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Planning Board reviews recodification draft, use table and ADU clarifications funded by BRPC grant
Summary
Planning Board members reviewed Phase One of a BRPC-funded bylaw recodification project (redline and reformatting), including a new Use Table, Building Inspector clarifications and ADU language updates. The PB said Phase One makes bylaws easier to navigate and will place warrant articles for Town Meeting after further review.
The New Marlborough Planning Board used its Feb. 24 meeting to continue a multi-phase recodification of the town's protective bylaws, describing a redline reformatting effort funded in part by a BRPC grant intended to clarify permitted uses, definitions, permitting procedures and dimensional requirements.
Andrew McKeever summarized the project background and Phase One work, saying the effort reorganized existing language into a clearer structure—combining definitions, centralizing permitting processes and assembling dimensional rules so residents can more readily find requirements. He said the BRPC-assisted two-phase approach produced a redlined document in Phase One and a user-friendly Use Table in Phase Two.
The board reviewed specific Building Inspector requests to clarify variance-expiration language and to set clearer timeframes for completion of projects before special-permit expirations. PB members discussed a proposed Use Table that aligns New Marlborough's approach with conventions used in other communities.
Board members also briefly reviewed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) language: the ADU bylaw was previously adopted at Town Meeting, and the draft incorporates two minor items flagged by the state Attorney General's office. Board members said the flagged items are not material to the town's rural character and will be included in the recodified draft.
The Use Table review prompted renewed questions about particular uses—most notably piggeries and slaughterhouses—and the PB clarified that slaughterhouses are prohibited in village-residential zones and would require a special permit in rural districts (subject to USDA protocols). The PB voted to keep the recodification draft as presented, with one recusal; the vote keeps the redlined/organized approach intact as the board moves toward warrant placement and eventual Town Meeting consideration.
The board previewed upcoming agenda items, including flood-plain bylaw requirements, Community Preservation Act discussion, seasonal-community issues and digitizing records. Chair Bob Hartt said he will forward final documents from Andrew McKeever to the Town Clerk before an upcoming absence; Jon James will chair the March 10 meeting. The board adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
