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Auburn planning board directs staff to draft amendment to allow development of some lots under 20,000 sq ft
Summary
The Auburn Planning Board voted Oct. 14 to direct staff to draft changes to Chapter 60 to reconcile minimum-lot-size language with the state plumbing code, allowing development on certain existing nonconforming lots while protecting watershed areas; the motion passed by voice vote.
The Auburn Planning Board on Oct. 14 voted to direct staff to prepare an amendment to the city zoning ordinance intended to resolve a conflict between Chapter 60 minimum‑lot‑size rules and the state plumbing code.
Staff told the board that two sections of the ordinance appear to conflict: section 60‑39 contains a catchall exception for lots legally laid out under earlier rules, while section 60‑42 states that no residential lot smaller than 20,000 square feet may be developed. "We've had a couple questions about lots that are under 20,000 square feet and whether or not they could be developed," staff said, noting that the plumbing code can allow development on lots as small as 10,000 square feet if certain plumbing requirements are met.
Board members said the discrepancy has left some existing lots, notably in the Hotel Road neighborhood, unable to be developed despite plumbing‑code allowances. "I'm struck by the contradictory nature of those two sections," said Tim Duroche, urging staff to trace amendments and timing to clarify how the language evolved.
Staff warned the board that any change should be crafted carefully to avoid unintentionally enabling new undersized lots and to protect critical water resources. The staff presentation noted watershed sensitivity around Taylor Pond and the Lake Auburn watershed and recommended retaining setback and buffer protections in the amended language.
Board member Bilal moved that "staff be directed to prepare an amendment to section 60‑39, section 60‑42, and other applicable sections as deemed necessary to align Auburn's ordinance with the plumbing code, enable reasonable infill development on legally nonconforming lots, and protect critical watershed areas." The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was provided.
What the board asked staff to draft is an initiation of ordinance language changes — not a final adoption. Staff said they would review the ordinance history for amendments and return with proposed language. The board also asked members to flag any other ordinance sections that might interact with the proposed changes so staff could review the code comprehensively.
Next steps: staff will prepare draft amendment language and return to the planning board for review; the board did not set a specific return date during the Oct. 14 meeting.
