Starting this Friday (9/1), the town of Conway is kicking off a new rental license and inspection program. Basically, if you're renting out your place, you need to get a license for it. They've already got a few folks signing up, and they're aiming to start inspections next week or so.

Here's the deal: if you're a property owner, you've got two options. Option one is filling out a form, paying $375, and having the fire department inspect your rental based on a safety checklist. If you pass, you'll get a three-year rental license. Option two, available till the end of the year, involves a $125 fee and a self-affidavit form confirming your place is up to safety codes.

Starting next year, the self-affidavit option is out, and everyone needs to go through the inspection process. The inspections are about stuff like having working smoke alarms, proper exits, safe heating, and more.

Fire chiefs from different areas will be doing the inspections. There were some folks who didn't quite like this plan during public discussions, worrying it could make the housing crisis worse. But the town officials are aiming for safety without making things harder for renters or landlords.

The whole idea behind this is to make sure rental properties are safe because there have been cases of dangerous situations in rentals elsewhere. The town of Durham has been doing something like this for a while, and they found a bunch of safety issues during inspections.

Got questions? Contact Nicholas DeVito, the Conway Zoning Officer, for more info - (603) 447-3811, ext. 231 or ndevito@conwaynh.org.

Here is a copy of the Self Inspection Checklist

there's this situation in Freedom, where a couple, James and Susan Cotter, are taking the town's short-term rental ordinance to the New Hampshire Housing Appeals Board. These folks split their time between Freedom and Massachusetts, and they're represented by a lawyer who previously won a case against Conway's attempt to regulate short-term rentals.

The Cotters are challenging the town's new rules on short-term rentals, saying that their use of their property was established before these rules came into play. They've got a hearing scheduled for October, and you can even join in via Webex.

The town passed its short-term rental ordinance last year and started sending warnings to short-term rental owners like the Cotters. The Cotters are being backed by an association that supports responsible vacation rentals.

The case is centered around whether the town can impose these new regulations and if the rules even apply to the Cotters. They're arguing that the town can't restrict the number of days they legally rent out their home, based on a previous court ruling.

The town, on the other hand, believes that they can regulate short-term rentals and that property owners who want to rent more than 90 days a year need to get a conditional use permit. They say it's about ensuring public health, safety, and the environment.

Both sides have their legal arguments, and it's going to be interesting to see how it plays out. This is becoming a trend in New Hampshire towns, and this case could set a precedent for how short-term rentals are regulated in the future.

The town of Madison is going on the offensive against STRs (short term rentals) that started renting after March 2022 when voters passed a warrant article saying residential homes could not be used as short term rentals.  It's a very interesting decision considering the NH Supreme Court's recent decision that said short term rentals are an acceptable residential use in Conway.  Click here for the full story

If you want a development that does not allow short term rentals, here are some places to look:

• Bartlett Place in Bartlett (60 day min)
• Cranmore Woods in North Conway
• Saco Woods in Conway
• Mount Cranmore condos in North Conway (they limit to 5 rentals per year)
• Northface in North Conway (30 day minimum)
• Partridge Woods in Bartlett (30 day minimum)
• Black Mountain Meadows in Jackson

Golf in North Conway, NH

North Conway, New Hampshire is a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels. The town is home to several golf courses, each with its own unique challenges and beauty.

Here are a few of the best golf courses in North Conway:

• North Conway Country Club: This 18-hole course is located in the heart of North Conway Village. It is a challenging course with rolling hills and water hazards.

  northconwaycountryclub.com

  North Conway Country Club golf course in North Conway, NH

• Hale's Location Golf Course: This 9-hole course is located in the town of Hale's Location. It is a scenic course with stunning views of the White Mountains.

  White Mountain Hotel & Resort

  Hale's Location Golf Course in Hale's Location, NH

• Wentworth Golf Club: This 18-hole course is located in the town of Jackson. It is a challenging course with narrow fairways and deep bunkers.

  www.wentworthgolf.com

  Wentworth Golf Club in Jackson, NH

• Eagle Mountain House and Golf Club: This 18-hole course is located in the town of Jackson. It is a challenging course with mountain views.

  Eagle Mountain House

  Eagle Mountain House and Golf Club in Jackson, NH

• Lake Kezar Country Club: This 18-hole course is located in the town of Lovell, Maine. It is a challenging course with water hazards and rolling hills.

  www.lakekezargolf.com

  Lake Kezar Country Club in Lovell, Maine

In addition to these five courses, there are several other golf courses in the area that are worth checking out. No matter what your skill level or experience, you are sure to find a course that you will enjoy in North Conway.

Here are some tips for planning your golf trip to North Conway:

• Book your tee times early: The golf courses in North Conway are popular, so it is important to book your tee times early, especially during the peak season (June-August).
• Bring your own clubs: If you are planning on renting clubs, be sure to do so in advance. The rental shops in North Conway can get busy, especially on weekends.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring sunscreen: The sun can be strong in the mountains, so be sure to bring sunscreen.
• Have fun: North Conway is a beautiful place to play golf. Relax and enjoy the scenery.

Shalimar of India: A Taste of the Indian Subcontinent in North Conway

Shalimar of India is a hidden gem in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving authentic Indian cuisine for over 20 years. The menu features a wide variety of dishes from all over the Indian subcontinent, including tandoori chicken, biryani, and lamb vindaloo.

The food at Shalimar of India is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The spices are used sparingly, so the flavors of the food shine through. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.

The service at Shalimar of India is warm and friendly. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant is also family-friendly, with a separate children's menu.

If you're looking for a delicious and authentic Indian meal, Shalimar of India is the perfect place for you. The restaurant is located in North Conway, New Hampshire, and is open for lunch and dinner.

Here are some of the dishes you can try at Shalimar of India:

• Tandoori chicken: This dish is made with chicken that has been marinated in yogurt and spices, and then cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, and the spices add a nice heat.

  Opens in a new windowYelp

  Tandoori chicken dish at Shalimar of India restaurant in North Conway

• Biryani: This is a rice dish that is cooked with meat, vegetables, and spices. It is a popular dish in India, and there are many different variations. The biryani at Shalimar of India is made with chicken or lamb, and it is cooked with basmati rice, vegetables, and spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish.

  Opens in a new windowYelp

  Biryani dish at Shalimar of India restaurant in North Conway

• Lamb vindaloo: This is a spicy dish that is made with lamb, potatoes, and a variety of spices. It is a popular dish in Goa, a state in India. The lamb vindaloo at Shalimar of India is made with tender lamb, and it is cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce.

  Opens in a new windowwww.shalimarofindianh.com

  Lamb vindaloo dish at Shalimar of India restaurant in North Conway

• Vegetarian dishes: Shalimar of India also has a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. Some of the popular vegetarian dishes include aloo gobi (cauliflower and potato curry), dal makhani (lentils in a creamy sauce), and shahi paneer (cottage cheese in a creamy sauce).

  Opens in a new windowHappyCow

  Vegetarian dishes at Shalimar of India restaurant in North Conway

If you're looking for a delicious and authentic Indian meal, Shalimar of India is the perfect place for you. The restaurant is located in North Conway, New Hampshire, and is open for lunch and dinner.

Quick market stats posted on 5/16.  Check them out and let me know if you have any questions :) 

North Conway in Conway, New Hampshire, is experiencing a significant boom in commercial construction. Despite the town's one-year commercial moratorium on buildings over 50,000 square feet or hotels, which was approved by voters in April, ongoing projects were granted approval before the moratorium was enacted. Projects include the Ridgeline Community development, the construction of a Cambria hotel, a Hilton Garden Inn, a retail complex, and the completion of a Market Basket store. Additionally, plans for a Tractor Supply Co. store, rental housing, and affordable housing projects are in the works.

The construction activity extends beyond North Conway. In Intervale, Ledge View Lodges is building 19 single-family homes, while in Jackson, the Wentworth Inn is undergoing upgrades after being purchased by Atlantic Equity Partners. Attitash Mountain Resort is replacing its summit chair with a high-speed quad for the upcoming season. The town of Conway has seen a significant increase in commercial permits, with construction costs estimated at $19,199,444 this year.

The commercial moratorium was implemented to allow the town's planning board to update the neglected master plan. The goal is to finish this process by January 2024 and subsequently update zoning ordinances. However, the moratorium has affected some projects, such as the planned revamping and expansion of the Yankee Clipper Motor Inn. Local construction experts are amazed by the current level of growth and commercial construction in the area. Residential construction is also expected to catch up, as there are still many residential permit applications being processed.

