Historic preservation waiver draft advances as commission, planning staff seek clearer Town Code placement

The Washington Grove Historic Preservation Commission considered draft ordinance language on March 17 meant to codify the commission’s review practices and establish a preservation waiver allowing limited zoning flexibility when strict dimensional compliance would otherwise preclude reasonable changes. David Stopak, representing the HPC working group, summarized discussions from a Planning Commission working meeting and presented the draft’s key aims: clarify the HPC role, identify where preservation-waiver provisions and definitions should appear in the Town Code, and minimize duplication across sections.

Members generally supported continued work on the concept as a practical tool for preserving historic character while offering discretionary relief for property owners seeking modest, context-sensitive changes. Bob Booher, Chair, and others emphasized the need to carefully place waiver language in code sections so responsibilities and thresholds are clear to staff, applicants and board members.

Bill Earl reported that the Planning Commission’s initial reaction was generally favorable and that the two bodies will continue drafting in a joint working group. The Commission did not adopt ordinance text at this meeting; members instead agreed that HPC and Planning Commission representatives would continue refining language and cross-checking section placement and definitions.

Next steps include continued drafting by the HPC working group (Bob Booher, Bill Earl and David Stopak) in coordination with Planning Commission staff and members. The Commission did not set a formal public hearing or adoption date; any such timeline will depend on the outcome of the working-group revisions and subsequent formal meetings.