SHELBURNE — The Planning Board is proposing a new open space and development bylaw giving more development options to landowners with parcels of 6 acres or larger — if the buildings are sited to maximize habitat and open space.
Copies of proposed bylaw changes are available in the town clerk’s office in Memorial Hall, and may be voted on at this year’s annual town meeting on May 3.
Instead of requiring a special permit, this type of open space development would go through an open-space design process that includes a conservation analysis to identify natural, cultural and historic land features. It also concentrates development — through design flexibility and reduced dimensional requirements — to preserve those land features and permanently preserve more land in a natural, scenic or open condition.
The open space development process would replace the special permit now required for what is called “cluster housing.”
Open space development projects do not have minimum lot sizes for zoning purposes and there is no specific road frontage requirements. However, the minimum setback for any building from a lot line is 10 feet and principal structures on a lot must be at least 20 feet apart.
Each dwelling must have at least two off-street parking spaces except for congregate housing, which must have enough parking for staff and visitors.
However, all open space development buildings must have a buffer-strip setback of at least 75 feet from the preserved open space. Also, at least half of the total parcel is to be set aside as protected open space.
The purpose is to encourage permanent preservation of open space, encourage a less-sprawling form of development and preserve the rural character of the town.
The Planning Board hopes this option will encourage the development of senior housing and affordable housing within the town, enable landowners to profit from the development of a small percentage of their land, expedite the permitting process, reduce energy consumption and promote “low impact development.”
Low impact development is land planning and engineering design that maintains existing and development watersheds. Some of these design standards include: minimizing tree and soil removal, and keeping any grade changes with the general appearance of neighboring development areas.
You can reach Diane Broncaccio at:
dbroncaccio@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 277.