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Monroe Zoning Board urges review of 15% lot-coverage rule, asks staff to brief Planning & Zoning
Summary
Board members agreed the town's 15% lot-coverage rule — which now counts driveways and other impervious surfaces — has rendered many properties nonconforming; they asked staff to research alternatives and proposed a memo to the Planning & Zoning Commission recommending a review of a two-tier coverage approach.
During deliberations the board spent substantial time discussing the town's lot-coverage standard, which counts driveways, patios and other impervious areas toward a 15% cap. Several commissioners said the change in counting and the unchanged percentage has left many otherwise reasonable properties nonconforming and predicted a surge of similar variance applications.
Commissioner Ron Selmyk cautioned the board about its role: "This board does not make the regulations. The Planning and Zoning Committee makes the regulations." Other commissioners nevertheless urged staff to flag the issue. One member suggested a two-tiered system — separate building footprint limits and a higher cap for total impervious coverage — as used in other nearby towns. Staff agreed to research surrounding municipalities' approaches and provide comparative information.
Members asked staff and fellow commissioners to prepare a memo to the Planning & Zoning Commission documenting the board's concerns and asking the commission to consider whether the current regulation produces undue consequences. The board indicated it would be willing to draft a suggested amendment for Planning & Zoning consideration if there is majority support.
