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Committee discusses Chapter 91 conditions and 'One Big Beach' easements; no change directed
Summary
The committee reviewed language about public access, Chapter 91 licensing, and the town's 'One Big Beach' easement program, and asked staff to clarify where the two programs overlap and where they do not.
Committee members discussed a recommendation about expanding permitted uses of the intertidal zone (Chapter 91 licenses) to prioritize public access and whether those state licensing rules overlap with the town’s One Big Beach easement program.
Members said that Chapter 91 is state law and that broad statutory changes would need action at the state level. The committee noted that the state’s licensing process can and sometimes does attach public‑access conditions or require monetary contributions to improve access where physical access is impractical, and members pointed to past local Chapter 91 licenses that included such conditions.
The committee also queried whether there is a compiled, town‑level list of One Big Beach easements. Staff said a list should exist and agreed to follow up with the planning office and with Andrew Horst (who helped develop the program) to find the official record and clarify any overlap with Chapter 91 licensing.
No policy decision was made; staff will research existing Chapter 91 conditions used locally and locate the official One Big Beach easement list for committee reference.
