Millis planning board seeks volunteers for zoning bylaw review committee; ADU and sign rules on agenda
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Summary
The Town of Millis Planning Board discussed forming a five-member zoning bylaw review committee to recommend sweeping cleanup and targeted changes — including accessory dwelling units, FEMA updates, signage and temporary-structure rules — for possible spring town-meeting articles.
The Millis Planning Board on Jan. 14 discussed forming a five-member zoning bylaw review committee to consolidate piecemeal zoning changes, consider accessory dwelling unit (ADU) language, update FEMA-related bylaws, and revisit rules for signage and temporary structures such as event tents.
Board members said the committee would draft recommendations that the planning board could adopt and forward as warrant articles to a town meeting; zoning bylaw changes require town meeting approval and must go through the formal public-hearing process. A staff member explained that the planning board would review any committee proposals and that the select board and town counsel may be involved in review before the town meeting warrant is finalized.
Members discussed committee makeup and outreach. The board agreed to solicit volunteers via the town website and town Facebook page, and to ask the new building commissioner whether he would like to participate. Two planning board members volunteered at the meeting; the board said it will evaluate public interest and finalize membership at a future meeting.
Potential near-term topics for the committee include the state-recommended ADU model expected from the state, a FEMA floodplain bylaw update the town plans to pursue for the spring town meeting, and updates to temporary-sign and temporary-structure rules aimed at clarifying time limits and enforcement. Board members said they may address event tents and pop-up/portable signage separately or in advance of the larger bylaw review.
Board members also discussed process and timing: drafting, public hearings, and the requirement that zoning bylaw changes be presented as warrant articles at town meeting. Some members said it would be difficult to complete the full review in time for the May town meeting but that specific items such as the FEMA update and an ADU article might be feasible.
The board asked staff to collect volunteer names and to post a call for volunteers; the chair and planning staff will coordinate outreach and report back at the next meeting.