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Planning board recommends unified development review ordinance that gives board authority to grant zoning relief
Summary
The board unanimously voted to recommend a unified development review (UDR) ordinance that makes UDR a required process, lets the planning board grant zoning relief, and routes appeals to the superior court (land court) to speed permitting.
The North Smithfield Planning Board voted Sept. 12 to forward a positive recommendation to the Town Council for a unified development review (UDR) ordinance that will be required rather than optional.
Consultants explained the UDR process consolidates zoning relief and development‑plan review so applicants need not go to multiple boards. "This just gives the planning board more power," the consultant said, describing how municipalities must now give planning boards authority to grant zoning relief and how appeals from the planning board would go directly to the land court division of the superior court.
Board members asked whether pre‑application review would be required; consultants said pre‑apps could be encouraged in subdivision regulations but are unlikely to be mandated. The town solicitor and others walked the board through the legal implications, saying the change does not add liability beyond current practice when members act within their statutory authority and recommending training and orientation for members on zoning, ethics and open‑meetings rules.
A motion to send a positive recommendation to the Town Council carried on a roll‑call vote: Benoit — yes; Roberts — yes; Menard — yes; vice chair — yes. The board’s recommendation will proceed to the council for consideration.
