SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 21, 2026
Members Present: David Roy (Chair); Don Bedard (Vice-Chair); Joan Falcao
Members Absent: Michele Gammal; Brooke Scott
Others Present: Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
6:00PM – D. Roy called the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda
There were no changes.
Public Comment
There was no public attending.
Old Business
a. Final Draft review – change to measuring setback distances from structures; correct Figure 2.2 graphic:
No updated graphic yet.
** D. Bedard moved to correct the section previously referenced in the setback definition (should be referenced as Sec. 304.D.4); D. Roy second. All in favor.
** J. Falcao moved to add Sec 305.D.4 to review standards for setback waivers on page 31, to read: “The Development Review Board may require that setback measurements be taken from the dripline rather than the walls of the structure, to prevent runoff or other concerns affecting neighboring properties.” D. Roy second. All in favor.
** J. Falcao moved to adjust the definition of ‘Setback’ in Article 10 (page 112) to read: “SETBACK: The distance along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the nearest property line, edge of right-of-way, and/or mean lake level, as applicable, to the closest protruding point of the structure, exclusive of the eaves.” D. Roy second. All in favor.
b. Featherbed Lane/RT 2 Scoping Study: J. Falcao reported that 6-7 Featherbed Lane residents attended the Selectboard public hearing re the Featherbed Lane/RT 2/Apple Island scoping study on January 12, 2026. They had concerns about placing a crosswalk on RT 2 at Featherbed Lane, feeling that it would encourage people to park at the Fish and Wildlife parking area to go to the Sandbar Restaurant. They said Featherbed Lane is a private road and this should not be allowed. Dean Pierce of Northwest Regional Planning is looking into their concerns and hopes to come to a compromise. The intersection of Featherbed Lane and RT 2 was reconfigured several years ago when the State boat launch was built. The public is supposed to use the upper entrance to the F&W parking area to access the boat launch rather than turn directly onto Featherbed Lane. Joan also told the Commission that it is unsafe to cross RT 2 by Apple Island to the opening in the guardrail on the marina side. She feels it would be much safer to cross at the Featherbed Lane intersection.
New Business
- Discussion on Act 181 and HOME Act — required changes/additions to the Development Regulations: Northwest Regional Planning’s most recent newsletter referenced different requirements from the HOME Act and Act 181 effecting housing, that will require updates to the Town’s development regulations. Among those are restrictions that apply to development review decisions made under conditional use and/or site plan review related to parking, building size, and density. There was discussion about the maximum height of buildings in the Village Zoning Districts (40 ft.) and how both districts extend to the lake.
Meeting Minutes
**D. Bedard moved to approve the minutes of January 7, 2026, with correction (corrected date); J. Falcao second. All in favor.
Administrator’s Report
NRPC notified the Town that it had been awarded a grant for a Lavin Property Visioning project. Steering committee members will represent various Boards and Commissions from the Town. Joan Falcao and Don Bedard will represent the Planning Commission (Don want a baseball field).
Announcements
- Meeting House – The Meeting House will have a conditional use/site plan review before the DRB on February 25 for a change of use. This hearing will be for the first floor only. The change of use will be for a public facility.
- Town Office — Connor Construction was awarded the contract to build the new Town Office. Construction is slated to begin in March, with a proposed move to the new building in late Fall.
Adjournment
6:58PM – D. Bedard moved to adjourn; J. Falcao second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
Signed:__________________________ Date___________________________
For the Planning Commission
These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting. All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.