Fayston planners adopt state-based definition of “trail,” add exemption referencing ANR standards

The Fayston Planning Commission voted Oct. 14 to add a new definition of “Trail” to the town’s Land Use Regulations and to create an exemption for trail construction when using state-recommended standards.

Commissioner Michael Duell moved to add the definition drawn from state statute: “Trails- means land used for hiking, walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicle riding, horseback riding, and other similar activities. Trails may be used for recreation, transportation, and other compatible purposes.” Langford Davidson seconded and the motion carried with all members voting in favor.

Commissioners then discussed how to treat trail construction in Section 9.2 of the LURs. Freddie Graves raised the potential for commercial uses — for example, some horse farms — to complicate an exemption and noted interactions with the Required Agricultural Practices overseen by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. After discussion, Langford Davidson moved to add Section 9.2(A)(8): an exemption for “The building and maintenance of trails using standards and practices found at the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources at the following website https://fpr.vermont.gov/recommended-trailstandards.” Freddie seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The changes are procedural amendments to the town’s Land Use Regulations; the commission did not record any conditions or limits beyond the reference to the ANR guidance. The amendments will be incorporated into the LURs in the usual updating process and will be available in the town’s official regulations.