neighborhoods. In recent years, a growing number of property owners are renting out their property to vacationers on a short-term basis throughout the year. In order to preserve the fabric of residential neighborhoods and to protect the safety of visitors and residents, the Town of Casco believes the operation of short-term rentals must be efficiently and effectively regulated. This ordinance was developed with an interest in balancing the desire of the property owners who wish to rent their properties to short-term tenants with the desire of residents who want to preserve the peaceful quiet and enjoyment of their residential neighborhoods.”
Among the basic ideas of the ordinance are a requirement to register rentals and renew annually; providing a simple plot and floor plan; requiring occupancy limits; provisions for parking; and a procedure to handle enforcement and complaints.
The Woodstock selectmen went through the document and made some informal suggestions for adapting parts of it for potential use there.
Bob McQueeney, noting that a proposal last year to the Bethel select board for such an ordinance did not go forward, said his board should keep in mind that passing an ordinance means “getting people to vote positively on something to restrict themselves. There must be a happy medium.”
Asked what Hopps recommended for a timeline for presenting an ordinance to voters, the chief said it didn’t need to be for the next town meeting. He suggested there be further discussion involving the code enforcement officer and Selectman Jeff Campbell, who was not able to attend last week’s meeting.
“I’d rather go slow, and get public information out on it,” said Hopps.
McQueen speculated they might consider forming a committee to craft a proposal.
Internet
In other business, the board heard from Mia Purcell, vice president of economic development and impact for the Community Concepts Finance Corporation, who updated them on the progress of expanding high-speed internet in area towns.
Local provider First Light last year received federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act to expand its fiber optic network and provide more opportunity for remote work, e-commerce, education and training access and economic growth. The expansion also has the capability to provide service to locations that run on solar power, Purcell said.
She presented a schedule of approximate dates for installation in the towns, with Bryant Pond listed as July and August of 2025.
On a related topic, Purcell said recycled/refurbished tablets and laptops are available to Oxford County residents who need a device and cannot afford a new one (contact 207-743-7716). Free tech help on connecting to the internet, using email accounts and social media, participating in video meetings and identifying fraud and scams is available at several area libraries, including the Whitman Memorial Library in Bryant Pond (Mondays 10 a.m. to noon).
For more information on the internet expansion go to firstlight-maine.com or maineconnectivity.org/wia.
Planners
The select board approved a pay increase for the town’s five Planning Board members, from $35 a meeting to $40. They meet twice a month.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can modify your screen name here.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.