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Charlton approves zoning map changes and bylaw amendments including floodplain language and building-numbering policy
Summary
Voters approved several zoning and bylaw amendments: a building-numbering bylaw change (Chapter 115), multiple zoning map changes removing parcels from the wireless telecommunications overlay and changing a parcel from BEP to agricultural/rural residential, and a zoning bylaw insertion clarifying subdivision review in the Floodplain Overlay.
Charlton ' Town meeting voters approved a series of zoning and bylaw amendments addressing building numbering, zoning districts and subdivision review language.
Article 7 amended Chapter 115 (buildings and the numbering thereof) by adding a section that authorizes the Board of Selectmen to approve and amend a policy for assigning numbers to buildings. The motion was presented as "accepted as written," carried by ballot and recorded in the transcript as 43 in the affirmative and 10 opposed.
Article 8 was a zoning map change sponsored by the property owner Waldo Eastman to rezone assessor's parcel Map 24 A-4.4 (about 4.8 acres on North Side Road) from Business Enterprise Park (BEP) to Agricultural/Rural Residential (AR-60). Eastman told the assembly the property historically hosted a family sawmill and that North Side Road is not a commercial corridor. The Planning Board recommended approval. The motion carried by ballot; the transcript records 51 in the affirmative (the record also indicates an "opposed 1" reference that the moderator read, see clarifying details).
Article 9 sought to remove three lots (Map 24, Block A, Lots 4, 4.1 and 4.4) totaling about 42.18 acres from the Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Overlay District. The Planning Board recommended the change; the moderator noted the overlay was established in 1998 and that the requested revision would better reflect underlying property uses. The motion carried by ballot, recorded as 49 in the affirmative and 2 opposed.
Article 10 amended Zoning Bylaw Section 6.9 (Subdivision Proposals) by adding language that "all subdivision proposals and development proposals in the Floodplain Overlay District shall be reviewed to assure that" (introductory words to ensure incorporation of existing wetland parameters). Planning Board members said the change was requested to satisfy state review and to introduce existing wetland provisions into the subdivision section. The motion required and received a two-thirds majority; the transcript records 48 in the affirmative and 2 in the negative.
Why it matters: These amendments change how certain parcels are zoned and how municipal staff and boards assign building numbers and review subdivision proposals in floodplain areas. Removing parcels from the wireless overlay does not remove the overlay district entirely; planning staff said large portions of the overlay remain unchanged.
Votes at a glance - Article 7 (Chapter 115 building-numbering policy): Approved by ballot, recorded 43 yes, 10 no. - Article 8 (Map 24 A-4.4 rezoned BEP to AR-60): Approved by ballot, recorded in transcript as 51 yes (see clarifying details for a minor reporting inconsistency noted on the floor). - Article 9 (remove three lots from Wireless Telecommunications Overlay): Approved by ballot, recorded 49 yes, 2 no. - Article 10 (amend Zoning Bylaw Sec. 6.9 to include floodplain review language): Approved by ballot, recorded 48 yes, 2 no (two-thirds majority achieved).
