Fall 2023 Bylaw Changes
Proposed bylaw language and/or content on this page was last updated November 1, 2023
Hearing Notice (Held September 11, 2023)
If you wish to provide questions or comments, please attend the public hearing or submit them to the Planning Board via mail at 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton, MA 01590 or email to j.hager@town.sutton.ma.us.
Earth Disturbance/Removal Bylaw Housekeeping Articles - These two articles contain formatting, section number corrections, and name corrections that were picked up by a local attorney. (Thanks for those eagle eyes!) APPROVED BY TOWN MEETING
Low Impact Development (LID) Bylaw Changes - The Town received the assistance of Central Massachusetts Regional Planing Commission (CMRPC) through District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) Funding to review our Zoning Bylaw, Subdivision Rules & Regulations, and Stormwater Bylaw to examine if these regulations contain LID measures and to recommend amendments. LID measures focus largely on control of water so that it mimics nature, leading to less flooding, drought, and degradation off water resources. LID also focuses on reducing damage from invasive species of vegetation and utilizing vegetation that is native to New England and the animal species that use these plants for habitat and food. These bylaw changes are the first of more to come. This 8.15.23 version contains the most recent written comments received and related modifications from written and verbal commentary.APPROVED BY TOWN MEETING
R. Nunnemacher Comments 8.14.23
Special Event Facility Bylaw - A local resident asked the Board to consider a potential bylaw intended to provide income generating use of large parcels in Sutton. The intent was to off set the cost of maintaining such properties and their taxes so owners are less likely to sell out to developers. The Board decided to sponsor the article feeling it was worthy of the consideration by Sutton voters. Residents have consistently responded in surveys and public processes that they value Sutton's open spaces and landscapes and this is one potential tool that could help preserve these larger parcels if Sutton voters feel the trade off is manageable. This 8.15.23 version contains the most recent written comments received and related modifications from written and verbal commentary.APPROVED BY TOWN MEETING
R. Nunnemacher Comments 8.14.23
A. Mattei Comments 8.20.23
J&J Stevenson Comments 8.21.23
A. Mattei Comments 8.23.23
Sutton Center (SC) Village Overlay District Expansion - A local resident asked the Board to consider adding his parcel and those of several other neighbors to the existing Sutton Center Village District. The District was established through a nearly one year long robust public process back in May of 2019. The area originated with just four parcels to see how the regulations might function, with the clear understanding that the area could expand/change with the assent of property owners and the will of Sutton voters. The primary focus of the SC Village District Bylaw approved by voters in 2019 is to allow additional uses of properties that are part of the Village District but to also tightly regulate the architecture, massing, and placement of structures within the District to preserve the primary architecture styles/features that are unique in the District. Current SCVOD Bylaw - No Changes Proposed to this bylaw.
DEFEATED BY TOWN MEETING