TOWN OF RUTLAND

SELECT BOARD

MINUTES: August 9, 2011

Board members present: Stanley Rhodes III, Joe Dicton, Steve Hawley and James Hall

The Meeting opened at 6:55 P.M.

Mr. Mark Blucher, Executive Director of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, met with the Board and made a presentation regarding the history of Zoning Regulations and the roles local officials in the administration of the regulations.

Mr. Blucher addressed both the pros and cons associated with Zoning Boards of Adjustment and Development Review Boards.

Information cited by Mr. Blucher:

• In 1921 the Vermont Legislature authorized the creation of Planning Commissions

• In 1931 the Legislature authorized Zoning Commission and Boards of Adjustment

• In 1968 the legislature established authority for Planning and Zoning

• In 1970 Act 250 tied Town Plans into the State Development Review Process

• In 1988 Act 200 increased focus on coordination between Town Plans, Regional Plans and State Plans

• Explained statutory and functional authorities under zoning regulations

• Planning Commission has legislative function when it is drafting and approving plans and bylaws and conducting studies

• Explained the role of Appropriate Municipal Panels in reviewing development

• There can be between 5 to 9 members on a Development Review Board

• Alternates are allowed to serve on DRB

• The Select Board sets the term of the members

• The DRB would review appeals, variances, waivers, conditional uses, subdivisions and site plans

• Pro’s in favor of DRB, only one judicial body, eliminates contradictory opinions, allows for coordinated review, allows for one-stop shopping

• Con’s associated with DRB, Planning Commission disconnect, DRB lacks long-range view, fewer hearings less public input

Mr. Blucher and the Select Board members discussed various zoning related items and concluded the meeting.

Mr. Hawley moved to close the meeting. Mr. Hall made a second to the motion. The motion passed unanimously.