The PCD Department works with the Planning Board, the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee and others to review and update the Zoning Bylaw.
Zoning updates can vary, and typically fall into three types:
- RECODIFICATION: Recodification is the complete reorganization of the zoning code. It may involve rearranging the sections, changing titles, and rewording of sentences. It does not involve changing the standards and regulations that are required (unless contradictions exist in the original text).
- ZONE CHANGE: By changing the zoning district designation of a specific parcel or parcel(s), it changes what uses are allowed or prohibited at those sites.
- TEXT AMENDMENT: Editing the text of any section(s) of the bylaw, which could be for grammar/clarity only or could create changes to the standards from what was previously required.
Zoning Recodification Warrant Article – Spring Town Meeting
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw by replacing the current bylaw on file with the Town Clerk’s Office dated October 2022 with the Zoning Bylaw and Appendices A and B as follows:
- Removing districts from the Zoning Bylaw that have not been added to the Zoning Map.
- Reorganizing, repositioning, recaptioning, and renumbering sections of the Zoning Bylaw to enhance accessibility and adaptability;
- Updating and clarifying the purposes and authority of the Zoning Bylaw to clearly state the basis for the Town’s zoning regulations;
- Improving definitions to more clearly describe zoning districts, uses, and requirements;
- Providing consistency with current State law;
- Eliminating redundant or unnecessary provisions; making amendments such as correcting spelling and typographical errors, and eliminating or updating outdated statutory references;
- Revising, reorganizing and clarifying Zoning Bylaw administrative provisions; and
What is Zoning Recodification?
Recodification is the updating and reorganizing of the zoning bylaw for the purpose of clarity and consistency. Few, if any, changes are made to what the regulations require of residents, (unless inconsistencies are found within the code or with other laws). but the new document will look significantly different.
Barrett Planning Group was hired to comprehensively review the bylaw and create the updated bylaw. An adhoc committee made up of Chairs from Select Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Zoning Bylaw Review Committee have been meeting monthly with Barrett.
It is important to note that the zoning bylaw will not be redlined because it needs extensive reorganization, however the final document will include a “crosswalk” document that identifies how the existing content is redistributed into the new document and where any content changes might be made to ensure consistency.