Planning Commission                       December 19, 2006             

 

FAIRFAX TOWN OFFICE

PC MEMBERS PRESENT: G. Heyer, M. Hunziker, A. Lemieux, R. Wimble

Public Present:  Skip Taylor-Zoning Administrator, Barbara Murphy, Jeff Blake, Charles Swanson, Douglas Webb, Judy Cleary, Bill Omerod, Jason Heyer, Lucien Hayes, Justin Hayes, Dean Potter

 

The meeting was called to order by G. Heyer at 7:00 PM. This was a joint meeting with the Planning Commission, the Selectboard, the Development Review Board, and the Fire Department,  to further discuss the proposed Bylaw changes.  B. Omerod suggested the Bylaws should state the responsibilities of the Zoning Administrator in regards to enforcement of Town Permits and Town project approvals. S. Taylor will make this change.

 

Adding additional uses, such as retail, lodging facilities, places of worship and public facilities to other districts was discussed.  At this time, the town can not encourage growth in the “Growth Center”, due to the lack of available water and sewer allocations. All requests for sewer and water will be considered on an individual basis.  S. Taylor mentioned that most businesses would not be interested in locating in very rural areas due to lack of visibility.  B. Murphy talked about the many home occupations in Town.  The Planning Commission will discuss the issue in more detail at their next meeting.

 

The subjects of Planned Unit Developments (PUD) and density requirements were discussed. They talked about whether it is appropriate to include land which is normally undevelopable in determining the number of units or lots in a PUD.  B. Murphy would like to change the Bylaws to state that a PUD would require at least 10 acres. She is not in favor of allowing a two lot subdivision to be declared a PUD.  J. Blake agreed with her position on two lot subdivisions.  This topic will also be discussed in full at the next Planning Commission Meeting.

 

The third main area of discussion revolved around the subject of roads verses driveways.  D. Potter, Fire Chief, would like the Bylaws to give specific guidelines regarding the width of roads and the configuration of hammerheads for emergency vehicle access.  Any driveway over 700-800 feet should require a passing lane for large vehicles.  Justin Hayes would like the Bylaws to state that a new driveway will only accesses one home, and two or more homes will require a road. There are differences of opinion on this subject. This subject will also be discussed fully at the next Planning Commission meeting.

 

9:55 PM, M.Hunziker made a motion to adjourn. A. Lemieux second.  All in favor.

 

The next meeting will be held at 7:30 PM on January 2, 2007.

 

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Cathy Raymond, Planning and Zoning Assistant

 

 

 

Approved_____________________________________ Date______________, 2007

                               (Chair)