Summary of Proposed Changes for Subdivision Road Buffers

SUBDIVISION ROAD BUFFERS MINOR POLICY CHANGE

Summary The proposed Ordinance change will give the Planning Board discretionary authority to require a vegetative buffer along a new subdivision road if that road is placed along the property line of an existing home. The Board will review existing conditions and the potential for negative impacts on abutting homes and will be able to require developers to install a buffer if it is needed to mitigate those negative impacts.

Current vs. Proposed Standards for Subdivision Road Buffers
          Aspect                      Current                         Proposed
 Vegetative Buffer            50-foot buffer required.   No change.
 between New Subdivision
 & Existing Road
 Vegetative Buffer            No buffer required.        Discretionary authority for
 between New Subdivision                                 Planning Board to require
 Road and Existing Homes                                 buffering depending on the
                                                         potential for negative impacts.

Why the Change? The current provisions for road buffers in new subdivisions require a 50-foot buffer along an existing road to preserve rural character and public views for infrequent travelers. No buffer is required between a new subdivision road and an abutting property where a home can receive negative impacts from noise and vehicle headlights daily. The proposed changes will give the Planning Board discretionary authority to require a buffer if needed.

We want to hear from you! Do you support the proposed change to give the Planning Board discretionary authority to require a subdivision road buffer? Do you have any concerns about it? Please share your thoughts with the Planning Board during the public participation process. You can submit written comments to the Town Planner for circulation to the Board by emailing townplanner@durhammaine.gov.