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➢ The Board questioned whether either of the new sheds or the older cabin should be classified as a “dwelling” or “habitable structure,” which would trigger the foundation requirements. 2.) Accessory buildings not to be used as dwellings ➢ The code states that accessory buildings may not be occupied as dwellings or used for living quarters unless attached to a principal dwelling. ➢ The Board noted that the bath house shed, with bathroom facilities, could potentially be interpreted as an accessory building being used in connection with overnight occupancy, and therefore potentially in conflict with this provision if considered a dwelling or living quarters. 3.) Principal structure before accessory structure ➢ The code requires that a principal building be started before accessory buildings are erected in certain residential and agricultural districts. ➢ Because no conventional house exists on the parcel, the Board discussed whether either the old cabin or one of the new sheds could be regarded as a principal structure, or whether the sheds must be treated as accessory buildings without a principal building. 4.) Frontage and access ➢ The code requires that buildings be placed on lots with frontage on an existing or approved street or right-of-way. ➢ The Board recognized that the applicant relies on a recorded easement, and members discussed whether the existing easement satisfies frontage/access requirements for zoning purposes. 5.) General violation and penalties section ➢ The Chairman acknowledged that the Code Enforcement and penalty provisions (fines, per day violations, etc.) are outside the scope of the ZBA’s variance decision and rest with the Code Enforcement Officer and Town Court. Site conditions and possible site visit The applicant described the topography as heavily wooded with ravines, making placement of structures and septic somewhat constrained. The well and septic/holding tank are set back from the cabin area, with the bath house shed located approximately 60 yards away from the sleeping cabin to meet required separation distances. Due to winter conditions and difficult access, Board members discussed the value of conducting a site visit before the public hearing to see: • The location of both sheds, the older cabin, the well, and the septic. • Approximate distances to property lines and separation between structures. • The route of the driveway and the location of the easement. The applicant invited Board members to visit the property, noted that the driveway is plowed but can be slippery and rutted, and recommended four-wheel drive or walking in from the road. Future address assignment and utilities The Board clarified that the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, not the Assessor, is responsible for assigning a town address. The applicant stated they intend to obtain an official address in the near future to facilitate garbage collection, Wi-Fi installation, and Security cameras; they indicated that Spectrum requires a legal address before providing services. The Board confirmed that address assignment and utilities connections are administrative matters and not determinative of the variance request. Discussion of possible future short-term rental (Airbnb) The applicant mentioned that, in the long term, they may consider limited short-term rental use in order to help offset future mortgage costs on the property. The Chair noted that any short-term rental use would require separate approvals, and that current town regulations regarding short-term rentals are under review and may evolve.