PURPOSE

  1. To provide an applicant a way to change zoning regulations in response to changes in [NAME OF TOWN / CITY] policy or factors or conditions that may be affecting real property.

APPLICABILITY

  1. Any project within the [NAME OF TOWN / CITY].

AUTHORITY

  1. The Board of Selectmen process all requests for zoning text or map amendments and place requests for amendments on the Annual or Special Town Meeting.
  2. The approval or denial of a zoning text or map amendment is a discretionary legislative act, by majority vote at an Annual or Special Town Meeting.

PROCEDURE

  1. Petitions may be submitted by any of the following:
    1. Any member(s) of the Board of Selectmen.
    2. The [PERMITTING AUTHORITY].
    3. The Board of Appeals.
    4. The Planning [BOARD / COMMISSION].
    5. A property owner seeking to change the entitlement of his/her own property.
    6. 10% of the number of voters who voted in the [NAME OF TOWN / CITY] in the last gubernatorial election.
  2. Within 14 days of receiving a petition to amend the zoning text or map, the Board of Selectmen must submit the petition and the proposed changes, additions, or repeal of language to the Planning [BOARD / COMMISSION] for review.
  3. Within 30 days after receiving a petition to amend the zoning text or map, the Planning [BOARD / COMMISSION] must review the petition and accompanying documentation at a regular meeting of the Planning [BOARD / COMMISSION].  The Planning [BOARD / COMMISSION] will consider the petition and must provide a written recommendation to the Board of Selectmen, considering the following:
    1. The adopted Comprehensive Plan of the [NAME OF TOWN / CITY].
    2. The purpose of this Code, in general.
    3. The purpose of the district(s) that would be applied to the properties in question.
  4. Within 45 days after submittal to the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Selectmen must review the petition and any recommendations of the Planning [BOARD / COMMISSION], hold a public hearing, and vote to place it on the warrant of the next occurring Town Meeting or Special Town Meeting.