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Selectboard holds public hearing to add subdivision rules to Fairhaven zoning
Summary
At a Sept. 30 public hearing, Fairhaven officials introduced a proposed amendment to incorporate subdivision regulations and a new Section 929 to align town zoning with state-designated downtown and neighborhood development rules; staff said the changes will clarify expectations for larger new developments.
Fairhaven’s Selectboard opened a public hearing on Sept. 30 to consider amending the town zoning regulations by incorporating subdivision requirements and adopting a new Section 929 tied to state neighborhood-development designations. Clerk Jeff read the notice aloud, saying: "The purpose of this hearing is to amend the Town Of Fairhaven zoning regulations by incorporating subdivision regulations in appendix e and adopting zoning language in section 929 for areas within a state designated neighborhood development area."
Bob, a planning commission representative, told the board the subdivision rules are a required element of the downtown designation and described the package as a concise, step-by-step guide for developers. "If it's a big development, then they have to go through a much more rigorous process," Bob said, adding that requirements cover roads, buried utilities and sidewalks so expectations are clear before an application is filed.
Board members asked whether the new rules would apply only downtown or townwide. Bob clarified the subdivision rules would apply across Fairhaven but are one of the requirements for the downtown designation; he said the designation’s half-mile influence area will shape which properties benefit from related reliefs. The board closed the hearing by voice vote and did not take a final adoption vote at the meeting.
