SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 6, 2026
Members Present: David Roy (Chair); Michele Gammal; Joan Falcao; Brooke Scott
Member Absent: Don Bedard (Vice-Chair)
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
Continue Review of proposed Updated Pages for Development Regulations: Measuring Building Height — Commission members decided to add “mechanical systems” to the list of exemptions when measuring building height. J. Falcao asked about whether the definition for measuring height should be to the “roof”, or to use another term. The Commission chose to stay with “roof.”
Measuring Setbacks — When measuring setback distances, the members discussed whether balconies could extend into a setback. The members thought it should be allowed. However, M. Gammal suggested asking the DRB what they thought when considering setback waiver applications. Martha will present it to the DRB at their May 27 meeting to consider.
By-Right Development Review — Under ‘Review Standards’ in Sec. 302.D, an additional standard required by the HOME Act does not allow the DRB to apply discretionary standards (different requirements than are required by the Regulations – i.e. height, density, footprint, etc.) in conditional use review. However, non-discretionary standards are permissible. The members did not understand ‘non-discretionary’. Martha will ask NRPC for an interpretation.
Accessory On-Farm Businesses – The current definition in Article 10 will be replaced with the new one from the HOME Act. The new definition is less restrictive than the one currently in the Regulations.
Table 6.1 (Parking Area Design Standards – The space length for commercial parallel parking was corrected to 18’ from 20’.
Residential Parking Spaces – Existing non-conforming residential parking spaces count toward the total number of spaces.
Hotels added to Emergency Shelters under the list of Public Facilities in Sec 707.
In-Ground and Above-Ground Pools – The Commission agreed to add in-ground and above-ground pools t the list of ‘Structures’ in Article 10.
Approve Meeting Minutes from Regular PC Meetings on April 1, and 15, 2026
M. Gammal moved to approve the minutes of April 1, 2026 and April 15, 2026; J. Falcao second. All in favor.
Administrator’s Report
- NRPC’s 2026 Regional Plan is now in its review process. There will be a public hearing on May 19, 2026 at 1PM at St. Albans City Hall.
- The South Hero Beach Shoreline Bioengineering Project Update was made available to the members. For a copy of the report, contact ZA Martha Taylor-Varney. Falcao if the remaining trees at the beach would be cut down as part of this project? Does the public know that the trees will be removed. M. Gammal said that any trees that are removed will be replaced with other trees.
- Martha received a notice of a Certificate of Public Good for proposed changes to the telecommunications facilities on the silo at Island Acres Farm. The proposed changes don’t require any further review or approval from the Town.
Announcements
- Meeting House: Preparations are being made to move the building from its foundation by Vermont Heavy Timber so the foundation can be replaced.
- Town Office Committee: Conner Construction holds weekly meetings with members of the Selectboard, Building Committee, and Town Office staff to review progress. Construction s continuing on schedule.
- Lavin Property Planning Committee: Minutes from the committee’s meetings can be found on the Town website.
Adjournment
7:20PM – M. Gammal moved to adjourn; B. Scott second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
Signed: ___________________________ Date: _________________________
For the Planning Commission