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Planning staff proposes plain‑English development‑plan summaries; board requests edits
Summary
Staff presented a plain‑English version of the development‑plan review ordinance and a summary table showing required approvals for different development types. Board members identified clerical corrections, asked to reference DEM review for OWTS, and suggested follow‑up items on signage, parking buffers and pesticides.
The planning staff presented a plain‑English companion to the development‑plan review ordinance intended to help applicants and the public understand what approvals different development types require.
Peter said the document mirrors the draft ordinance but translates technical language into a summary table and explanatory notes, a request the board made at its October meeting. Board members praised the effort but identified needed corrections: missing plat numbers in the public‑utility zone text; a section title that still reads 'attached multifamily' even though the use description was changed to 'multifamily'; and clarification that the permitting authority (not only the planning board) should be referenced for OWTS reviews so the town does not inadvertently sidestep DEM review.
Members also raised policy questions that may require separate follow‑up: whether signage should be included in phased‑development checklists, how the historic district commission’s advisory role on siting/massing overlaps with scale review, whether parking buffer plantings should include height or maintenance standards, and whether the town should address pesticide applications for tick control. Peter and staff agreed to correct clerical errors, consider adding permitting authority language referencing DEM and to bring back a revised draft in January.
