Planning panel approves Lot and Trail definition changes, votes 3-1 to send revision list to Selectboard

At its Sept. 8 meeting the Fayston Planning Commission approved two substantive changes to the draft Fayston Land Use Regulations and voted to forward the full Revision List to the Selectboard for the next step in the bylaw amendment process. Commissioner Freddie Graves moved to adopt a revised definition of "Lot," and Chair Langford Davidson moved to adopt a revised definition of "Trail." Both motions were approved and included in the Revision List.

The commission then voted on a motion by Paul Quinlan to send the Revision List to the Selectboard. Paul, Michael Duell and Langford voted yes; Freddie Graves voted no. Freddie said he was "not excited about the items related to Trails," specifically expressing concern about the use of the word "shall" in the Trail provisions. The approved Lot definition language read in part: "Lot. (1) Land of at least sufficient size to meet minimum regulations for use, open spaces, frontage access; (2) a portion of land in a subdivision or plat that is separated from other portions by a property line (see also Contiguous Lands). Land separated by a State or Municipal Highway owned by the same person may be considered to be two lots." The approved Trail definition language included: "Trail: An improved traveled way established through construction for and not limited to hiking, walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicle riding, and horseback riding. ... A Trail may be minimally, moderately, or highly developed, while a Path is a subtype that is minimally developed."