The commission discussed a proposed “reuse structure” approach intended to encourage moving and repurposing existing buildings rather than demolition. The concept would create a tiered process—staff-issued letters for straightforward cases and special permits for larger relief—so applicants could obtain faster, predictable approvals for reuse that otherwise would be blocked by strict ground-cover or setback limits.

Speakers said the draft aims to avoid creating an automatic path to greater overall density. Under the proposal, engineering and planning review remain required, and any approval that permits additional ground cover or setback relief would be recorded on title so the allowance stays tied to the property rather than becoming a marketable loophole. Planning staff cautioned such approvals may require a more formal process to ensure clarity at transfer and to avoid unintended legal consequences; town counsel review may be needed before final language is prepared.

Commission members discussed expedited staff review for clearly conforming cases (a letter approval when certain objective criteria are met) and a planning-board-reviewed special permit when more substantive relief is requested. Staff and members emphasized coordination so the Historic District Commission (HDC) reviews design and context while the planning board or Zoning Board of Appeals addresses zoning relief. Participants said they would also consider whether incentives (e.g., ground-cover bonuses tied to reuse, or future cubic-volume tradeoffs) would be appropriate in later ordinance iterations.

The commission did not take a formal vote at the workshop; members asked staff to work with planning and legal counsel to draft text and to consider how any program would be recorded on property title.