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Planning Commission reviews zoning “loose ends”: setbacks, flood bylaw and accessory units
Summary
Commissioners and MARC staff reviewed outstanding zoning edits including proposed language changes to setbacks (260.2), deletion of an odd requirement (270.2), a new Flood Hazard bylaw (420) and limits on principal and accessory structures (520.3); board requested parcel mapping and clarifications of administrative authority.
The commission walked through remaining edits to the town zoning ordinance with Martha Harrison (MARC). Board members considered adding "when required" language to section 221.3 and discussed re-numbering and table-of-contents changes for section 221-5. On setbacks, Martha Harrison’s proposed 10 percent limit drew pushback; Ed D’Ottavio suggested a larger allowance, proposing 50 percent so small setbacks are not overly constrained.
Members agreed that item 270.2 reads oddly and endorsed deleting the problematic clause. Commissioners also discussed a new Flood Hazard bylaw (section 420) and debated which official—Zoning Administrator or Development Review Board—should make determinations on mixed or multi-use structures. On accessory structures, Erin Ladd read the draft language: "There shall be only one residential building, an accessory dwelling and its accessory structures on a lot unless otherwise approved under Planned Unit Development." The commission requested that MARC produce a map of parcels that span two zoning districts so decisions can be made parcel-by-parcel.
