Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nonconforming Use Redevelopment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission says demolishing historic post office could end its nonconforming commercial status
Summary
Valbridge Property Advisors asked whether parcels historically used for commercial purposes could reestablish commercial use if demolished and rebuilt; the commission cited code where demolition generally requires future use to conform to current residential zoning and discussed the town’s options to retain the post office contract.
Alisha O’Driscoll read correspondence from Valbridge Property Advisors seeking clarification about two parcels historically used for commercial purposes, including the town post office. The Valbridge message asked whether demolition and rebuilding would allow commercial use to return and whether special approvals would be required.
Commissioners replied that the development code treats demolished nonconforming buildings narrowly. Spencer Foster said the code (1.22.3) requires future uses to conform to current zoning if a nonconforming building is demolished, and 1.22.4 governs abandonment. Carrie Mecham noted that the commission previously rezoned a parcel for residential use when approving a house for Bret Baum and that rezoning can make a prior commercial designation difficult to restore. Alisha said the post office owners told staff their intention is to keep the building as a post office and that the Town could seek to retain the contract if the property is sold.
