A change to a proposed Rindge zoning amendment during a public hearing on Wednesday would allow short-term rentals such as Airbnbs to have up to three guests per bedroom.

During a public hearing Tuesday, the Rindge Planning Board reviewed a total of seven proposed amendments for the ballot in March. Six of the seven were passed to the ballot unchanged, with some garnering no comment from either the public or board.

The article that spurred the most discussion was a proposed short-term rental ordinance. Currently, the town has little in the way of regulations for short-term rentals, other than allowing them for up to 30 days. The new language would clarify that short-term rentals are a commercial use and require a site plan approval and conditional use permit issued by the Planning Board. The new language stated that the rental “be in compliance with all local ordinances, regulations and applicable state laws and rules. Issuance of a Conditional Use Permit shall take into consideration adequate septic, water supply, adequate parking, maximum occupancy, life safety inspections and other items deemed appropriate to protect public health and safety.”

Planning Board Chair Roberta Oeser said there have been complaints about short-term rentals by neighbors, and this would give the board more oversight. The board plans to adopt more-specific regulations if the language is approved for the zoning code.

Residents John and Lynda Hunt, who sometimes rent their eight-bedroom home for weddings and events, were present, and John Hunt spoke against the article as written, saying it was too vague and people wouldn’t know what they were voting for. He pressed the board to be more specific, particularly in the matter of “maximum occupancy.”

Conversation continued for some time, as the board discussed whether restrictions should be based on actual septic load, number of bedrooms or something else, before Hunt offered a compromise proposal of up to three people per bedroom, which would accommodate a couple and a child.

The board agreed to that compromise, and added that language, as well as adding the “on-site” before parking.

The rest of the articles passed unchanged. Some are clarifying what is already typical practice, including language to clarify that the zoning ordinance is intended to be read that if something is not specifically allowed in the ordinance, it is not allowed or permitted.

Another article clarifies that ADUs may be added to existing homes, with the word “existing” being added. Oeser said other language in the ordinance already implies that, but is not specific enough.

Another ordinance would allow the storage of campers, travel trailers and motor homes only on the owner’s property. Oeser said there have been instances of multiple trailers being stored on property.

The board is proposing to change the schedule for multiple units to be built in phased housing. The town regulates how many homes may go up per year for larger developments. The new table allows up to five units to be built per year, up to 20 units. From 20 to 40 units, 20% can be built per year over five years, and over 40, 16% can be built over six to seven years.

The board is also proposing new definitions for short-term rentals and transient occupancy, and to change the definition for dwelling unit to add the language that they must have permanent provisions for living and sleeping, and do not include hotels, motels, rooming, boarding house or short-term rentals.

The board will hold a second hearing on the amendment related to short-term rentals, as it was the only one substantively changed. All other articles were moved to the warrant for voting in March. The second hearing on the short-term rental article will be Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. at the town offices.

All zoning amendments must be voted on at the ballot in March and receive a majority vote to be enacted. 

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext.  244 . or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.