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North Berwick to Amend Comprehensive Plan After State Housing Bill; Planning Board Suggested as Committee
Summary
Town staff told the Select Board that the recently passed State Housing Bill requires amendments to North Berwick's Comprehensive Plan by July 1, 2027; staff recommends the Planning Board draft changes, a public hearing and placing the measure on the November ballot.
Dwayne Morin told the North Berwick Select Board on April 21 that passage of a State Housing Bill will require the town to amend its Comprehensive Plan to remain in compliance by July 1, 2027. Morin outlined attorney-recommended steps: form a planning committee, prepare draft amendments, conduct public participation, present the measure at Town Meeting and pursue voluntary certification.
The recommendation to have Planning Board members serve as the review committee came from Morin, who said the work could be timed so the amendment appears on the November ballot rather than calling a special Town Meeting. He estimated about 15–20 pages of the town's Zoning Ordinance will need amendment next year to meet the new law's requirements.
The change matters because compliance is time-limited: the board will need to hold public hearings and finalize draft language well ahead of the July 2027 deadline to allow for review and voter consideration. The Select Board did not take a formal vote to authorize a specific committee at the April 21 meeting; Morin presented the recommended path and the board discussed timing and process.
Next steps identified by staff are establishing the committee membership, preparing the draft amendments for public review and scheduling public hearings. The board discussed using the Planning Board as the review committee and putting the question on the November ballot to avoid a special meeting.
The Select Board will revisit the timeline and formal committee appointment at future meetings as draft language and public-participation plans are developed.
