The Town of Essex Planning Commission will be meeting tonight, May 25th at 6:00 PM, 81 Main Street, 1st Floor Conference Room, or Zoom. This meeting is an opportunity for the public to offer comments on the proposed changes to the draft Zoning & Subdivision Regulations. The amendments are minor in nature and include some changes that the legislature approved over the last session. As an example, rules for an accessory apartment (formerly referred to as a Mother-in-Law apartment), changed from a 1-bedroom apartment being no larger than 30% of the primary living space of the existing house, or 600 s.f., whichever is greater, to 900 s.f., as well as removing the number of bedroom requirement. Sidenote: If you are on a private septic system, the state wastewater permit will likely need to be amended to add the accessory apartment to accommodate additional bedroom(s). Should you choose to use an accessory apartment as a Short-Term Rental (STR) or Airbnb, you are required to go before the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) for approval. If you are currently operating a STR or Airbnb and have not received approval, you are in violation. Please contact me and I will assist you to so that you come into compliance.
Other topics of discussion include a brief update on planning projects that are ongoing; review of previous meeting minutes; and other business.
I should note that the first item the PC lists for every meeting is: Public to be Heard. This is an opportunity for the public to come to a meeting and discuss any topic or concern that you want to express, as long as it does not relate to the items that are already scheduled to be discussed at the same meeting. The exception is when there is a consent agenda item. These items are minor in nature. However an adjoining landowner is to provide comments about a consent agenda item under 'Public to be Heard'.
Here is how to attend:
• Zoom link: https://www.essexvt.org/1043/Join-Zoom-Meeting-Essex-PC
• Call (audio only): 1-888-788-0099 | Meeting ID: 923 7777 6158 # | Passcode: 426269
• Public wifi is available at the Essex municipal offices, libraries, and hotspots listed here: https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/public-wifi-hotspots-vermont
Once the Planning Commission concludes its public hearing, the draft regulations are moved up to the Selectboard for its public hearing.
The Town Office is closed on Monday. Happy Memorial Day!
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