Town of Litchfield, Maine
04350

Litchfield Planning Board Minutes
September 17 , 2007

 

1.0 Meeting convenes at 6:00 p.m. at the Litchfield Town Office

1.1Members present: Eric Seaman (chair), John Hatch, Judy Rogers, Mike Seaman: Robert Gordon’s absence is excused. Guest attending: Gayle Nyberg and Gary Williams

 

3.0 Agenda Additions/Adjustments

6.1 State of Maine Significant Wildlife Habitat

 

4.0 Scheduled Business

4.1Shoreland Zoning Ordinance – redline copies requested by PB members handed out. The board asked Steve O. why”…containing 3 or more dwellings…” was added; should a driveway have setback requirements. The Land Use Ordinance requires Right of Ways to have setback, not driveways. The board agreed to not include the said phrase in the amendment. Mike made motion to accept Shoreland Zoning Ordinance change as written striking the phrase “…containing 3 or more dwellings…”, John 2 nd motion, and vote 4-0-0.

The Selectmen were made aware of the proposed change too soon, and Steve Musica wanted to know if the change should have a retroactivity clause added. MMA has stated a public hearing and special town meeting are needed in a timely fashion. The CEO would need to notify any applicants with applications under the new Shoreland Zoning Ordinance. There is one applicant at this time. The board asked if the applicant would be able to adjust their plans to meet the setback if made retroactive. The applicant would not, due to the restrictive size and terrain of their lot. Should a septic be placed in a proper functioning location, rather than meet setbacks on a limited –size lot? The Shoreland Zoning Ordinance does not except septics under the definition of a structure. The Planning Board could modify the definition of a structure to except septics from setback requirements. Allowing septic fields to be constructed up to the property line removes vegetation/buffer for abutters and the lake. Judy asked Steve O. about the current applicant’s septic application and its effect on the surrounding area. Steve said there is no harm in fact it is beneficial. Judy suggested not making the amendment retroactive. There should be a special meeting to vote to amend the ordinance as soon as possible. The Planning Board needs to send their recommendation to the Selectmen regarding not making the amendment retroactive if Shoreland Zoning Ordinance changed as soon as possible. Judy made motion to hold a public hearing on October 1, 2007 regarding Shoreland Zoning Ordinance and to recommend the Selectmen act as soon as possible and the Planning Board does not see a need for a retroactivity clause. Mike 2 nd the motion and vote 4-0-0.

4.2Planning Board planning meeting each month – the board will continue meeting a second time each month. Judy would prefer to skip the second meeting if the first meeting allows time for planning issues. The second meeting could have an end time that would allow members to get to other meetings. The board will meet twice in October. Note: October 15 th meeting last item on October 1 st agenda.

4.3Need to send request to the Selectmen for a laptop/notebook computer for use by the Planning Board, PB Secretary or CEO.

4.4Comprehensive Plan – no answer from MMA to Steve O. yet.

4.5Subdivision Ordinance – The secretary needs to make copies of the current ordinance for board members, and the board needs to decide how best to tackle the review. Members can read and review the ordinance for function as a stand-alone document, but also consider some LUO and Road Ordinance.

 

6.0 Correspondence

6.1 Significant Wildlife Habitats letter – reflects change to the Shoreland Zoning map.

 

7.0Future Agenda Items

7.1 Public Hearing at 7:15 p.m. for Shoreland Zoning amendment.

 

8.0 Mike made a motion to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Judy 2 nd, and vote 4-0-0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lezley Sturtevant
PB Secretary