Committee defers revised parking and easement ordinance for Lychester/Winchester Drive after request to brief residents

The ordinance committee on Monday reviewed a revised proposal to regulate use of town-owned parking and to establish driveway easements for properties adjacent to town land, but delayed final action so staff can refine easement language and consult residents.

Tony, a town staff member who presented the draft, told the committee the newest version moves the rules out of the zoning ordinance and into chapter 180, article 3 of the town code. "This latest iteration is not for the zoning ordinance," he said, "rather I think it's more appropriate to go in chapter 180 of the town code, article 3 — regulations for parking lots that are privately owned and also publicly owned parking lots." The draft would require anyone storing vehicles or placing temporary or permanent structures on town-owned land to obtain a permit and would allow driveway easements so property owners could access a public street, provided they secure town permission and accept maintenance and liability responsibilities.

Committee members pressed for details on who would approve and manage easements. "I have it in this ordinance for the town council to do it, but that's a default — whatever you guys think is most appropriate," Tony said, adding that the town could instead delegate approval to the public works director, the town administrator or the town clerk.

Several members also raised enforcement and on-the-ground concerns. The presenter said violations would be handled in municipal court under the general violation provisions and that the ordinance would include a no-loitering provision for town-owned property. Committee member S3 urged staff to give affected residents a chance to review the easement template before the committee votes. "I'd like to have Moose have an opportunity before we vote on it to bring it back to those residents... so they're not blindsided," S3 said.

After discussion, S3 moved to defer the item so staff could make amendments and allow direct outreach to residents; the motion passed by voice vote. The committee asked staff to bring a copy of the easement template and to prepare certified-notice language for adjacent property owners.

The committee did not adopt the ordinance; it deferred action and asked staff to return with revised language and evidence that adjacent residents have been notified and consulted.