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Council reviews planning commission's draft changes on stalled projects, setbacks, driveways and noise
Summary
Council members and planning staff discussed drafting clearer standards for stalled construction, measuring setbacks and accessory structures, driveway runoff and possible noise standards related to outdoor recreation such as pickleball courts; staff will route detailed language through the planning commission.
Interlaken Town council members and planning staff discussed several planning and permitting topics at the Aug. 25 meeting, including stalled construction projects, measuring setbacks for cantilevered structures, accessory buildings and covered porches, driveway runoff, and possible noise standards for uses such as pickleball courts.
Planning staff member Diana told the council she had not received engineering updates and that some projects remain stalled by contractors or other delays. She and council members discussed possible tools to incentivize progress, including the concept of suspending permits if work does not move forward for a defined period (excluding winter months and other extenuating circumstances). "If we don't see any movement in x amount of months ... disregard[ing] winter ... suspend the permit," Diana said as an idea to explore.
Council members also sought clearer language on how setbacks should be measured when a structure includes a cantilever. Diana proposed the setback be measured from the farthest outside wall and that site-plan submissions show side views and cantilever details.
Accessory buildings under 200 square feet that historically did not require permits were discussed after council members noted owners sometimes add covered porches or roofed areas that extend beyond the foundation and increase usable space. Diana suggested clarifying that if an accessory building includes a covered porch extending past the foundation, a permit should be required.
Runoff from driveways and construction debris in roadways were also raised. Council members noted the town already has authority to cite debris left in the roadway and discussed whether new construction should be required to include measures on site plans to address runoff and material type before driveways are built.
Noise related to recreational uses drew particular attention in the context of proposed pickleball courts. A council member recounted the town lawyer's earlier recommendation to adopt a general noise ordinance with numeric limits (decibel thresholds at property lines) rather than conditional permits, and cautioned about unequal enforcement across other noisy activities such as construction. The council discussed notifying neighbors in advance of noisy activities and seeking a balanced, defensible approach.
No code changes were adopted; staff were asked to forward detailed comments and draft clarifications to the planning commission and to work with the town attorney and the engineering consultant to develop defensible, enforceable language.
Why it matters Clearer permit standards, setback measurements and construction timelines can reduce blight, address neighborhood concerns and speed completion of projects. Noise standards and runoff controls affect livability and public safety.
What's next Planning staff will consolidate council feedback, work with the town attorney and engineers, and return proposed code language to the planning commission and council for further review.
