York boards weigh state housing law changes; board fines Beach Ridge Road owner

The Select Board and Planning Board met jointly to review how York should respond to new state housing laws (LD 1829 and LD 2173) that take effect July 1, 2027, including smaller minimum lot sizes and higher density in growth areas. In its regular session, the board awarded two contracts, approved a consent agenda with corrections, and voted 5-0 to fine a Beach Ridge Road property owner $78,500 over code violations. Public comment centered on a planned honey locust tree removal in York Village and on short-term rentals.

Key points

• Planning staff presented two approaches to complying with LD 1829 and LD 2173: minimal changes to lot size and density rules, or tailored dimensional standards allowing larger building envelopes on new 5,000-square-foot lots; no formal decision was made.
• The board voted 5-0 to award the Ocean Avenue Extension seawall replacement contract to Sumco Eco Contracting for $1,440,786, with the concrete cap alternate, and authorized use of the disaster assistance fund for any overage.
• The board voted 5-0 to award three-year snow removal and ice control contracts to Stephen Carr Property Services, Gammon Lawn Care, and Green with Envy Landscaping.
• The board voted 5-0 to authorize a second notice of violation and a $78,500 fine at 57 Beach Ridge Road, with referral to the town attorney if unpaid in 30 days; Code Enforcement Director Harry Norton said the owners also filed a variance application that morning.
• Residents urged the town to pause removal of a mature honey locust beside the York Village soldiers monument, citing health, historic character, and alternatives; others wrote in support of native plantings and an updated traffic study.
• The board approved the consent agenda with corrections, including removing a request to waive parking fees for the Eastern Surfing Association event on Long Sands Beach.

Next steps

• A build-out analysis from the town's GIS contractor is expected Friday and will model unit counts under the proposed density standards.
• Planning Board members invited Select Board members to their Tuesday 8:30 a.m. meetings in the upstairs town hall conference room and suggested another joint workshop, possibly in November, before December Planning Board hearings.
• Town staff will follow up with residents on trash bin distribution and the disability accommodation process for the new automated bins.
• The town manager will respond directly to written citizen questions, including one about disposal of old trash bins.

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