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Planning commission adopts revised zoning-clearance application form
Summary
Clarkstons Planning Commission approved an updated zoning-clearance application form specifying required plot plans, legal descriptions and property-line-based lot dimensions to reduce future confusion, while commissioners noted the form should align with the town attorneys forthcoming guidance on how "street" is defined in the code.
The Clarkston Planning Commission reviewed and approved a revised zoning-clearance application designed to make submittal requirements clearer for applicants and staff. The new form specifies required items including permit number, applicant name, legal description, and a plot plan showing lot dimensions "based on the property line," the commission said.
"We kind of put property line and making it a little bit more clear that when you come in for this clearance, it's gotta be from property," the chair said as commissioners discussed the language to add clarity for future applicants.
One commissioner cautioned that adopting the form before the town attorney issues a formal interpretation of "street" vs. "property line" could lead to conflict if the attorneys view differs from the commissions interpretation. Other commissioners argued that the form provides helpful clarification for future submissions and will reduce recurring confusion.
A committee member moved to approve the updated zoning-clearance application and another commissioner seconded; the commission approved the form during the meeting. Commissioners said staff should continue to coordinate with the town attorney and update the form if legal guidance requires changes.
The commission also discussed how site-plan review and septic permitting interact: staff said the health department controls septic approvals and the planning commission should ensure permits are not issued before septic clearance is obtained. Commissioners noted criteria that qualify a structure as a residence (sleeping area, kitchen, bathroom) and discussed state-level ADU policies that may require future code changes in Clarkston.
