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Board takes public input on unsewered-lots amendment and votes to table pending state action
Summary
The board opened a public hearing on proposed changes to the buildable unsewered-lots standard (Section 60-44), accepted comments and unanimously voted to table a recommendation until pending state legislative activity clarifies requirements.
The Auburn Planning Board opened a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Section 60-44 addressing buildable unsewered lots and then unanimously voted to table a recommendation while awaiting the outcome of related state-level proceedings.
Staff explained that a housing-committee public hearing at the state level could change statutory provisions affecting septic requirements and 20,000-square-foot-lot rules; given the pending state action, staff recommended taking public comment now but delaying a formal recommendation until the legislature’s direction is clear.
Resident Steven Beale warned that many areas (Lake Auburn watershed, agriculture-resource protection zones) have constraints that would limit the amendment’s practical effect and urged careful drafting to avoid “spot zoning” that affects only a handful of lots. Beale asked the board to consider parcels already subject to other controls and noted the watershed and AGRP protections.
Board members agreed with the cautionary remarks and voted to table the matter and to request a map showing the number and location of lots 20,000 square feet or smaller that are unsewered, so the board can assess whether the proposed change addresses a substantive problem or affects a negligible number of parcels.
Next steps: staff will assemble maps and additional analysis and return the issue to the board with recommended notification if action is resumed.
