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Planning board tables buildable-area changes, directs staff to hold workshop
Summary
The board debated differing 'buildable area' thresholds in the UDO and land-use plan (examples cited: 9,000 vs. 10,000 sq ft), rejected large increases that could render lots unusable, and voted to table the item while directing staff to convene a workshop with technical experts.
The planning board reviewed Appendix 2B and the UDO’s references to 'buildable area' during its Jan. 27 meeting and agreed the topic requires more technical analysis before a text amendment.
Staff described how the code currently requires showing a minimum buildable area (examples in discussion: 9,000 sq ft in Appendix 2B, 10,000 sq ft referenced elsewhere) and explained why raising minimums to figures such as 40,000 sq ft could effectively make certain lots unusable and risk a regulatory-taking claim. Board members noted that the term’s definition (whether it excludes easements, utilities and environmentally sensitive areas) overlaps with tree-ordinance definitions and suggested the subcommittee or a workshop review the matter to harmonize references across documents.
The board voted to table the item and directed staff to set up a workshop involving the subcommittee, a land surveyor and other technical staff so the group can align the land-use plan and UDO language and propose consistent thresholds and mapping conventions. The motion to table and convene a workshop was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Why it matters: inconsistent definitions can lead to uneven application of yield plans and create uncertainty for applicants. The workshop is intended to produce a consistent, implementable approach rather than a quick numeric change.
