Staff details safeguards and backstops to prevent administrative review from being circumvented

Planning staff described several safeguards intended to prevent developers from circumventing Planning Board review by piecemeal administrative approvals. Connor said the recode’s matrix would include backstops such as floor‑area thresholds tied to maximum building types and automatic triggers when a project in a higher‑intensity district abuts a lower‑intensity district.

Connor warned the board against potential circumvention: “If the board sees that, you know, a 4 unit development, can be approved administratively, we don't want, a developer to come in and create, like, multiple 4 unit buildings on a development site to, like, circumvent Planning Board review,” he said. Staff also emphasized the administrative officer's ongoing discretion to send projects to the Planning Board and noted the Tech Review Committee will continue to review technical aspects (fire, engineering, building safety).