Select Board adopts revised vacant-property ordinance with fee caps and exemptions

The Bennington Select Board adopted a revised vacant-property ordinance on Aug. 10 after a presentation from planning staff and a period of board member questions. Planning lead David Conwell said the update expands the ordinance’s purpose language, separates exemptions into a distinct article, and ties the fee schedule to a separate policy the board can adjust. "It's capped now at $16,000 a year, even if it goes for 10 years vacant," Conwell said.

Board members probed definitions and implementation details, asking whether occupancy is assessed on a rolling basis and whether building permits differ from land-use permits. Conwell said vacancy is determined at a point in time and that work permits and permit-seeking activity are covered under exemption language. Select Board member Jim asked whether the ordinance provides an appeal mechanism for a notice of vacancy; Conwell said staff did not recall a formal appeal provision but would consider evidence presented by owners. Ed Woods, who served on the subcommittee, praised staff work and said the revisions aim to balance downtown vibrancy with fairness to owners. The board voted to adopt the ordinance by voice vote; the chair announced the vote was unanimous.