Select Board debates whether Planning Board or ZBA should adjudicate home‑based business renewals

The Select Board approved a home‑based business application for a daycare and then entered a substantive policy discussion about where authority should sit for reviewing and renewing home‑based business status.

The board first moved to approve the individual application; members voted to approve the daycare application and noted it will proceed to the planning board for site plan review. Shortly afterward a draft motion to amend the application process (removing select board renewal authority and establishing the Planning Board as sole renewal authority) prompted extended debate.

Supporters said moving the authority to the Planning Board would align administrative functions with zoning administration. Others argued the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) is the proper body to interpret whether a use qualifies as a "home‑based business" versus an actual business or whether special exceptions or variances apply. One member described differences between "home occupation" (allowed by right) and "home‑based business" (visibility/activity that may trigger review), and urged clarity about parking, outside storage and scale.

Board members agreed the draft motion needs revision and that the town planner (Adam) should explain the recommended language before any final vote; the board tabled the draft and asked for planner input at a future meeting.