Pownal Planning Board forwards proposed land‑use ordinance amendments to Selectboard

At the March 18 meeting Planning Board members reviewed a consolidated draft of proposed land‑use ordinance amendments prepared by CEO Tim Giddinge and consultant Isabelle Lee. The edits include clarifications to definitions (including how 'frontage' is measured), provisions addressing the treatment of nonconforming lots, a new distinction between 'normal agricultural' structures and 'commercial farm buildings,' and updates reflecting recent state changes to accessory dwelling unit rules.

Consultant Isabelle Lee said the draft aims to preserve policy intent while clarifying how longstanding nonconforming lots remain buildable under certain conditions and to set sensible thresholds for farm structures. Lee initially proposed a 4,000-square-foot threshold for 'normal agricultural' buildings; board members recommended increasing that threshold (members discussed 10,000 square feet as an alternative) and removing a phrase that would have barred limited public uses such as small farm stands.

Members also debated whether to retain a 40-foot reference in the 'frontage' definition or to leave numeric frontage standards in the dimensional‑standards table. Co‑Chair Orion Breen and several members favored keeping the 40‑foot language for clarity. CEO Giddinge noted the town’s impact‑fee ordinance is still under review by NorthStar and that additional adjustments may follow.

The Planning Board voted, 4-0, to transmit the amended ordinance package to the Selectboard for review with recommended editorial and policy edits and to prepare articles for the town warrant and subsequent public hearings. The board will hold its public hearing before the town meeting, and the Selectboard will also schedule its review and hearing process.