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Needham Planning Board votes unanimously to send updated floodplain zoning bylaws to Select Board
Summary
The Planning Board voted 5-0 to forward proposed zoning bylaw amendments and map changes reflecting updated federal floodplain maps to the Select Board for referral to a public hearing; staff said the town has until July to complete regulatory updates and the state has pre-reviewed the draft language.
The Needham Planning Board on Feb. 25 voted unanimously to send a package of zoning bylaw amendments and zoning map changes related to updated federal floodplain maps to the Select Board for referral to a public hearing.
Planning Board Chair Natasha Spada said the board had received notice that federal floodplain mapping for parts of town had changed and that the town needed to update its zoning bylaws to remain consistent with current federal regulation. "When that happens, they send us new maps and require that we update the zoning bylaws to include the new maps showing the updated floodplain designations," said Chris Heap, town counsel, explaining why the amendments were before the board.
The proposed articles incorporate sections from the Massachusetts model floodplain bylaw, which state staff identified as the template to achieve compliance, Chris Heap said. Lee Newman, planning staff, told the board the state provided an itemized list of changes that the town should adopt and that Needham used that guidance to draft the amendments.
Lee Newman said the town has until July to complete the bylaw updates and that the state has formally approved the town's action plan for the process. Newman added he would send the articles to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for a prereview so DCR can perform a final sign-off after town adoption, similar to the town's process under the MBTA Communities Act.
Board member Justin McCullen moved to send the zoning articles to the Select Board so the Select Board can act at its March 11 meeting and refer the articles for a public hearing. Adam Block seconded the motion. The roll-call vote was Arty Crocker — aye; Paul Alpert — aye; Adam Block — aye; Justin McCullen — aye; Natasha Spada, chair — aye. The motion carried 5-0.
The board and staff also discussed schedule details: Select Board action is expected March 11, and the Planning Board plans the public hearing for March 27. Newman told the board the draft zoning language reflects state guidance and that the town received a state grant that offset much of the consultant cost to prepare the amendments.
The board did not make any amendments to the text at the Feb. 25 meeting; the formal public hearing and any subsequent changes will occur after referral by the Select Board. The articles will be placed on the warrant for the May town meeting for final consideration, Newman said.
