Planning Board Minutes

Litchfield Planning Board Minutes
November 5, 2007

1.0 Meeting convenes at 7:02 p.m. at the Litchfield Town Office

1.1 Members present: Eric Seaman (chair), John Hatch, Judy Rogers, Mike Seaman; Robert Gordon’s absence is unexcused. No guests attending.

2.0 Minutes of September 17, 2007 submitted for approval. Judy made motion to accept as amended. John 2 nd and vote 4-0-0.

3.0 Agenda Additions/Adjustments

4.0 Scheduled Business

4.1 Subdivision Ordinance review. Judy would like to have guidance from a planner so as to manage growth correctly. The townspeople voted down a Growth Ordinance and Mike noted the ordinance’s need to reflect the Comprehensive plan’s design. The board discussed the goals and purpose of the Subdivision Ordinance. The ordinance needs to be cut and dry, only “wiggle room” for interpretation; it can be amended at a later time should things change. Open Space design could be required for subdivisions with certain number of lots. John asked about targeting specific areas for development, but the downside is rural land owners don’t get the same benefit as village or planned development owners. Should there be a special section in the ordinance for Commercial? Strategic Planning Committee has disbanded; there were legality issues with wrong control measures. A properly structured Land Use Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance are the best way to manage growth & development. Judy mentioned hearing about Readfield utilizing a planner to detail areas of their town that should not be developed. Kennebec Valley Council of Government (KVCOG) has a planner, McGregor, who could come to one of the board’s meetings. According to the Comprehensive Plan a Historic Significance & Scenic Survey is required. The survey may be valuable as a guide to preserve vistas of value. There was a question whether scenic preservation based on a survey would be effective.

List of purposes for the Subdivision Ordinance:

1. Open Space promotion

2. Encourage development in Growth Areas

3. Low visible development

4. Protect Existing Community Resources (Comp Plan – agriculture, forest, and traditional)

5. Balance owner impact

It may be necessary to review whether the Village District has enough available space to direct development in those areas. The board should ask a planner about adjusting zoning district in the LUO and the best method for achieving number 2 listed above. A suggested lay out for the ordinance: Types of Subdivisions (Minor, Major, Open Space), Administration, Performance Standards, Open Space Requirements, Enforcement, and Definitions. Mike suggested establishing capacity/density restrictions in the performance standards to avoid overburdening an area or road. The board agrees to have McGregor from KVCOG attend a meeting and make suggestions/recommendations for amending and organizing Litchfield’s Subdivision Ordinance.

5.0 Unscheduled Business

5.1

6.0 Correspondence

6.1

7.0 Future Agenda Items

7.1 The PB will meet December 3 rd and January 7 th for regular meetings, but question the 2 nd meeting in December – can decide December 3 rd. The board will meet briefly for the planning meeting November 19 th; McGregor may attend this meeting or the December 3 rd depending on his schedule. The board agrees not to give the ordinance over to KVCOG – it will be written in Litchfield.

8.0 Mike made a motion to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Judy 2 nd, and vote 4-0-0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lezley Sturtevant
PB Secretary