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Planning Board approves revised wording to combined-business zoning amendment; will include explanation in briefing book
Summary
The Planning Board voted May 6 to move forward with a revised motion on Article 37 that adds the word "tenant" to change-of-use language for combined business zoning and to include an explanatory note in the briefing book; board members also discussed stormwater-fund implications and transportation analysis requirements.
The Town of Concord Planning Board on May 6 approved a revised motion for Article 37, a 2025 ATM warrant article addressing combined business zoning and related parking requirements, instructing staff to include an explanation in the briefing book.
The board voted to revise the proposed motion language to expand the term "use" to "use or tenant" (and similarly "new uses or tenants") so the amendment covers changes when a new tenant occupies a permitted use. The chair confirmed the revised motion and additional explanatory text will be printed in the briefing book before Town Meeting.
Board members discussed the proposal's aims: to reduce impervious cover, allow economic vitality through reduced parking constraints and rely on transportation analysis to justify reductions. One member said a transportation analysis would be central and the presentation will demonstrate how reductions could work and be reversed if they do not function as expected.
Members also noted the town is instituting a stormwater fund based on impervious area; a commenter urged that the planning board's approach be consistent with the townwide stormwater policy so property owners are not charged for impervious area the town requires. The board agreed the stormwater fund should be part of the presentation to explain how impervious-area charges relate to zoning changes.
The revised motion was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; members recorded "Aye." The board directed staff to include the revised motion and an explanation in the briefing book and to present an updated slide package at the next meeting in advance of Town Meeting.
