Vienna planning board outlines zoning‑law revision timeline; liaison reports tree lighting, luncheon, cell tower and solar farm progress

The Planning Board used a portion of its Nov. 20 meeting to update the public record on ongoing zoning‑law revisions and town projects. Chair Orrin MacMurray said he has met with the Town Council and expects at least one more Council meeting before the board holds a public informational meeting and the Planning Board public hearing. The board previously agreed to table changes related to overlays and special‑use permit notice procedures at the Nov. 13 meeting.

Mac said he plans to take questions on tiny homes and campgrounds next to the Town Council; he also indicated a desire not to grandfather campground garbage‑disposal setback provisions after a recommendation from Dave Carpenter that the setback not be grandfathered. Mac will add a five‑foot setback for storage in the draft. The board agreed that Tug Hill would prepare a redlined Zoning Law draft in March–April, with the Planning Board performing a final review and a public hearing aimed for May. Member Martha Link is still working on updated lighting requirements to include in the revisions.

Town Council Liaison Darrin Smith gave several community updates: the town tree lighting is set for Dec. 6 and the town Christmas luncheon for Dec. 10; he also reported that the cell tower on town property is progressing and that work on a solar farm on Route 49 is moving forward.

Why it matters: The zoning revisions could alter development rules for tiny homes, campgrounds, lighting, and overlay procedures; the timeline sets expectations for when residents can review redlined changes and participate in hearings.

Next steps: Mac anticipates a public informational meeting after further Council discussion and a redlined draft from Tug Hill in March–April leading to a Planning Board review and public hearing by May.