PLANNING BOARD – PUBLIC HEARINGS
Posted on: November 30, 2023 - 5:05pm
PLANNING BOARD – PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Freeport Planning Board will hold public hearings on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023 at 6:00pm in the Freeport Town Hall Council Chambers (Zoom option available) at 30 Main Street, Freeport, Maine, to discuss the following items:
1) Proposed Amendments to Chapter 21 Freeport Zoning Ordinance
The Board will hold a Public Hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Freeport Zoning Ordinance related to municipal compliance with 30-A M.R.S. §§ 4364 – 4364-C (including LD 2003, “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions”). The proposed amendments will potentially allow more housing in almost all zoning districts; add a new section, Section 536. Affordable Housing Density Bonus; and also include amendments to lower barriers to the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (Accessory Apartments). Additional non-substantive text amendments are also proposed.
2) Proposed Amendments to Chapter 25 Freeport Subdivision Ordinance
The Board will hold a Public Hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Freeport Subdivision Ordinance. The majority of the changes are related to municipal compliance with 30-A M.R.S.A. §§ 4364 – 4364-C (including LD 2003, “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions”). Additional proposed amendments include adding and/or amending standards to comply with State subdivision approval standards (M.R.S. 30-A § 4404) and as previously discussed by the Planning Board); several non-substantial text amendments to update reference documents used throughout the Ordinance; and non-substantial text amendments for clarification purposes.
3) Proposed Amendments to Chapter 65 Freeport Shoreland Zoning Ordinance
The Board will hold a Public Hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Freeport Shoreland Ordinance related to municipal compliance with 30-A M.R.S. §§ 4364 – 4364-C (including LD 2003, “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions”). The intent of the proposed changes is to keep consistency with the proposed amendments in the Freeport Zoning Ordinance and to clarify that Accessory Dwelling Units are still subject to Shoreland Zoning Space Standards.
The Board will hold a Public Hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Freeport Shoreland Ordinance related to municipal compliance with 30-A M.R.S. §§ 4364 – 4364-C (including LD 2003, “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions”). The intent of the proposed changes is to keep consistency with the proposed amendments in the Freeport Zoning Ordinance and to clarify that Accessory Dwelling Units are still subject to Shoreland Zoning Space Standards.
Meeting materials will be available for public viewing prior to the meeting and will be posted on the Town’s website as soon as they are complete. The public is also welcome to come to the Freeport Town Office anytime during normal business hours to view a paper copy, as due to the size, limited shared printed copies will be available at the meeting.
The public is welcome to attend the meeting. Information on how to participate (including information on how to join on Zoom) can be found on the meeting agenda posted on the meeting calendar of the Town’s website at www.freeportmaine.com. Please contact the Planning Office at Freeport Town Hall at (207) 865-4743, option 5, if you have any questions.