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Board discusses hiring help to update land-use ordinances; cost estimate $7,700 cited
Summary
The Planning Board reviewed a February 2026 proposal from Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission to research and update land-use and shoreland zoning ordinances (quoted cost $7,700) and agreed to seek multiple proposals and discuss on the next agenda.
Chair flagged a February 2026 proposal from the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC) to assist the town with ordinance research and updates to align local land-use and shoreland rules with state law.
Chair summarized the SMPDC scope as project research and deliverables tied to state statutes and quoted a cost of "$7,700" for the initial phase. Board members discussed whether to pursue SMPDC or seek other municipal-law specialists, with members urging a small competitive process of two or three bidders rather than a single RFP. Chair said he would reach out to contacts (including Ben and others) to solicit options and the item was scheduled for the next meeting agenda (Aug. 13) to review resources and proposals.
The board noted updating ordinances could take roughly six months with public meetings and special town meetings as needed. The board also discussed contacting MMA or other regional reviewers for legal and technical assistance and agreed to seek multiple bids or proposals before committing funds.
