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Selectboard to deliberate July 20 on revised Land Use Ordinance before a second public hearing
Summary
Staff reviewed the statutory steps needed to adopt the revised Land Use Ordinance; the Selectboard will deliberate on a revised draft at its July 20 meeting and schedule a second public hearing after receiving the Planning Commission’s report.
The Selectboard received a review of the statutory process required to adopt Springfield’s revised Land Use Ordinance and agreed to place deliberation on the July 20, 2026 agenda.
Staff member Mike Martin reviewed the sequence required under state statute: because the Ordinance Committee’s red‑line changes amend the Planning Commission’s December 9 draft, the Selectboard must act on those changes at a regular meeting (accept, reject, or modify); file the revised draft with the Town Clerk; and send it back to the Planning Commission for a written report. Only after receiving that report may the board hold a second public hearing (with at least 15 days’ notice) and then vote; if adopted the ordinance becomes effective 21 days after adoption.
Why it matters: the process sets required procedural steps and public‑notice timelines for a substantial land‑use change. The Town Manager indicated Selectboard deliberation on the draft and Ordinance Committee edits will be placed on the July 20 Selectboard agenda, after which a second hearing will be scheduled once the Planning Commission’s report is received.
Next steps: the board will take up deliberation on July 20 and then follow the statutory notice and hearing process before any adoption vote.
