Council opens public hearing on zoning Ordinance 2025‑15 to restore special‑use permits

The Town Council opened a public hearing on Ordinance 2025‑15 at its work session. The ordinance is a proposed amendment to the zoning chapter intended to restore special‑use permits that staff say were removed after recent changes in state law.

Staff member (first speaking during the hearing) told the council that the draft returns the town "to where you were a few years ago." The staff member said, "What Stephanie has done, and it's been a lot of work on her part on her part alone, by by the way, with Weston and Sampson. She's essentially restored the special use permits that you previously had." The comment framed the amendment as a restoration of prior local permitting authority under new state‑authorized criteria.

Council discussion was primarily procedural. The ordinance subcommittee reported it had recommended the measure favorably and a motion to adopt was first made but then withdrawn so the council could formally open the public hearing. A council member moved to open the hearing and Councilman Poni seconded; the hearing was held and the chair closed it, with the council scheduling the ordinance for a vote at the next regular meeting.

No public speakers were recorded in opposition during this work session. The staff explanation referenced technical changes required by the state and noted the planning board had previously given a favorable recommendation. The council did not take final action on the ordinance at this session; a formal vote will occur at the council's next regular meeting.