Commission to review zoning districts and request maps of aquifers and watersheds

Commissioners flagged apparent inconsistencies between current zoning districts (residential, rural, forest) and the town’s geography. One member said parts of the town that look forested were mapped residential; another asked whether the Bennington Regional Planning Commission (BCRC) drew the district boundaries and whether Stamford has authority to change them locally.

The commission agreed to contact BCRC to confirm the process for altering district boundaries and to obtain maps showing aquifers and watershed boundaries so the commission can craft bylaws that better protect water resources. Members scheduled follow-up outreach and asked staff to circulate the zoning map for review before the next meeting.