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Planning board workshops multiple zoning updates: chickens, timber harvesting, sidewalks, ADUs and affordable‑housing provisions
Summary
The Town of Wells Planning Board on July 21 reviewed proposed updates to local ordinances on backyard poultry, timber harvesting, sidewalks/bike lanes, ADUs and affordable‑housing provisions and directed staff to refine draft language for additional workshop review.
WELLS, Maine — At the July 21 workshop session the Town of Wells Planning Board reviewed a package of proposed zoning and ordinance changes that would update local code to reflect recent state law changes and local planning goals.
Key topics reviewed
Chickens and backyard fowl: The board discussed state changes that set a cap of 36 birds for certain residential lots and impose a minimum outdoor space requirement (4 square feet per fowl) plus a 15‑foot coop setback from property lines. Board members recommended keeping local “large poultry” thresholds at 20–36 to balance state allowances with neighborhood expectations.
Timber harvesting: Staff proposed replacing the town’s existing timber‑harvesting language with language that mirrors state requirements so that enforcement responsibilities and standards can align with state practice.…
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