ZBA fails to overturn farm short-term rental order

Zoning Board of Appeals · Meeting of February 4, 2026

LANESBOROUGH — The Zoning Board of Appeals did not overturn a cease and desist order against short-term rentals at a North Main Street farm. Building Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement Officer Brian DeValle said the order followed owners' emails mentioning an Airbnb, and that the zoning bylaw has no short-term rental allowance. Attorney Elizabeth Goodman, representing owner Patrick Elliott, argued improper service, farm use and selective enforcement.

A motion to dismiss failed, with at least two members voting no. The enforcement officer said two more orders were awaiting the outcome, and the Planning Board aimed to bring a bylaw to the June town meeting.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Resident Bill Matthiesen questioned the timing of enforcement
• Goodman closed her presentation with a request
• A member moved to dismiss, citing improper notice and the absence of a short-term rental bylaw
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Lanesborough's community access TV: Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, February 4, 2026
• The complete report: 715 words

Source: the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of February 4, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.