Richmond commission opts for permitting-based stormwater framework, not a new standalone code

The Richmond Planning Commission on Aug. 5 moved toward a permitting-based approach for local stormwater and erosion-control rules, saying technical details should live in the town permitting process rather than in a separate, reworked zoning code.

"We're gonna use section 5 of the zoning regulations, and then the subdivision regulations," the chair said when opening the discussion, arguing the change would reduce the learning curve for the zoning administrator, DRB and applicants. Commissioners debated the merits of a prior point-based matrix and favored a simpler leveled approach in which a clear cutoff would trigger a professionally designed plan.

Why it matters: commissioners and staff said small projects cumulatively create stormwater problems that state permitting of only the largest sites misses. Under the preferred framework the town would keep most prescriptions at the permit stage and reference a guidance section (6.17) or an appendix with diagrams and worksheets for implementation.

Supporters described four levels of regulation: a de minimis level with no added requirements; a low-level where applicants can prepare their own plan; a mid-level that requires a professionally designed plan; and a highest level (PUDs, conditional uses, subdivisions) that always requires professional plans and DRB review. "If you're over the minimum, you have to have a plan," the chair said, describing the structure commissioners will refine in later meetings.

Commissioners asked staff to return with concrete thresholds and prototype forms. The commission did not adopt numerical cutoffs at this meeting and deferred detailed drafting to follow-up sessions.