After two of the three articles it worked to create failed to pass at January 28’s Special Town `Meeting, Rochester’s Zoning Bylaw Review Committee voted on February 6 to suspend its activities until a new Town Planner can help to advance its agenda.
The Special Town Meeting voted down proposals to add regulations and restrictions for short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). “To say I was disappointed by the town meeting votes would be an understatement,” Committee chair Richard Cutler said as the February 6 meeting began.
At the town meeting, Cutler argued these new regulations would impose some restrictions on these residential uses and protect the rights of abutters. Residents argued back in large numbers that they try to solve problems that do not exist.
On February 6, Cutler asked board members if they wanted to continue to work or suspend work for now on these new regulations “until things get ironed out.” He led a motion approving that the board take a “sabbatical” until a new Town Planner can join the panel and advocate for what it is trying to do. He noted Rochester has no town planner but is currently on the search for one. The committee’s agenda will be more successful once that new Planner joins the board, he said. The resulting approval vote was unanimous.
Before adjourning, however, the committee reviewed another of its priorities: refining the list of businesses allowed in the town’s agricultural/residential district and as home occupations. Cutler presented board members with a list of business uses, categorized by those permitted by right, Arts and Crafts, Trades and Professional Services, and business uses requiring a special permit. The latter list included private clubs, golf courses, repair shops, gas stations, building for public utilities, landscaping, construction, agricultural supply, and vehicle sales.
Committee member Mark Wellington presented his own list of home occupations that included those he noted that are found in the town agricultural/residential district today. “We have these in town right now,” Wellington said, “doing home businesses as we speak.” The highlights of this list included trade occupations such as small engine repair, taxidermist, a luthier, who repairs string instruments and pet groomer.
Cutler concluded he will create a fourth category in which to fit some of these occupations. That category will be called home occupations permitted by right but ones that must register with the town clerk.
Rochester’s Zoning Bylaw Review Committee
By Michael J. DeCicco