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Planning commission approves LDR language clarifying postsecondary-only scope after UVM concern
Summary
The South Burlington Planning Commission unanimously approved revised Land Development Regulation (LDR) language clarifying that a recently proposed provision applies only to postsecondary educational facilities after the University of Vermont raised concerns about the earlier wording.
The South Burlington Planning Commission voted unanimously to include revised language in the next round of Land Development Regulation amendments that clarifies the provision applies to postsecondary educational facilities only.
Commissioners moved the item up on the agenda so representatives from the University of Vermont could comment. The change replaces an added clarifying sentence with the phrase “postsecondary” in the relevant subsection so the provision does not unintentionally apply to elementary or middle schools.
The clarification followed UVM’s request at the council public hearing that the prior sentence be removed because it had raised ambiguity about the provision’s scope. Paul, a city planning staff member, explained the edit: the intent of the change was to make clear the provision targeted postsecondary institutions rather than K–12 schools. Commissioner Michael made the motion to include the drafted language in the next amendment round; it was seconded and approved without objection.
Lisa Kingsbury, representing the University of Vermont, thanked staff for addressing UVM’s concern. She said, “No. Nothing to add. I appreciate the staffs, taking a look at this and, understanding our concern with the original language and and just adapting it, so that it meets everybody's goals. So appreciate it.”
The amendment affects the LDR subsection discussed as 701.d.4 in staff materials and is intended to limit the particular use allowances in the institutional/institutional agricultural (IA) zone to postsecondary facilities. Staff indicated the change restores the original intent without requiring another public hearing.
Staff will carry the clarified text forward as part of the next consolidated package of LDR amendments for broader public review and continued vetting by the commission.
