Moultonboro is changing the way short-term rentals will be handled. The memo is posted on the town's web site at
https://www.moultonboroughnh.gov/m/n...ome/detail/314
There will no doubt be challenges and hopefully a grace period, but on the surface, there are some changes that might be felt for the 2026 season.
- Commercial Reclassification: Your property is no longer viewed as a residential "Dwelling Unit" for zoning purposes; it is now classified as a "Bed & Breakfast" (or "Function Facility" if you host events), which is a commercial use.
- Double Approval Required: You must now secure both a Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) and a Site Plan Review from the Planning Board. These are separate processes and strictly enforced.
- Septic Cap: Your legal occupancy limit is now tied directly to your NHDES septic design capacity, not the number of beds or rooms you have available.
- Grandfathering Challenge: By asserting that STRs were never compliant with the definition of a "Dwelling Unit" regarding transient guests, the Town is effectively arguing that no vested rights ("grandfathering") exist for current operators.