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Council split on growth ordinance repeal; majority favored keeping controls and reconsidering numeric limits
Summary
Council debated whether to repeal the town's growth-management ordinance. Some councilors urged repeal to encourage housing; others supported retention to pace growth and protect resources. No formal repeal was adopted; councilors discussed potential adjustments and further study.
Councilors debated an order to repeal the town's growth ordinance (Chapter 409). Planning staff explained the ordinance was adopted to manage certain large-lot permitting scenarios and that a recent state-law change removed a primary driver for the local rule; staff reported six dwelling-unit permits had been issued since the ordinance took effect July 1.
Councilors were divided. Some argued repeal would remove unnecessary restrictions and help address a statewide housing shortfall; others said the town should retain controls to manage infrastructure, school and traffic impacts and protect wellhead areas. Several members proposed targeted changes instead of outright repeal'for example, adjusting the per-developer annual permit cap and grandfathering pending projects. The council did not adopt a repeal at this meeting and directed staff to return with options and to consider findings from an upcoming regional housing study.
