Board reviews outdated shoreline map, FEMA flood zones and water-supply setbacks; delays major changes

Consultant and planner Nick (speaker 7) told the Westport Island Planning Board May 6 that the town's official shoreline zone map is decades old, difficult to read and inconsistent with the tax map and ordinance language. He presented a layered approach using FEMA flood-hazard maps and habitat data to produce an updated shoreline-zone map that would meet statutory minimums.

"The official shoreline zone map is 30 years old," the planner said. "It's black and white. It's printed. It's very hard to read." He added that FEMA 100-year flood zones and state habitat layers, if included, would expand the resource-protection areas and create new 250-foot setbacks for some parcels.

Board members debated timing and community outreach. The planner cautioned against bringing a combined map-and-ordinance overhaul to a special town meeting without extensive public education: "My concern is that when you call a special town meeting, people's ears go up right away, and they're expecting something significantly different," he said, warning that residents might assume major policy shifts and mount opposition.

Given the complexity, the board agreed to focus first on required, statutory mapping updates and to postpone optional protections to a later effort. Members discussed contracting technical help from Lincoln County or the regional planning commission to produce a revised map and noted the need to notify affected property owners if flood-hazard areas are added to the shoreline zone.

Separately, the board considered recommendations from a recent water-quality study suggesting expanded well setbacks (up to 200 feet) between wells and septic systems. Members raised concerns about feasibility on small lots, the state variance process, and potential unintended consequences for development. The board discussed requiring submittal of well details with building permits to improve town-level data on wells and groundwater.