The most notable topic at the meeting was the board’s approval of a request from Paradise Contractors to modify a previously approved site plan on Pleasant Street. Represented by Ryan Proctor from Dillis Roy Civil Design Group, the request involved extending the foundation of an addition by two feet in two locations. This change increased the project area by 467 square feet, bringing it to a total of 1,259 square feet. Proctor assured the board that the modifications would not affect stormwater management or parking requirements, as the addition would be constructed on existing impervious surfaces. He also noted that a title five inspection would be conducted before the issuance of a building permit, in line with the Board of Health’s earlier comments regarding the septic system. The board deliberated and ultimately classified the change as de minimis.

Another issue discussed was the proposed updates to the town’s zoning code to comply with the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act, which necessitates provisions for ADUs. The board considered potential restrictions on ADUs, such as allowing them only in single-family residences. However, town council advised against imposing such limitations, highlighting challenges faced by other municipalities that attempted similar restrictions. They feared this change could lead to increased investor purchases of properties for rental purposes, potentially reducing home availability for buyers. The board agreed on the need to inform voters about these changes at the upcoming town meeting.

The meeting also addressed updates to floodplain maps, which require special permits for properties located within floodplain areas. The board acknowledged the challenges of communicating these changes to affected residents, noting that the planning office had been tasked with facilitating outreach. A plan was outlined to provide resources at the town meeting, enabling residents to check their properties against the new maps using federal online tools. It was reported that there are currently 18 flood insurance policies in town, and the changes were not expected to impact them. The board emphasized the necessity of maintaining awareness of these regulations while deliberating on the proposed changes.

In addition to these topics, the board discussed revisions to standard operating procedures concerning the peer review process. The conversation highlighted a shift in procedures under new leadership, requiring board approval for peer reviews—a departure from previous practices. A suggestion was made to set a common fee of $2,000 for the peer review process, aligning with typical costs encountered. The board debated the role of the planner or board chair in determining the necessity of peer reviews, with some members advocating for a standardized requirement for all applications, subject to waivers. The discussion revealed concerns about the current vacancy in the planner position, which some believed could hinder effective decision-making.

The board also touched on operational matters, such as the enforcement of application review fees. A board member noted that every application requires a review fee of $2,000 or more, referencing existing regulations that had not been consistently enforced. The board unanimously approved a motion to enforce these standard operating procedures.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed ongoing challenges faced by the Master Plan Steering Committee, citing difficulties in interpreting recommendations from community feedback. The Economic Development Committee was noted to be addressing concerns about Lunenburg’s business-friendliness, with plans to meet with the committee chair to discuss potential improvements. The Montachusett Regional Planning Commission and the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee were also mentioned, with meetings scheduled for the following week.