Planning board schedules site visit and Aug. 11 public hearing for home‑business application

The Shapleigh Planning Board scheduled a site inspection and public hearing for a conditional‑use application by Christy Horst for a home business at 94 Catois (map/lot cited). The board set a site visit to the property immediately before a public hearing on August 11, with members meeting at town hall and carpooling to the site to evaluate sight distance, parking and access safety.

Horst told the board that "most of my work is done on the computer, within the living space, but I do want the option to have some of my ministerial clients in person," and said in practice she expects few in‑person visits and would operate largely by appointment. The board emphasized it will review sight distance (the ordinance minimum cited in the meeting is 245 feet) and off‑street parking during the inspection. If site safety issues are identified, the board said it may recommend signage or lighting as conditions of approval.

Members noted the property is a grandfathered nonconforming lot with an existing structure; the board will verify setbacks, parking and the septic record (HHE 200 on file) during the inspection. The board confirmed it will hold the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on August 11 and meet for the site visit beforehand; the hearing will proceed only after planning staff has the requested materials in hand.