Maine Modular Manufacturing Homes owner Scott Gove requested a special exemption building permit on behalf of his clients, Richard and Karen Tiger, who planned on building a structure on the family-owned, 2.7 acre plot. 

But after reviewing contour maps, the board determined the proposed site’s grade exceeded the 20 percent threshold imposed by the state.

“Our problem is resource protection prohibits building within 250 feet of the high water mark. The only way around that is building more than 250 feet away. And I don’t see where you can,” Planning Board Chairman Jack French said.

Finding a suitable alternative location may be difficult for the Tigers. Gove described the surrounding property as being “un-buildable” due to the hilly terrain. The property is owned by Karen Tiger and her sister. The Tigers planned on purchasing the sister’s portion.

The planning board advised the Tigers to consider purchasing or swapping a portion of the adjacent parcel to meet shoreland and resource protection zone requirements.

The planning board advised Gove if the Tigers found a section 250 feet beyond the shoreland, his clients could place a modular home without a building permit.

In other action, the planning board believes it will have an “essence” how its new Web page will look on the new municipal website. The planning board expects a new municipal website will be up and running before May. 

Website committee member Jarryl Larson informed the board that the selectmen are becoming more receptive to holding a special town meeting to appropriate funding for a municipally owned and operated website.

The planning board has advocated for a special town meeting for months to secure approximately $2,000 for a new municipal website.

Larson updated the planning board about the website committee’s recent meeting with the selectmen.

“It’s possible we may have funding before May,” she said. “The selectmen realize this may need to happen sooner than the town meeting.”

The planning board believes a new website is essential. The town office is open 10 hours a week. According to French, the website links the community to information and applications when the office closed.

French directed the website committee to propose what the planning board’s Web page may look like during the next meeting.

“Without being too elaborate, it should have the essence of what the Web page will be like with agendas, minutes, ordinances and applications,” he said.

The planning board will meet next at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 in the municipal building.