Zoning Board of Adjustments — February 5, 2026
The meeting was collegial throughout — marked by a warm send-off for the outgoing chair, a straightforward special exception approval with no public opposition, and administrative housekeeping, with no meaningful conflict or community pushback evident.
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**Sunapee Zoning Board of Adjustment — February 5, 2026 Meeting Summary**
The Sunapee ZBA held its February meeting and approved one substantive case: a special exception (SEU 26-1) allowing commercial boat storage at 249 Route 103, a 1.4-acre property in a rural residential district. The applicant, Ben Willow, estimates capacity for up to 25 storage spaces accessed from two driveways onto Route 103, which carries a 50 mph speed limit. The board approved the application unanimously with three conditions: 1) the Planning Board will establish maximum storage capacity and confirm adequate sight distance from driveways, 2) business clients cannot use the property's building, bathrooms, or septic system, and 3) no water use that impacts the septic system.
Notably, the board chose not to set a firm cap on the number of storage spaces, deferring that determination to the Planning Board during site plan review. The special exception is approved; the specific capacity and safety details will be finalized at the Planning Board level.
No members of the public offered comment during the hearing. If you live near 249 Route 103 and have questions about the project, the next step is the Planning Board's site plan review — that's where capacity and safety details will be decided.
The board also recognized outgoing Chair Jeff Claus for his service and discussed his potential return as an alternate member.
Finally, a governance note: no candidate filed to run for the open Zoning Board seat in the upcoming election. The board discussed this but reached no resolution. The vacancy will be filled either by write-in vote or by Select Board appointment. The March meeting is likely cancelled due to no pending applications.
Public impact
Single-property special exception allowing up to approximately 25 commercial boat storage spaces; final capacity to be determined by Planning Board during site plan review
Topics discussed
The board recognized outgoing Chair Jeff Claus for his service with gifts including a golf wedge and baked treats from Jim Lyons. Discussion of Jeff returning as an alternate member.
Discussion confirmed likely cancellation of March meeting due to no pending applications, with one applicant requesting extension to April.
Ben Willow requested special exception to allow boat storage at 249 Route 103 on 1.4 acres in rural residential district. Property has two driveways and applicant estimates capacity for up to 25 storage spaces.
Discussion of grandfathered septic system from 1971 and requirement that business cannot use house facilities or septic system to avoid impacting flow rates requiring state approval.
Board evaluated sight lines from both driveways onto Route 103 (50 mph speed limit) for safe boat trailer access, determining adequate visibility exists.
Board discussed whether to set specific parking limits versus allowing planning board to determine capacity through site plan review process.
Board discussed that no candidate filed for upcoming zoning board position, requiring either write-in campaign or Select Board appointment to fill vacancy.
Brief discussion about upcoming Select Board election with a speaker running against Cindy Spears and Patrick Fine for one position.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Special Exception for Commercial Boat Storage in Rural Residential District
Zoning Board Vacancy with No Filed Candidates
Parking Capacity Determination — Board vs. Planning Board Jurisdiction
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
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