Town of Hinesburg: Rural Area Zoning

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The Planning Commission held a public forum on November 11, 2009 to present and discuss draft zoning and subdivision regulation revision options related to the rural areas of Hinesburg. Turnout was good with about 75 people attending.

The presentation included an overview and several build-out scenarios of the rural areas, and discussed Planning Commission objectives for proposing a change in regulations.

The draft revision language included 2 options for finding an allowed development density number, as well as a change in the DRB review process to a 2-step approach (Finding the Number and Project Design).

Attendees had questions and suggestions about the details found in the proposed options, and comments about land ownership, wildlife and natural area conservation, and the planning process in general. See the documents below for more information.

Town Plan Goals

“To encourage a pattern of development that maintains open spaces and scenic resources. To incorporate the preservation of Hinesburg’s rural character within future development guidelines. To guide development within Hinesburg’s rural areas while preserving natural and wildlife systems.”

We’re seeking feedback and dialogue BEFORE finalizing any new regulatory language. We have developed draft language outlining options for folks to consider, and are very open to suggestions – e.g., for one option or another, for a different/hybrid approach, for improvements or other avenues. Would you like to see what the build out potential would be under the draft options for your property or other properties? Just contact Alex Weinhagen in the Planning & Zoning Office! He can quickly run the numbers for any property. The following broad objectives have guided this effort:

Create a clear system for determining allowed development density: a) Give landowners more predictability in the review process; b) Help retain natural resources and important farm and forest land as rural areas become more developed
Focus rural area review on resource protection first, with development designed to integrate into and benefit from resource areas
Do away with outdated and arbitrary zoning standards (i.e., 2 & 3 acre minimum lot sizes) that hamper innovative subdivision design and fragment the rural landscape
Clearly distinguish the difference between density and minimum lot size

More Info:

Hinesburg Rural Density & Development Standards – draft version 8/24/09 (.pdf)
Hinesburg Rural Areas Community Forum Presentation (including notes) – November 11, 2009 (.pdf)
Rural Areas Community Forum 2-page Overview of Proposed Changes & Rationale – Handout from November 11, 2009 forum (.pdf)
Rural Areas Community Forum Meeting Minutes – November 11, 2009

Town of Hinesburg
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