SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES November 29, 2023
SPECIAL MEETING – PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSSED ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS, AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE TOWN’S DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Members Present: Sandy Gregg (Chair); Michele Gammal (Vice-Chair); Don Bedard; David Roy
Others Present: Tim Maxham; Michael Frett; Mike Gammal; Phoebe Gammal; Martha Taylor-Varney (ZA).
6:00 PM – S. Gregg opened the meeting. The Board had a quorum.
Changes to the Agenda
There were none.
Public Comment
There was none.
Public Hearing on proposed edits and additions to the South Hero Development Regulations
The warning for the hearing was read by ZA Martha Taylor-Varney.
- Gregg referred to the spreadsheet that itemized each proposed addition or clarification in the Regulations. This was available for public review per the hearing warning published in the Islander and posted on November 8th. [The spreadsheet will be attached when the minutes are posted on the Town website]. Sandy explained that these proposed changes are the result of mandated additions required by the HOME Act that were approved by the Legislature in June 2023, corrections to typos, changes to State requirements for VTrans reviews and permits, and some clarifications. There are no other substantive changes or edits, currently.
Discussion included whether the added definition of “Accessibility Structure” in Article 10 (Definitions) needed to have additional language to cover more than ramps and personal lifts. The Commission members ultimately decided to leave it as is. All other proposed changes or additions on the spreadsheet were met with approval by the attendees.
There was additional discussion about how the height of a structure is calculated. Per Figure 2.1 in the Regulations, the median height is calculated from the lowest point and the highest point, from which the median is determined. These points are measured from the natural grade. Should there be more than 2 points? Should all four corners of the structure be included in determining the lowest point? D. Roy agreed that that should be considered and should be included in discussions of future proposed updates.
Next Meeting
The next Planning Commission meeting will be December 6, 2023 at 6PM at the Town Office. At this meeting the Commission will begin discussion on new standards for the Village Districts. PC member D. Roy will not be able to attend.
Adjournment
6:41 PM — Don Bedard moved to adjourn; David Roy 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.