Essex has been awarded a $90,000 grant to further consider possible bylaw zoning changes. Earlier this year, Essex partnered with the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) to review the town’s existing zoning bylaws. Essex’s zoning is unique in that it consists entirely of a general zoning district, in which all types of land use is allowed if the lot meets the minimum land area requirements and frontage.
The process to evaluate the zoning laws centered around whether to create new zoning districts. Town Administrator Brendhan Zubricki provided an update on the town’s current thought process surrounding the creation of formal zoning districts, “at this point in time, the selectmen and the Planning Board are anticipating a lesser degree of revision than a formal district zoning.”
The grant funding will be used to allow MAPC to develop recommendations for zoning revisions. Town Administrator Zubricki and the Planning Board are “hopeful” that these recommendations will be finalized in time for Essex’s Fall Town Meeting.
Public meetings to discuss potential zoning changes and to build consensus will be scheduled, but no dates/times have currently been set.
