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Planning board clarifies when former school will need a change-of-use filing
Summary
Board and staff discussed when activities at the former school (cheer programs, food pantry, library or leased businesses) would trigger a change-of-use review and noted a change of ownership to a non-school use would require formal filings and likely a fire marshal review.
Board members asked staff to clarify what kinds of activities at the former school would trigger a change-of-use permit. Staff said the current use as a gym for a cheer program does not automatically require a broader change of use, but if the building is used for other activities (classroom spaces, kitchen, food pantry, library-type services) or if the building is sold and will no longer function as a school, a change-of-use application would be required and would trigger review by the fire marshal and related agencies.
Members discussed scenarios where a single owner leases multiple spaces and a blanket change of use could be filed by the owner; staff cautioned that uses not included in the owner’s initial plan could require further filings. The board also discussed potential impacts such as increased electricity costs and whether a nonprofit user could help fund extra operating costs. The board asked staff to provide examples and to advise applicants on how to describe a comprehensive use plan to avoid inadvertent triggers for additional permits.
