Planning Commission Minutes                     February 17, 2009

 

FAIRFAX TOWN OFFICE

PC MEMBERS PRESENT: G. Heyer, M Hunziker, D. Brown, R. Wimble

PUBLIC PRESENT: S. Taylor, ZA

 

7:00 PM   G. Heyer called the meeting to order. The minutes from February 3, 2009 were reviewed. 

M. Hunziker made a motion to accept the Minutes from February 03, 2009.  R. Wimble second.  All in favor.

S. Taylor talked about the “Possible Bylaw Changes List”.  He also handed out a list of various categories.

 

The current Zoning and Proposed Land Use Maps printed the Town Plan adopted 09/22/2008 were reviewed and discussed in reference to Zoning Districts. State Statute was also referenced.  The Board agreed that the current Low Density Residential District and the current Agricultural and Forest Resource Districts were compatible enough to combine. Greta Brunswick from NRPC will be asked to provide a large copy of the Proposed Land Use Map.  More public forums may be needed. S. Taylor mentioned 3 points to consider in changing Section 3.4 -District and Dimensional Requirements:

            1.  Comfortable with the proposed District boundaries.

            2.  Dimensional Requirements

                        a)  Lot sizes

                        b)  Setbacks

            3.  Permitted and Conditional Uses.

M. Hunziker agreed that each District needs a specific purpose and a statement as to what each District intends to accomplish. The uniqueness of each District needs to be identified. All of the various Districts and possible changes were discussed.

 

Farms were discussed in relationship to possible changes to minimum lot size requirements. Both sides of the argument were brought up:

            1) Larger lot sizes or required clustering would help maintain open spaces.

            2) The current two acre lot size would allow farmers to subdivide small sections of their farms to obtain funds to

                  help maintain the main areas of the farms.

Most Dairy farms do not have the right type of soils for growing produce.  Future crops for bio-fuels were discussed. The idea that Fairfax is changing from an agricultural community to a bedroom community was discussed.

 

The Conservation District was discussed in relationship to lot sizes.  That area tends to have bear, deer, swamps, and flood plains.  G. Brunswick from NRPC will be asked why the area surrounding McNall Road is proposed to be in the Conservation District.  Water Protection and the Flood Hazard Ordinance were discussed.

 

The next meeting will be on March 3, 3009.

 

8:35 PM M. Hunziker made a motion to adjourn.  R.  Wimble second.  All in favor. 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Cathy Raymond, Zoning and Planning Assistant

 

 

Approved_____________________________________ Date______________, 2009

                               (Chair)

 

These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting.