February 21, 2021

Zoning Committee settles on the final approach to the by-law

ZAC’s goal was to protect neighborhoods as well as the forests and rural habitat. The tree protection bylaw could be a zoning or general bylaw. Based on these primary goals and upon the advice from the town counsel, the committee started to look into a bylaw that would limit clear cutting of trees. This would apply to all industries or any type of land use including solar.
Zoning Bylaws requires a 2/3rds majority vote at Town Meeting while General Bylaws require a simple 1/2+ majority.
After these considerations, the committee began focusing on language changes to the by-law screening criteria and other measures that would better protect abutters and neighboring landowners.
Criteria included in the language are added to minimize impact on:
- Natural forests, scenic and historic resources
- Removal of trees and destruction of habitat
- Area noise, traffic, lighting, dust, fumes, odor
- Solar radiation or glare
- Storm water run-off

The committee finalized and voted to send it to the Planning Board.

Video Reference – View and listen to the proposed language for the by-laws

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