Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Board debates flood-ordinance revisions and FEMA review ahead of June ballot
Loading...
Summary
Planning staff previewed proposed zoning and flood-ordinance changes for an upcoming public hearing; board members disagreed on whether to advance a shortened package for June or wait for fuller FEMA review and town-attorney input, particularly over a proposed 5‑year substantial-improvement standard and a market-value definition.
Staff told the board it had circulated a reviewer’s letter raising questions about compliance with FEMA guidance, and said FEMA’s office was temporarily closed, complicating outside review. Planning staff asked whether to pursue a shorter set of changes for the June ballot that would advance a 5‑year substantial‑improvement standard and add a market‑value definition, or to postpone to November to allow fuller review.
One board member urged moving forward with the changes the board expects FEMA would accept, noting the 5‑year change "makes a big difference to a lot of people." Another member said the reviewer’s letter contained errors and recommended the town attorney examine FEMA‑related comments: "I think we need a town attorney to look at" the letter before proceeding further.
Members weighed the tradeoffs: pushing a narrower amendment to the June ballot to meet voters’ timing versus withdrawing the item to allow more comprehensive corrections and legal review. The transcript records discussion but no formal board vote to change the ballot schedule; staff said they would pursue attorney review and continued coordination with FEMA guidance when available.
Next steps: planning staff will forward FEMA‑related comments to the town attorney for review and report back; the board will decide whether to limit changes for June or fully revise the ordinance by November after legal review.
