9032-R1_ML&P_BuxtonAnnualReport_2023-2024_Web

Code Enforcement Report for 2024

This office is fully staffed by the following team members: Kert Jackson – Deputy CEO / Building maintenance Roxanne Gardner – Codes and Planning Administrative Assistant

Marcel DesRosiers – Electric Inspector Rick Emery – Deputy Electric Inspector After town meeting in June approved the requirement of electric permits, we began requiring permits on August 1, 2024. The process is running smoothly. There are two issues that are recurring this year that I want to comment on. There have been a few people in town this year who have hired builders and have not received the service that they contracted to get and have lost money. They’ve paid in advance and had to hire someone else to finish. Four in one year, that I know of here in Buxton, is too many in my humble opinion. Two of the contracts had wording that prohibited the homeowner from commenting negatively on social media. That seems like a red flag to me. All of the contractors were researched by the homeowner’s and had good reviews online. In busy times, if a contractor is readily available, it might be a sign that they are so new, they don’t have experience, or just that they have a truck and a hammer, and ready to take your money. My only suggestion is to get local recommendations or local feedback on contractors and not rely on reviews online. Those can be manufactured or be fake news. I’ve been getting reports of “contractors” stopping by resident’s properties to solicit paving work or carpentry work. One didn’t take measurements but gave a price and wanted half of the money up front. Another red flag. Even if they provide a contract that doesn’t ensure that you will get quality work, or even a finished product. Please be careful, it seems the scammers are getting bolder these days. The other topic that comes up a lot is people asking if the town is considering lowering the minimum lot size anytime soon. Some people just want to sell a lot for financial reasons. More people want to have a lot for their family to be able to live close to them. I am seeing an increasing trend of families wanting to live on the same property. While zoning allows one accessory dwelling per lot, sometimes that maximum 500 square feet of living space is not practical for them. This is a common conversation which happens frequently, multiple times a week. I do share the comments with the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen. My advice is: If many of you want these changes, please write to the Selectmen or Planning Board, or even me and I’ll pass it along. Or: Go to their meetings and voice these requests to them directly. Quite a few people take the time to ask me about it, and it seems that there is a desire for change. It will take more than just voicing it to me to bring about the changes.

20