Selma planning board backs several UDO tweaks including longer appeal window and new downtown bar permit process

The Town of Selma Planning Board voted Oct. 27 to recommend several updates to the Unified Development Ordinance to the Town Council, including lengthening the appeal period for administrative decisions and changing permit rules for downtown bars.

Planning staff told the board the amendment to Section 17‑15‑04 would change the existing 10‑day deadline for appeals of administrative decisions to 30 days to match the state statute and to give residents more time to file appeals. ‘‘Ten days seems very small for people to appeal,’’ planning staff said, arguing the change would align the town code with general state appeal practice.

The board also addressed Section 17‑410, the table of permitted uses, and recommended treating future ‘bar’ uses in the CB (downtown) district the same as microbreweries — requiring a special‑use permit rather than an outright allowance. Planning staff said the change corrects an inconsistency in the UDO and would apply to new applicants; existing businesses that were permitted previously would not automatically be affected. Staff noted examples in the district including Hatchet Brewing, Quantum Toad and Alley Bar while explaining that new bars would follow the special‑use process.

Finally, staff proposed amendments to Sections 17‑6‑20 and 17‑1706 to remove a one‑year refiling restriction and otherwise conform the town code to House Bill 926, a recent state law that prohibits certain waiting periods for refiling development applications. Planning staff presented the text changes and the board voted to find the amendments consistent with town code and state law and to forward them to the Town Council.

The board’s action is a recommendation; final enactment would require Town Council consideration. Planning staff said the changes are intended to reduce conflicts between local rules and state law and to clarify permitting pathways for downtown commercial uses.