Narragansett Planning Board reviews 15% variance rule impacts on building permits

The Narragansett Town Council held a worksession on August 6, 2025, focusing on building permit applications and zoning regulations. The meeting began with a review of data presented by Wayne Shaw, indicating that over the past five years, less than 4% of building permit applications required variances or special use permits. This statistic suggests that the majority of applications—approximately 96%—were approved by staff without needing further planning or zoning board involvement.

Council members discussed the implications of recent changes to development standards, particularly concerning substandard lots, which constitute nearly half of Narragansett's properties. It was noted that the modifications to zoning regulations have shifted the burden of neighbor notifications for variance applications from the town to the applicants themselves. This change has resulted in an increased workload for planning and zoning staff, regardless of whether the proposed changes to the 15% variance threshold are implemented.

The council emphasized the need for a review of the 15% standards after a year of implementation to assess their effectiveness. Members expressed concerns that the initial decision to adopt these standards lacked sufficient data and was somewhat arbitrary. They acknowledged the importance of gathering more information before making further changes to the development standards.

Discussions also touched on the challenges faced by residents in understanding the variance application process, with some families reportedly opting not to apply due to confusion or perceived costs. The council reiterated that while variances can be requested, the process must still go through the zoning official, who has the authority to approve or deny applications based on compliance with existing regulations.

As the meeting progressed, council members expressed a commitment to balancing growth with maintaining the character of the community. They recognized the need for ongoing dialogue and data collection to inform future decisions regarding zoning and development standards in Narragansett. The session concluded with a consensus on the importance of reviewing the impact of the 15% rollback and ensuring that residents are adequately informed about their rights and options regarding property development.