Planning board forwards amended setback and frontage changes after public debate and several amendments

Planner David presented proposed amendments to the city's Table B (dimensional requirements) to reduce minimum front‑yard setbacks from 40 feet to 25 feet in multiple residential zones, a change he framed as a way to cut impervious surface and ease housing costs. Several members, including Chico and Rob, expressed strong support; developers at the hearing urged broader frontage reductions to lower road and development costs.

Public commenters and some board members urged caution, requesting conservation commission input and more mapping analysis of frontage impacts where septic and well setbacks apply. The board considered and adopted several on‑the‑floor amendments: an initial amendment reduced duplex frontage in the R‑3 zone to 75 feet for lots with water and sewer; later the board amended single‑family frontage in R‑3 to match the 75‑foot standard for sewered lots. Several motions, a reconsideration and tie‑breaking votes were recorded during the complex sequence; the final package was forwarded to city council as amended. Board members asked staff to workshop remaining frontage concerns (especially areas without sewer) before additional changes are finalized.