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Bolton PZC weighs simplifying accessory-building requirements and clarifying buildable-area rules
Summary
The Bolton Planning & Zoning Commission debated edits to zoning rules to reduce documentation for small accessory structures, consider waivers in place of formal surveys for large lots, and add minimum buildable-area language to the dimensional table; staff will draft revised language for future hearings.
At a regular April 10, 2019 meeting, the Bolton Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed proposed amendments to Sections 2 and 3 of the town zoning regulations aimed at simplifying application requirements for accessory buildings and clarifying how buildable area is defined.
Zoning Enforcement Officer Jim Rupert told commissioners that current submission requirements can be onerous for owners proposing small accessory structures. He said staff is considering allowing applicants for simple sheds or garages to submit a hand-drawn plan, stake the closest property line and provide a written statement indicating setbacks rather than a full formal submission. Rupert added that larger or more complex projects would still require wetlands delineation or topographic information.
"If the accessory building is more substantial, showing the wetlands and topography is helpful when staff is reviewing the plan," Rupert said. Chairman Adam Teller and other members discussed a waiver approach that would let staff approve straightforward projects over the counter while reserving formal surveys when the proposed structure is close to property lines.
Commissioner James Cropley said requirements should be tailored to the nature and scale of the project and supported a pragmatic waiver list prepared by staff. The commission asked staff to prepare a list of items that could be waived for routine projects and to identify threshold conditions that would require a full survey.
Members also discussed adding a "minimum buildable area" column to the dimensional table and clarifying that buildable area excludes wetlands, watercourses and required buffers. Rupert described one suggested rule that the remaining buildable area should be contiguous and constitute about three-quarters of the parcel after constrained areas are removed; commissioners asked staff to rewrite the section and move the clearer definition to Section 11 and the dimensional tables.
On related subsections, commissioners proposed rewording for clarity, considered removing a passive-solar provision if it is not a state requirement, and debated whether Erosion and Sediment Control bond rules should apply to single-family residences. The commission retained a nuisance/yard-maintenance provision (3A16) after discussion.
The commission did not adopt final language at the meeting; staff was directed to draft revised regulatory text and a list of items eligible for waiver for consideration at a future hearing.
