Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Update topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board reviews draft rewrite of Dover zoning (Chapter 145), requests redline and will feed comments to town board
Summary
Board members reviewed a 123‑page proposed rewrite of Town of Dover zoning (Chapter 145), confirmed the zoning map shows no changes, and were told written comments will be open through Aug. 15 with a public hearing at the end of August; members requested a redline version and noted attorney retainer does not cover legislative drafting review.
At its June 17, 2025 meeting, the Dover Planning Board discussed a proposed rewrite of the town zoning code (Chapter 145), focusing on timing, the use table and how the planning board should provide formal comment to the town board.
Secretary (speaker 2) summarized the timeline: the zoning map in the draft "hasn't changed," written comments would be accepted through Aug. 15, and a public hearing is expected at the end of August with likely adoption in September. He told members that if the planning board wishes to send a formal comment, that could be done at an August meeting and asked members to submit individual comments by mid‑July so they can be compiled for the town board.
Members asked for a redline version to identify specific additions and deletions rather than reading the entire 123‑page draft. Secretary described the primary substantive changes as occurring in the use table — listing new or clarified uses such as art galleries, brew pubs, commercial wood processing, food trucks and short‑term rentals — and highlighted that some uses (adult entertainment, communication towers and junkyards) would be considered via special permit and, for certain uses, reviewed by the planning board rather than the town board.
A committee member raised whether the draft contains a grandfathering clause for projects already in progress; the Secretary replied, "Usually, there is," but no definitive determination was recorded in the meeting and members said it would be an important item when the planning board examines erosion and sediment control implications.
Board members noted the planning board's attorney’s retainer does not cover legislative drafting review; the zoning update committee has its own planner and the board asked staff to try to obtain a redline version and circulate it to members.
The board set future dates: a public hearing on or about July 20 was mentioned in the discussion and the next planning board meeting was scheduled for two weeks later on July 20; another meeting was set for August 3 with a July 15 submission deadline. With no further business the board adjourned.
What this means: If the town board follows the announced schedule, residents will have a formal written comment period and a public hearing before the town board considers adoption. The planning board indicated it will compile comments and may send a formal recommendation to the town board in August.
