The Walpolean

Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Town Hall

7 pm

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the next meeting for corrections.

Roll Call: Board Members Present: Chair Tom Murray, Vice-Chair Pauline Barnes, David Edkins, Shane O’Keefe. and Alternate Don Sellarole; Absent: Clerk Bill Sommers.

Others in attendance: Zoning Coordinator Ernie Vose, and residents Ryan and Amy Royce, Rosemarie Patch, and Mark McGuirk.

Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Mr. Sellerole was asked to participate as a regular Board member in Mr. Sommers’ absence, to which he agreed.

Review of Minutes of May 20, 2026: The Board members briefly discussed the minutes of the previous meeting. Mr. O’Keefe moved to approve the Board minutes of the May 2026 meeting as presented. Mr. Edkins seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.

Other Business:

Variance Proposal

Ms. Patch inquired about the need for a variance to applicable building setbacks for an existing structure located at 160 Prospect Hill. Mr. Vose and Board members discussed with Ms. Patch the variance application process, noting that the next board meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2026 and that a variance can be considered at that time if the required application is submitted soon enough to meet public notice requirements. She thanked the Board members and left the meeting at 7:14 pm.

Public Hearing – Variance request regarding property at 16 Short Lane

Ryan and Amy Royce presented their application for a variance from the applicable 20-foot side yard setback specified in Zoning Ordinance Article 5, Section D2 in order to construct a new 2-car garage, measuring 24’ X 24’. They explained that given the configuration of the existing structures and topography of the site, in particular a slope that prevents construction near the home and outside the required setback, construction of the accessory structure would require significant and expensive site work. The proposed structure would be as close as 10-feet from the side lot line, while 20-feet is required.

It was confirmed by Mr. Murray that all required public notice of the hearing had been given, including to all abutters. It was noted that that there were no abutting property owners present at the meeting to provide testimony.

There was extensive discussion about the proposal and the conditions of the property. Ms. Barnes reviewed in detail each of the variance criteria specified under RSA 674:33 and as set forth in the variance application by the applicants. Each of the criteria were discussed by the Board.

With no further presentation or questions, Mr. Murray closed the public hearing.

Mr. Murray noted that the proposed structure would not be obstructing access or views and therefore not create any safety issues for others. My Sellerole mentioned that the Zoning Ordinance had building setback requirements for a reason and they are important to establish clearance between structures, but less of an issue in remote areas such as this. Ms. Barnes concurred that setbacks are less important in rural settings.

Mr. Edkins moved that the application as presented meets the 5 criteria for the granting of the variance and therefore it shall be approved. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Murray stated that he would draft written findings of fact and a notice of decision. Mr. Edkins noted that there is a 30-day appeal period and that the applicant is at risk if construction begins before that period tolls and an appeal is filed.

At the suggestion of Board members, Mr. Royce amended the sketch plan for his application by drawing in the slope locations.

The Royces thanked the Board members and left the meeting at 7:45 pm.

Other Business:

General Inquiry

Mark McGuirk inquired about whether a seasonal camper can be located on property temporarily in a rural agricultural zone. The Board members suggested that he confer with Ernie Vose and the Selectboard to get an answer on this question.

Planning Board workshop

Mr. Murray noted that the Planning Commission and Zoning Board would be holding a workshop on potential Zoning Ordinance language regarding family-based childcare use of property on the evening of June 23, 2026. O’Keefe and Edkins noted that they would be unable to attend.

Recording Secretary

Mr. Edkins mentioned he noticed that the Selectboard was seeking a recording secretary and wondered whether the ZBA can jump in on this effort to handle its meeting minutes as well. He agreed to connect with the Selectboard office on this. Mr. O’Keefe agreed to write up the minutes for this meeting.

Applications

There was a brief discussion on receipt of application materials ahead of meetings, and it was noted that the variance application reviewed at this meeting had been forwarded about a week ahead of time.

Adjournment

Mr. Edkins made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. The time was 7:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Shane O’Keefe, ZBA Member