State high court sides with city in Amazon Park code dispute

City leaders say they look forward to meeting with campground owners to seek compliance with all building codes at Amazon Park. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The state's Supreme Court has sided with the city of Rochester in their bid to force the owners of Amazon Park to comply with all city building codes.

"The New Hampshire Supreme Court has ruled that all structures in the Amazon Campground must meet the City of Rochester's fire and life safety codes and building codes," City Attorney Terence O'Rourke said following the decision in the case of John W. Weeden v City of Rochester. "The City of Rochester is very pleased with the decision of the Supreme Court, in that it extends the rights to safe, healthy, and structurally sound living conditions to all residents."

O'Rourke also said city officials look forward to meeting with the property owner to ensure that certificates of occupancy are obtained for all residential units, that proper inspections are conducted and that all units meet code.

Rochester Fire Department Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Tim Wilder said he was also pleased with the decision.

"I am pleased that the Supreme Court recognizes that all citizens are entitled to equal rights to health and safety in their residence, and it is encouraging in our line of work to hear that the high court understands that life and fire code are paramount to overall land use," he said.