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Neighbors' complaints push Richmond planners to consider clearer trail rules
Summary
Following recurring complaints about an advertised mountain-bike trail network, the Richmond Planning Commission flagged the need for a formal trail definition and potential conditional-use review, and agreed to gather state guidance and coordinate with the Andrews Community Forest and Selectboard.
The Richmond Planning Commission on July 1 discussed recurring neighbor complaints about a privately maintained, advertised mountain-bike trail network near the end of Johnny Brook Road that has generated parking, traffic and confrontations. Planning staff said the town is receiving multiple complaints and recommended clarifying trail definitions and potential permit requirements.
Keith, the town planning/zoning staff member who reported the issue, said the complaints are "complaint-driven" and described the typical impacts: visitors parking at the public road terminus and a surge of riders using the advertised trails. "We're getting complaints from neighbors on the Whitum/Wittman property at the end of Johnny Brook Road," Keith said, adding that the volume of use has led to enforcement and public-safety concerns.
Why it matters: Commissioners noted the ambiguity in current zoning provisions. The previous zoning administrator determined that advertised trails that include parking and structures can meet the zoning definition of an outdoor recreation facility and therefore may require conditional-use review. Commission members said that determination raises consistency issues and urged staff to consult legal guidance and state practice before making new local rules.
State practice and exceptions: Members discussed state-level guidance, noting that the state typically does not treat foot trails as impervious surface unless they are constructed with gravel, fill or other hard-pack surfacing. The commission also reviewed state wetlands rules that allow low-impact boardwalks and raised walkways under tight constraints; commissioners agreed to circulate relevant state guidance to the group for reference.
Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to gather the state guidance on trails and wetlands and to coordinate with the Andrews Community Forest (ACF) and the Selectboard. The ACF recently held a listening session about trail access and connectivity; the Selectboard asked the ACF for feasibility information that could inform town policy. The commission did not take enforcement action at the July 1 meeting but signaled it will pursue regulatory clarification if complaints continue.
