Several Coventry residents used public comment to press the council to enforce zoning rules on ‘customary home occupations,’ and the council heard a technical overview of how the town investigates and enforces land‑use violations.

At the start of the meeting and again during undocketed public comment, Cheryl Kane repeatedly told the council she has documented what she described as illegal business activity in residential neighborhoods and said she has provided video and other evidence to town staff and the police. "This ordinance is guidance for business activities and residential zones, period," Kane said, urging the council to require storage of business equipment off‑site and to send compliance letters to offending properties. Kane said she has faced intimidation while documenting activity and urged prompt enforcement.

Planning Director Doug McLean summarized the enforcement protocol: a notice of order (a warning) is issued first with a timeframe for corrective action; if the property owner does not comply, the town moves to a notice of violation, possible recording, fines and municipal court. McLean emphasized that enforcement depends on observable activity: evidence such as customers visiting a property, on‑site operations, or improperly parked commercial vehicles is what typically establishes violations, whereas online listings alone rarely suffice. He said licensing enforcement (for business licenses) is often handled by police, building code issues by the building official, and zoning enforcement by the planning office.

McLean also gave an update on the comprehensive plan. State reviewers told town staff the housing element needed substantive work; staff have secured approximately $90,000 in technical assistance to improve that element and estimated nine months to a year to complete the work if pursued thoroughly, though he suggested the council could move forward with local adoption of the other plan elements while the housing element is refined.

Council members and the director discussed pathways for residents to file complaints and how enforcement resources are allocated. The meeting record shows the council encouraged residents to document observable violations and file complaints with the planning office so staff can investigate and, if warranted, initiate enforcement steps.