Planning Commission Report on Repeal of Subdivision Regulations

Written by Town of Weathersfield

Tuesday, 02 February 2010 18:22

Planning Commission Reporting Form for Municipal Bylaw Amendments This report is in accordance with 24 V.S.A. §4441 (c) which states: “When considering an amendment to a bylaw, the planning commission shall prepare and approve a written report on the proposal. A single report may be prepared so as to satisfy the requirements of this subsection concerning bylaw amendments and subsection 4384(c) of this title concerning plan amendments.…. The report shall provide: (A) brief explanation of the proposed bylaw, amendment, or repeal and ….include a statement of purpose as required for notice under section §4444 of this title, Statement of Purpose: The purpose of this action is to repeal in their entirety the Town’s Subdivision Regulations. This action is being called for by a petition of not less than 5% of the registered voters of the Town of Weathersfield. (A)nd shall include findings regarding how the proposal: Conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the municipal plan, including the effect of the proposal on the availability of safe and affordable housing: Conformance with the Town Plan: It is the opinion of the Planning Commission that this action is not in conformance with the Town Plan and will not further the Goals and Objectives of said Plan.  Subdivision regulations provide assurances of the suitable layout of lots to minimize negative impact on surrounding landowners, on taxes, and on the environment; they provide development standards for roads and utilities; assure that the burden of the cost falls to the developer; and establish a process of negotiation between the developer and the planning commission for determining the manner by which the Town’s policies and concerns may best be satisfied.  While the Act 250 permit process will address some of these concerns, it does not claim jurisdiction until ten lots are proposed. Effect on the availability of safe and affordable housing: The removal of local subdivision regulations would remove useful tools such as Planned Unit Development that assist in the creation of affordable housing.  Without tools such as these, housing development tends to be driven by the price of land. Is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan: Land uses and densities are dictated by the Town’s zoning.  Therefore removal of subdivision regulations appears to have limited effect on land use and development density. Carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned community facilities.” There are no planned community facilities at this time. < Prev   Next >