Pomfret Town Board eyes zoning code changes
The Pomfret Town Board is looking at apparently minor zoning code changes.
The board had a lengthy, technical discussion with a zoning consultant at its July meeting.
Andy Martin of Ingalls Planning and Design said the process of updating the zoning codes started in August.
A “small technical committee of zoning experts” worked on changes, in consultation with town officials. Pomfret board members have had a draft copy for a few weeks.
Ingalls said “there are some changes that involved a parcel by parcel look,” but significant rezoning is not happening. The codes were basically “reorganized, moved and a little cleaned up.”
There was “a lot of really thoughtful discussion” about streamlining the review process laid out in the administration and enforcement section of the code, he added.
A discussion about agricultural land use issues ensued. One issue was the definition of agricultural processing versus agricultural production. Ingalls suggested that processing should be strictly defined and permitted in both agricultural and rural residential zones.
It was also noted that agricultural activity can’t be restricted in a Chautauqua County agricultural district. One such district covers much of western Pomfret.
Town Supervisor Dan Pacos spoke of a balancing act: Property owners in agricultural districts should not be forced to farm, but zoning “can’t box agriculture out.”
After the discussion meandered on for a while, Deputy Town Supervisor Ann Eckman finally said with a laugh, “Can you just highlight all the charges?”
The board is set to review the draft one more time, at its August meeting. Town Attorney Jeff Passafaro noted that it must not be brought to the public until it is final local law form. Pomfret’s citizens will get their say on it at the polls, after a public hearing.
Eckman said she hoped that the final form will be ready for the August meeting.