FAIRFAX PLANNING COMMISION MEETING
APRIL 30, 2002

Preliminary Results of Zoning Survey

The Fairfax Planning Commission sent a survey to every residence in the Town. Of the 1266 mailed out, 188 were either mailed back or delivered to the Town Clerk’s office in time to be counted on Tuesday, April 16, 2002. Some of the responses had two answers. Some of the responses did not give an opinion as to what the specific minimum lot size should be. A vast majority of the people who answered added comments which are very helpful. The Planning Commission did not have time to collate the written comments, but they did have time to add up the results of the two questions: (a) What should the minimum lot size be in the growth center (it is currently 1/3 acre); and (b) what should the minimum lot size be outside of the growth center and the multi-use district (it is currently 2 acres in most areas)?

The numbers are found in the two attached charts. The survey asked whether growth should be encouraged, discouraged or allowed in the two areas. The survey also asked the respondents to recommended a minimum lot size for each area.

Another question was asked in the survey. A question was asked whether Planned Residential Developments (PRD) should be encouraged or discouraged. A PRD has a specific legal meaning. It was apparent from the written comments that the term was not clearly defined. Several people wrote that they opposed PRDs when in fact their comments supported the concept. The Planning Commission sees a need to explain the term better.

The Planning Commissioners are in the process of reviewing every written comment. A summary of the comments will be provided later. The commissioners recessed the April 16th meeting until April 23rd. They have divided up the surveys and each commissioner will report to the others as to what written.

There will be a public meeting to discuss what all of this means on April 30th at BFA at 7:30 p.m. The Planning Commission is very interested in hearing what any resident or landowner has to say about the minimum lot size as set forth in the zoning regulations and by-laws. Bring pictures or diagrams of what you think the minimum size should be for a village lot. Come if you are curious. Come just to listen. If you have something to say, it will be welcomed.

Afterwards, at the next few regularly scheduled Planning Commission meetings, the commissioners will discuss whether the minimum lot sizes should be changed. If the Commission recommends a change, it will be presented to the community at a formal public hearing at a later date and then to the Selectmen. The Selectmen will also be required to hold a public meeting. If there is to be a change of this magnitude, the Planning Commission will recommend to the Selectmen that the voters be asked to approve or disapprove it.

Nick Hadden
Chairman,Fairfax Planning Commission

Results of the Survey for the Lot Size IN the growth zone (village)

Development
Allowed

Development
Encouraged

Development
Discouraged

Totals

Percentage

Minimum
Lot Size

4

17

0

21

11.29%

1/4 acre

10

16

0

26

13.07%

1/3 acre

44

12

7

63

33.87%

1/2 acre

30

1

10

41

22.04%

1 acre

14

1

5

20

10.75%

2 acres

3

0

4

7

3.76%

5 acres

3

2

1

6

Other

Results of the Survey for the Lot Size OUTSIDE of Village

Development
Allowed

Development
Discouraged

Development
Encouraged

Total

Percentage

Minimum
Lot Size

14

2

4

20

10.69%

1/2 acre

12

1

3

16

8.55%

1 acre

49

5

5

59

31.55%

2 acres

25

4

1

30

16.04%

5 acres

26

5

3

33

18.18%

10 acres

3

6

0

9

4.80%

40 acres

8

2

0

10

other