Sanbornton zoning hearing

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing into its proposals to amend existing subdivision regulations for the first time since 1997 on Thursday evening (April 26) at 7 p.m. at the town offices.

Town Planner Bob Ward said the proposed changes are extensive and are aimed at bringing town regulations up-to-date with changes in the enabling state statutes, or to clarify or better define existing provisions.

The board is providing such house-keeping amendments as grammatical corrections in wording, an extensive overhaul of the definitions section, as well as proposing a requirement that granite markers be placed at lot corners and spelling out the process for voluntary merger of adjoining lots.

New provisions propose to allow new subdivision lots to have frontage on private roads, require that storm water not drain onto neighboring properties, require wires be placed underground and require a fire protection plan acceptable to the Fire Department.

A new approach is proposed for subdivision roads, in which the Planning board will use variable design standards for new roads based on the amount of traffic the roads will carry. Also in the road standards section of the regulations, the board proposes a requirement that new subdivision plans provide double access for roads.

Ward urged that voters review the exact working of the proposed amendments online at "www.sanbornton-nh.gov". Simply click on "Proposed subdivision regulations changes 2007". Copies of the proposed amendments are also available for public inspection during regular business hours at both the selectmen's office and the town clerk's office during regular business hours. The town offices are located at 573 Sanborn Road.

At the conclusion of the public hearing, Planning Board members will consider the formal adoption of the proposed amendments.