Board discusses new state rules for Class 6 roads and tiny-home implications

Members discussed a recent state change that affects issuance of building permits on Class 6 roads, noting that the statute pertains to building-permit issuance but does not remove subdivision or site-plan requirements. The board flagged emergency-services and insurance implications, and noted that liability waivers may not eliminate operational costs for the town.

Separately, the board reviewed recent state guidance defining 'tiny homes' (appendix for 600 sq ft and under) and observed that Pembroke’s local lot-size, frontage, and road standards — not the state tiny-home label — govern whether compact, denser developments can be approved. “Whether you can call it a tiny home or not, that's up between you and the person who wants to buy it. We have subdivision regulations, setbacks, road standards — you gotta meet them,” the Chair said.

Board members agreed no immediate ordinance changes were required unless the town decides to encourage tiny-home developments and would need to draft new local rules to permit denser tiny-home subdivisions.