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Starksboro planning commission moves to sync group‑home rules with state law
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously May 21 to align the town’s group‑home zoning language with state regulations after the zoning administrator said consultants advised group homes must be allowed wherever single‑family homes are permitted.
The Starksboro Planning Commission voted unanimously May 21 to revise its zoning bylaw so group homes are permitted wherever single‑family homes are allowed.
Zoning Administrator Steve Rooney told the commission he "heard back from the zoning consultant regarding what the town can and cannot regulate regarding group homes. It must be allowed wherever a single‑family home is," and cannot be restricted only to sites already in the Forest Conservation (FC) district. Luke McCarthy moved to synchronize the bylaw language with state regulations and to edit wording to allow group homes in the FC; Dan Nugent seconded. The motion passed with "All in favor."
The change clarifies that local rules cannot create a narrower siting regime for group homes than state law allows. The commission's action directs staff to update the working draft of the bylaws to reflect the revised language and to carry that language consistently throughout the applicable sections.
The modification will appear in a subsequent draft of the bylaws for final review; the commission did not set a specific final adoption date during the meeting.
