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Orford selectboard affirms authority to review floodplain permits, agrees to update ordinance and recruit ZBA members
Summary
At its June 10 meeting the Orford Selectboard agreed it is the governing body to review and approve Floodplain ordinance applications, pledged to update the ordinance, application and permit, and moved to expand the Zoning Board of Adjustment from three to five members; Charles Smith will collect sample materials from other towns.
At its June 10 meeting the Orford Board of Selectmen agreed the Selectboard is the town's governing body to review and approve applications under the Floodplain ordinance and committed to updating the ordinance, the permit form and the application process.
Nick Castel reviewed the current floodplain ordinance and the procedural role of the Selectboard in approving applications. Following a lengthy discussion the board agreed the ordinance and associated forms need revision; Selectboard member Charles Smith said he will research and pull application and permit examples from other towns for the board to review. The minutes do not record a formal vote on an ordinance change; the board's decision was to begin the update process and to return with draft materials.
The board also noted that the Zoning Board of Adjustment must have five members when acting on floodplain matters; minutes show the board currently has three members. Kevin Follensbee said he has asked several residents to serve and will follow up with them. No appointments were made at the June 10 meeting.
Why it matters: updating the ordinance and application materials could change how floodplain development is reviewed and permitted in Orford and may affect property owners along flood-prone areas. The board did not set a schedule for drafting or public hearings on ordinance changes.
What happens next: Smith will gather sample applications and permits from other jurisdictions for the Selectboard to consider; Follensbee will continue outreach to potential Zoning Board members.
