KEEP THE HEAT ON  IN STOCKTON SPRINGS October Newsletter November Newsletter INFORMATION FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING MARCH 25, 2009 MINERAL EXTRACTION ORDINANCE The purpose of this ordinance is to establish minimum removal and reclamation standards, and procedures intended to regulate the process of mineral extraction. Presently, there is a lack of provisions for overseeing through the existing ordinance any mineral extraction on the part of the town. This ordinance is intended to:                       Preserve and protect surface and ground water quality and quantity.                       Preserve value of property and assure these activities are permitted in the zone designated                      Assure protection of wildlife and wildlife habitats                      Protect the surrounding environments, residents, and the scenic quality of our town                      Regulate hours of operation Monday through Saturday. (No operations on Sundays, evenings,or                                       certain holidays).                     This ordinance would replace the existing section(s) of the Zoning Ordinance that refer to mineral extraction. SHORELAND ZONING ORDINANCE The original ordinance was adopted in 1914 and was last updated in 2000. In 2006, the MDEP requested towns update their ordinances to comply with new state and federal guidelines. These updates refer to the “normal high-water line or upland edge of freshwater or coastal wetland” among other definitions. Also, it includes a new method of calculating existing vegetation which can be removed along shore land and the necessity for replanting with native species of plant life.              A new Shoreland Map has also been generated (approved by the MDEP) and will be available online at the Town’s Website and at the Special Town Meeting. Most of the changes in this ordinance are minor, but it must be approved before July, 2009 in order to be in compliance with the Maine DE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE The last update of this ordinance was in 1994. Our Code Enforcement Officer has brought it to the Town’s attention, that because of insurance needs, and at the request of the State Planning Office, a more recent submission is necessary. The CEO is the permitting authority and the permit fee will remain the same             This update is important because residents of the Town will not be able to purchase flood insurance without a recent ordinance in place. SITE PLAN REVIEW ORDINANCE This is a new ordinance that is being proposed by the Planning Board. It will replace Soecial Exceotion in our present Zoning Ordinance. It will allow for a more comprehensive and consistent application of necessary rules governing development in Stockton Springs. The new ordinance, if approved, would apply to multifamily structures with three or more dwelling units and to all non-residential structures.             SingIe-family and duplex homes will not be covered .  Also, Site Plan Review will not cover:  agricultural uses, timber harvesting or forestry uses, or the establishment of a home occupation that does not affect the exterior of a building. NOTE: If these ordinances are approved, there will be amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that will have to be voted upon as well. These changes are listed on the attached sheet. ALL THESE ORDINANCES HAVE BEEN APPROVED AM) SUPPORTED BY THE PLANNING BOARD AND THE SELECTMEN OF STOCKTON SPRINGS. Changes to be Made to the Zoning Ordinance if the Mineral Extraction and Site Plan Review Ordinance Passes             . 1, Under Section VII Administration i. Permit Requirements b. “The CEO shall keep a log of site visits and all appIi acted upon. and shall report these activities to the Planning Board. The initial authority to act on applications shall be determined by Table I: Land Use Guide or by  Special Exception as determined by  Section VIII. Appeals and Variances, or  Section XI Zoning Districts.   2. Under Section VIII. Appeals and Variances A. Variances: “The Board of Zoning Appeals shall hold a public hearing on the application for variance... The Board shall send notice of such public hearing by Certified Mail. Return Receipt Requested. to all owners of properly within 1000 500* feet of any boundary of the subject property…”.   3. Under Section VIII. Appeals and Variances B. Special Exception Standards [ This section intentionally left blank]*   4. Under Section Xl. Zoning Districts A. District Establishment i. Residential District e. Replace ‘Any of the following when authorized by Special Exception by the Planning Board:” with ‘Any of the following when authorized by Site Plan Review by the Planning Board:”   5. Change “11) Any uses of the same general character as herein specifically permitted with Special Exception.” to “11) Any uses of the same general character as herein specifically permitted with Site Plan Review.”   6. Under ii. Commercial District Change “h) Any use of the same general character as herein specifically permitted when authorized by Special Exception by the Planning Board.” to “h) Any uses of the same general character as herein specifically permitted when authorized under Site Plan Review ‘‘   7. Under iii. Industrial District Change ‘c) Any use of the same general character as herein specifically permitted when authorized as a Special Exception by the Planning Board” to “c) Any use of the same general character when authorized under the Site Plan Review Ordinance by the Planning Board”   8. Under iv. Rural District Change “b) Any use permitted in the Commercial or Industrial Districts may be permitted when authorized as a Special Exception by the Planning Board” to “b)Any use permitted in the Commercial or Industrial Districts may be permitted when authorized under the Site Plan Review Ordinance by the Planning Board.”   9. Under XIII Definitions Delete SPECIAL EXCEPTION” and its definition.* Add “SITE PLAN REVIEW    The process by which a person obtains permission from the planning board to construct, modify, or convert (I) a structure that contains three (3) or more dwelling units, or (2) a any non-residential structure”   * All references to Special Exception and replaced by Site Plan Review upon approval of Site Plan Review Ordinance 3/25/09   XII. Land Use Standards E. Mineral Extraction and Exploration This section intentionally left blank.-- Replaced by Mineral Extraction Ordinance approved at Special Town Meeting. March 25, 2009.

Stockton Springs Farmer's Market If you would like to be a Farmers' Market vendor contact Debbie Bergman 567-3730.