A Message from the Alna Planning Board

Friday, May 9, 2025

May, 2025

Dear Alna Residents,

Happy spring!

As we approach the summer season, the Planning Board wants to remind you of a few activities that require a planning board permit. These permits are required under either Alna’s Land Use Ordinance or Shoreland Zoning Ordinance, both of which can be found on the Alna website. The purpose of the permits is to ensure that the activities will not harm Alna’s natural resources or cause a nuisance to neighbors.

Business Permits – Home-based businesses whose revenue exceeds $500/year need a business permit. Examples of these types of businesses include selling crafts, prepared foods, fruits, and vegetables or services such as landscaping, construction, and tailoring.

Clearing of Vegetation – Cutting or removal of vegetation (other than commercial timber harvesting which is regulated by the state) within certain portions of the shoreland zone may require a shoreland zoning permit. Examples of this type of activity are management of invasive plants such as knotweed or mowing of areas not mowed within the last two years within the shoreland zone.

Short-Term Rentals – Any rental of a dwelling unit or a portion of a dwelling unit for a period of less than 30 consecutive days to the same person requires a land use permit. Examples of these types of rentals include Air B&Bs and VRBOs (vacation rentals by owner.)

Applications for permits for any of these activities are available from the Town Clerk or on the town website. If you are unsure of whether your activity requires a permit or have questions about the ordinances or the application process, feel free to contact the Town Code Enforcement Officer, Bill Butler at (207) 446-6541 or ceo.alna.me@gmail.com or the Chair of the Planning Board, Cathy Johnson at 207-586-5706 or pbchairalna@gmail.com.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The Alna Planning Board

Cathy Johnson, Chair

Katy Papagiannis, Vice Chair

Laurie Hiestand, Secretary

Erik Mitchell

Maria Jenness

Lili Pugh (alternate)

Jamie Riordan (alternate)