The amended Unified Planning Document (UPD) is on the ballot for March 7th. Copies of the document are available from Town Hall and online in both final and redline form (which show the edits that have been made)
- UPD adopted by Selectboard 1/24/2023 (final or clean version)
- UPD adopted by Selectboard 1/24/2023 (redline version)
Monkton’s Unified Planning Document exists to provide process and procedure to guide
orderly development within the town. It is comprised of two parts, Section I that contains
the town’s Zoning Regulations and Section II that addresses the Subdivision Regulations.
All development regulations take their guidance from the Town Plan, but unlike the
Town Plan do not expire. Once adopted these regulations remain in effect until amended
by the voters. The amendments proposed here, are intended to streamline the Zoning and
Subdivision process and to make the process more open to the community.
All of the proposed amendments support the goals of the Town Plan and provide clarity
and greater community input in the development process. They are compatible with
proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan and planned community
facilities.
The most substantial change to the Unified Planning Document is on Planned United
Developments (PUDs) sections 830 and 905. Section 905 was completely rewritten to
modernize it to promote affordable housing, lessen impacts on farmers, and better
conserve open space. Section 830 makes it clear that PUDs may be a normal part of the
subdivision process. Specifically, we:
1. Revised the purpose and added Village and Rural districts.
2. Revised use of open space.
3. Addressed non-contiguous parcels for open space.
4. Created new thresholds for PUDs.
5. Rewrote common land requirements.
6. Addresses density bonuses, affordable housing, elderly housing.
7. Changes to Section 830 Preliminary Plat Application and Review.
Other changes include:
8. Added Section 594 on Trees in the Municipal Right of Way.
9. Added Section 595 on Erosion Control.
10. Added Section 596 on Stormwater Management.
11. Added Section 597 on Riparian Buffers.
12. Added Section 598 on Wetlands.
13. Added Section 599 on Steep Slopes.
14. