FAQs

                 

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Should I Register my STR?  

Sunapee has made the switch away from the STR management platform GovOS to OpenGov.  The Lake Sunapee STR Association's attorney recommends that if you chose to register your STR, that you write on your registration form "under protest and without prejudice" to protect your property rights in the event of any future legal challenges.  

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Does the Lake Sunapee Short Term Rental Association have legal representation?

Yes, LSSTRA is represented by two different law firms which have strong municipal background skills and experience.  Each provides advice to our Board of Directors.  

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How will Sunapee's 2024 short-term rental ordinance affect STR owners?

Further restrictions have now been imposed on Sunapee STRs.  Please see our NEWS page to understand what these mean for your rental. Or, reach out to us with any specific questions.  

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Going forward, any property owner wanting their residence to become a short-term rental in the Rural Residential district will be required to apply for a "special exception" process with the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).  Any property owner in the Rural Lands districts will need to seek a "variance" from the ZBA.  

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What is a "Special Exception"?

A Special Exception is an application process which is heard and evaluated by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  The ZBA has expressed their bias against STRs in previous cases and have shown themselves to not be in support of STRs.  The process is costly and time-consuming and the LSSTRA believes it leaves too much room for decision-bias.  Reach out to the LSSTRA with questions about the process and how best to approach it.  

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How do I know what district my house is in?

It is important to know what district your house is in as the new ordinance has permissions based on locations.  Go to the town's website: ​https://www.town.sunapee.nh.us.  Click on the GIS tab and zoom in on your property location.  Click on the Avitar card and this will tell you what zone your house is in.         

The purple dots on the below Sunapee Zoning Map represent known short term rental locations.  The dots were added as an overlay by a research group at the request of LSSTRA. ​​​​​​

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What can I do as an STR owner to help protect my right to rent my home?

We understand it is a challenge to balance the desire to rent your space while also wanting to remain somewhat anonymous.  We understand why STR owners may not want to draw attention to themselves in this tension-filled discussion!  Yet, the Sunapee STR community needs to have a united voice to present to the town about why we are good for the town’s economy, how we are sensitive to neighbor’s concerns, and how we can support the town’s resources.  This said, consider one or more of the following:

1. Be a great host!  Make sure your guests understand the town’s ordinances regarding trash, beach use, noise, parking, pet-leashing, boating laws, etc. 

2. If you do not live in Sunapee or close by, consider engaging a local co-host to offer “eyes-on” services to your rental, and to be the first point of contact in the event of any issues.  This offers a great reassurance to neighbors!

3. Send letters or emails to the board chairs to explain why you have an STR in Sunapee and how it helps contribute to the town’s economy.  These can be sent to the Planning Board, Zoning Board and Board of Selectmen, as well as to the Town Manager.  Contact us for names and email addresses.

4. Provide community engagement.  Consider supporting local resources, by joining the Lake Sunapee Protective Association or donating to the Sunapee Garden Club.  Contribute to unique Sunapee events, such as: the annual cereal drive, Christmas Giving Tree, sponsor a child for summer camp, give to the Police Benevolent Fund, or shop for donations to give to the food bank, etc.  Develop a "give back" mindset!  

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What Is the status of Dewey Beach for guests?

For the summer of 2024 one pass was issued per household for additional guests. The same plan appears to be in effect for 2025. This “one pass per household” could be used for family members visiting a Sunapee resident, or, for paying guests utilizing a STR. It does appear that this was an equitable solution for the beach management and Sunapee home-owners.   

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Why was Lake Sunapee Short Term Rental Association started?

It became obvious in the spring and summer of 2022 that Sunapee STR owners needed a collective voice.  The process the town sponsored STR Task Force engaged in was flawed, so the outcome also couldn’t help but be flawed.   The evidence of this is the 3 draft ordinances that were circulated, which were excessively restrictive and punitive against STRs.  Therefore, a few STR owners opted to start the LSSTRA to unite STR hosts with one voice of advocacy for STR owners, data-based education about STRs in Sunapee, and resource-stewardship of the lakes, land, and Sunapee civil servants. 

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Who can join the LSSTRA?

Anyone is welcome to explore the website and ask questions at info@lsstra.org! 

We also now have a membership option!  Check out our membership page to see what information and opportunities are provided exclusively to members. 

 

On our “Add Your Voice” page, Sunapee STR owners can add their email address for updates from LSSTRA and general location of their STR.  No worries - we keep your info private - we will never share your email or contact information with anyone without your permission first.  We also welcome pro-STR businesses to add their voices, recognizing our local businesses are largely dependent on tourism.  

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