Planning Board Proposes Amendments Tightening Regulation Of Business Construction

The Planning Board will propose Zoning Bylaw amendments in two separate articles slated for voter action at the Oct. 21 Fall Town Meeting.

The first one will propose a change for retail stores, business and professional offices or banks and restaurants and other places serving food that are located in B1 (business) districts. In the past, these businesses could build or add space 'by right' for buildings under 10,000 sq. ft. The only requirements that needed to be met by the applicant came through the Planning Board Site Plan Review that addressed site conditions only.

This amendment, if approved, will limit 'by right' construction or addition to buildings of 2500 sq. ft. or less.

If voters approve, structures or additions exceeding 2500 sq. ft. up to 10,000 sq. ft. will require a Special Permit granted by the Planning Board. The Special Permit would parallel the Site Plan Review which considers vehicular and pedestrian access, parking, traffic circulation, stormwater management, landscaping, lighting, utilities and architectural design.

Designed as a protective measure, this would also enable the Planning Board to protect viewsheds and the types of uses for development.

At this time, any proposed construction greater than 10,000 sq. must be presented as a Concept Plan to Town Meeting and must receive a two-thirds voter approval.

The Planning Board has been aware of a court decision - (Wright v the town of Bellingham) overruling the town of Bellingham and expressed concern that the Concept Plan could be on dubious legal footing, but any changes to the Concept Plan at this time are not being considered as part of this article.

The second article will ask voters to give the authority to the Planning Board rather than the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant Special Permits for motels, hotels and inns. This Special Permit would also parallel the Planning Board's Site Plan Review.