Ordinance Review Committee
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Attendees: Lisa Anderson, Carol Ogilvie, Don Scott, Charles Sorenson, Mary Ann Noyer

Meeting opened at 4:08 pm. The group addressed the following agenda items:

Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2019 – approved.

ADUs– Carol Ogilvie reviewed her memo outlining potential amendments for Article XXIX, including removal of the word “existing” from 29.2, 29.3.1, 29.4 and 29.4.2 to allow for ADUs on lots with new construction.  The group then discussed the ADU article in general and the Conditional Use Permit process before the Planning, required for ADUs proposed in the village and lakeside districts. Charlie Sorenson explained why he believes the process is more properly the jurisdiction of the ZBA, including that the criteria outlined in the article are Special Exception criteria used by the ZBA. The group discussed original intent and, subsequently, whether 29.3.4.5 is misleading by indicating the possibility of waiving certain requirements. All agreed to consider removing that portion of the provision which could read, “The proposed use shall comply with all the frontage, setbacks, minimum land area, sanitary protection, signs and parking requirements for itself or its most similar use.”

Article XX– ZBA – Carol reviewed that the special exception provisions outlined in 20.1.3 should be removed, given the new Article XIX for Personal Wireless Facilities which outlines the correct process.

Sign Ordinance– Following Andrew Maneval’s suggestion that the current sign ordinance be reconsidered in light of the Supreme Court case addressing municipal oversight of signs, Charlie Sorenson and committee members compared language proposed by Mr. Maneval to the town’s existing language. It was suggested that a purpose statement be added, that references to ‘advertising’ be removed, that 17.1.6 also be removed, and that Article 17.1.11 be replaced by Mr. Maneval’s suggested provision that reads No sign shall be posted an any property in Town without the prior written permission of the owner of that property. Regarding side setbacks for signs in 17.1.3, the group discussed the possibility of reducing the requirement from 50 feet to 20 feet, a suggestion of Mr. Maneval’s, and will discuss further at a later date.

Solar – Carol Ogilvie shared 3 examples of solar ordinances from Antrim, Dublin and Winchester. Members will review for strengths and weaknesses of each, and applicability for Harrisville, and discuss at the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm. The next meeting is Tues the 16that 6:00 pm.