Despite the moratorium, the construction activity in Conway and the surrounding areas remains robust. The completion of ongoing projects and the approval of new ones will contribute to the town's commercial and residential development.

More details in this story from the Conway Daily Sun

Click here to see a copy of the ruling

On Tuesday, May 2, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled in favor of short-term rental owner Scott Kudrick, allowing owners to continue renting properties, at least until the town of Conway decides to regulate them. The case centered on whether non-owner-occupied short-term rentals are permitted in residential districts under the Conway Zoning Ordinance. In January 2022, a county superior court judge ruled that short-term rentals fit within the definition of "residential dwelling unit" and did not need to be owner-occupied in residential zones. The recent New Hampshire Supreme Court ruling upheld this decision, stating that the language of Conway's ordinance did not clearly address short-term rentals and that it was up to the legislature and municipal authorities, not the courts, to consider any policy concerns related to short-term rentals. The town of Conway had previously filed for a declaratory judgment against Kudrick, arguing that "living as a household" required a level of stability in occupying a residential dwelling unit, but the court disagreed. The recent town vote to change a definition central to the case is also unclear in terms of its implications for short-term rentals. The town has been moving toward regulating short-term rentals in commercial zones for several months and has approved funds to expand the building department to allow licensing of short-term rentals and inspections of property.

From the Conway Daily Sun, the town of Jackson is going to ask owners (with permits that require it) to supply a log of their rental activity so the town can make sure those owners are not exceeding 30 rentals per year.  I am a fan of occupancy restrictions because they are helpful & easy to monitor.  Limiting nights or number of rentals seems impossible to enforce and really doesn't solve the problem.  What is better... 40 good rentals of small, respectful groups.... or 30 rentals with overcrowding and noise?

https://youtube.com/shorts/YnLS1pB6aCE?feature=share

Franconia's new STR license will require a safety inspection for approval.  This seems like a good idea as there are so many properties in the area that have bedrooms without egress, decks without railings and inadequate smoke detectors but I wonder why many towns do not inspect properties offered for long term rental.

I recently saw a new vacation rental posting.  Scrolling through the pictures, I saw a couple of bedrooms without proper egress.  Unfortunately, this is not something that is monitored or enforced around North Conway, so it puts the burden of care on owners.

When planning a vacation rental, it's essential to consider the safety of your guests. One area that often gets overlooked is egress from bedrooms. Egress refers to the ability to exit a room in the case of an emergency, and it's crucial to ensure that guests can do so safely and quickly.

Here are a few reasons why egress from bedrooms in a vacation rental is so important:

1. Emergency situations can happen at any time No one plans for an emergency, but they can happen at any time. From a fire to a medical emergency, guests need to be able to exit their bedrooms quickly and safely. If egress is obstructed or difficult to navigate, guests may be trapped in the event of an emergency.

2. It's a legal requirement In many places, it's a legal requirement to provide safe and accessible egress from bedrooms. Building codes dictate the size and placement of windows and doors to ensure that occupants can exit the building in case of an emergency. As a vacation rental owner, it's your responsibility to ensure that your property complies with local building codes.

3. It gives guests peace of mind When guests stay in a vacation rental, they want to feel safe and secure. Knowing that they can exit their bedrooms quickly and easily in an emergency can give them peace of mind and help them relax during their stay.

So, what can you do to ensure safe egress from bedrooms in your vacation rental? Here are a few tips:

1. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in each bedroom and throughout the rental property.

2. Ensure that all doors and windows are in good working condition and that guests can open them easily.

3. Provide clear instructions on how to exit the rental property in the case of an emergency.

4. Consider installing emergency lighting in hallways and staircases to guide guests to safety.

5. Regularly inspect and maintain egress points to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Even though it is not enforced, please don't make the mistake of adding extra bedrooms to maximize income while exposing guests to a dangerous situation.

On Saturday, Madison voters approved Article 16 that will establish a fund to fight short term rentals in the town.

More information about the discussion here:

http://www.madison-nh.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023_Town-Meeting-Minutes.pdf

Here is the most recent pending and sold information:

Single Family Homes

• Recently sold in North Conway
• Recently sold in Bartlett
• Recently sold in Jackson

Condo / townhomes

• Recently sold in North Conway
• Recently sold in Bartlett
• Recently sold in Jackson