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Applicant seeks presubmission conference to establish horse farm; board notes clearing limits and APOD constraints
Summary
An applicant requested a presubmission conference to establish a horse farm (stables, arena, boarding 15–20 horses) on a ~21‑acre lot at 60 Stonehill Road; staff said clearing of 9–10 acres is proposed and that APOD/commercial clearing thresholds and agricultural overlays apply.
An applicant requested a presubmission conference to convert a wooded 21‑acre parcel at 60 Stonehill Road into a horse farm with stables, an arena and boarding for an estimated 15–20 horses. Staff told the board the proposal would clear approximately 9–10 acres and that the lot is located within multiple overlay districts—including an Agricultural Overlay District and the APOD (Agricultural and Preservation Overlay District)—so clearing limits and commercial use thresholds will apply.
Board members accepted scheduling of a presubmission conference for September 10 and discussed the need to evaluate clearing limits, site access and whether special conditions for animals (quarantine, medical separation and exercise areas) should be specified under a special exception review. Staff noted that 50% clearing is allowed for a commercial use in APOD under current code, but the board emphasized that site plan review will scrutinize the amount and location of clearing and the farm’s operational details.
