The board approved August 20, 2026 minutes 7-1 with one abstention. Ms. Dolan will distribute a drafted mission statement for review next meeting to guide the Master Plan subcommittee. Regarding zoning amendments, the board consensus includes updating septic and well requirements to conform with NHDES rules, deleting the well radius in the Zoning Ordinance, adding buffer requirements, and establishing a 100,000 square foot minimum lot with contiguous unrestricted 50,000 square feet buildable area. The board decided to delete § 150-31(D) and defer the amended frontage requirement. The Squam Lakes watershed premium will not be pursued for the 2027 warrant. The Revised Scenic Tree Cut was also deferred. Mr. Lee will revise memos with bracketed unresolved issues for the next meeting. The next scheduled sessions are a September 17 work session and a regular meeting on October 1, 2026.
Source: https://sandwichnh.org/2026-09-03 PB Minutes Approved.pdf?t=202609220949520
The Sandwich Planning Board adopted the 2026 Master Plan following a public hearing. The vote to adopt was unanimous. Immediate next steps include forming a subcommittee, including members Ms. Dolan and Susan MacLeod, to track progress, prioritize actions, and provide annual reports to the community. For Case 2026-19, the Board approved a Home Occupation form for Ms. Westrick. Ms. Westrick recused herself, with Alternate Mr. Fullerton voting in her place; the approval was unanimous. The Board entered a nonpublic session and subsequently voted to seal those minutes for 90 days. Member Gerry Ives resigned due to health issues. Minutes from August 6, 2026, were approved by a vote of 6 in favor and 1 abstained. A revised Scenic Tree cut application form was drafted for future review. The Board scheduled its next regular meeting for September 3, 2026.
Source: https://sandwichnh.org/2026-08-20 PB Minutes Approved.pdf?t=202609081048250
The Sandwich Board of Adjustment met August 13, 2026. Vice chair Kurt Olafsen presided with members Jim Gaisser, Chris Grant, and alternates Jim Bullitt and Chase Rozelle present. Minutes from May 14, 2026, were amended to correct Chris Grant as vice chair and approved via voice vote.
The board considered Case # 2026-09, Tyler Damon's waiver of equitable dimension request for 385 Diamond Ledge Road. The public hearing opened via voice vote. Following discussion on setbacks and an admitted permitting error by Code Enforcement Officer Leo Dwyer, the board evaluated four required standards. A motion to close the hearing passed 5-0.
Jim Gaisser moved to deny the request due to concerns regarding standards 1 and 2. The motion suggested waiving the application fee if Damon returns with a variance request. The motion to deny passed 4-1, with Mr. Grant opposing. Dwyer advised Damon to continue work under the existing conditional permit. The meeting adjourned at 6:49 pm.
Source: https://sandwichnh.org/2026.08.13 ZBA minutes.pdf?t=202608180839530
The Sandwich Planning Board approved a subdivision for DMC Realty Trust (Tax Map 217/Lot 22) to create a 5.58-acre lot, a 5.18-acre lot, and a 38.88-acre residual lot. All voting members were in favor. The Board approved a Home Occupation application for T. McIlvain at 511 N. Sandwich Road to operate a wedding venue. The Master Plan public hearing was scheduled for August 20, 2026, with a possible second hearing on September 3. A controversial sentence regarding the 2023 Housing Needs Survey was removed from the draft. July 16 minutes were approved with a 4-3 vote. Revised zoning amendments for lot size and setbacks will be discussed further in September. The Board approved a revised Home Occupation form.
Source: https://sandwichnh.org/2026-08-06 PB Minutes Approved.pdf?t=202608211604550
On July 29, 2026, the Master Plan Sub-committee approved the July 22 meeting minutes. The committee discussed Draft #8 of the Master Plan, requiring further work on photos and graphics and the creation of an Implementation Guide spreadsheet. This guide will track goals, timelines, responsible parties, and funding. A new Implementation Committee will be formed, including at least one Planning Board member and representatives from various commissions and groups.
Key votes and decisions:
- August 6: Planning Board to review and vote on scheduling a Public Hearing for adoption.
- Public Hearing notice scheduled for online posting on August 10.
- A second hearing date is set for August 20, if needed, with a backup on September 3.
- September 9 is the backup date to finalize the plan for printing and submission to HOP and LRPC.
- The deadline for invoices is October 10.
Action items: Ms. Dolan will write the Implementation Guide introduction, Brad Holmes will create the spreadsheet, and LUS MacLeod will produce the document version and coordinate with a local artisan.
Source: https://www.sandwichnh.org/2026-07-29 MPSC Minutes Approved.pdf?t=202608101108270