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Planning commission begins broader 'flex zoning' conversation; staff to brief trustees
Summary
Commissioners discussed a loose 'flex zoning' concept drawn from the comprehensive and subarea plans to address vacant industrial and commercial lots. The topic is preliminary and will be pursued in coordination with the Board of Trustees and the town’s strategic planning process.
The planning commission opened a preliminary discussion of so-called "flex zoning," a term referenced in recent planning documents as a way to encourage flexibility in allowed uses to support housing and reuse of vacant lots. Staff said the town’s plans identify a need for regulatory options to support redevelopment, but the municipality has not yet defined what a flex zone would look like in practice.
Commissioners and staff identified specific areas of interest — notably an industrial zone that no longer fits the historical uses and several general commercial parcels near East Street Garage and Mountain Auto — and discussed options that range from modifying use tables to creating overlay districts or using performance-based standards instead of prescriptive rules. Commissioners generally agreed the matter requires more board-level discussion and suggested a work session and inclusion in the trustees’ strategic planning process before any code text is drafted.
Staff plans to summarize the conversation for the Board of Trustees in a staff report and expects more directed discussion after the trustees finalize strategic priorities.
