Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Class Vi Roads topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bristol Conservation Commission flags state RSA that could allow seven-lot subdivisions on Class VI roads
Summary
Commission members reviewed a town roads spreadsheet and raised concerns about a new RSA that members say will require towns to allow up to seven-lot subdivisions on Class VI roads; members discussed potential reclassification and impacts on wildlife and scenic-road restrictions.
Members of the Bristol Conservation Commission reviewed a staff spreadsheet of town road classifications on Feb. 4 and spent significant time on the implications of state-level changes affecting Class VI roads.
Committee member Shaun Lagueux explained that a recently enacted RSA will, according to his reading, require towns to allow up to seven-lot subdivisions on Class VI roads if proposed plans meet the RSA’s criteria. He said Bristol historically limited development on many Class VI roads and that the RSA may reduce a town’s authority to deny such subdivisions. Lagueux warned this could create opportunities for “sketchy developments” and said some commissioners had discussed reclassifying selected Class VI roads as trails to reduce development pressure; the Select Board, he said, prefers to keep Class VI roads open.
Commissioners discussed specific roads with dual classifications, including Benz Road, New Chester Road, Hall Road and Robie Road, and noted restrictions that typically apply on scenic roads (tree removal, stonewall entrances, utility work). Ms. Sullivan credited staff colleague Ashley Bureau for developing the classification spreadsheet.
Members agreed to monitor Select Board review and to include Class VI road implications in the commission’s 2026 work plan and potential zoning discussions.
