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P&Z adopts 'large‑scale development' definition, exempts residential equestrian buildings
Summary
Commission adopted a definition triggering SUP review when a building or series of buildings totals 40,000 square feet or more, but added an explicit exemption for equestrian/livestock buildings on residential properties to avoid unintended consequences for agricultural uses.
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved an amendment to the town’s development definitions on April 1 to define “development, large scale” as a building or series of buildings that totals 40,000 square feet or larger and to require SUP review for such development. Commissioners debated how phased projects, subdivision of parcels and residential equestrian facilities would be treated.
Staff and commissioners emphasized that the standard is designed to capture cumulative built area on a parcel or tract, so multi‑building campuses under common ownership or within a single development plan would be subject to SUP review. Commissioners raised concerns that large agricultural/equestrian structures could be unintentionally swept into the requirement. The commission approved a motion to add a parenthetical exemption for equestrian and livestock buildings on residential property.
The change will help the town review large, phased commercial or institutional developments that might otherwise avoid a single comprehensive SUP review by building in small increments; projects already in process will be handled per their existing application and review status.
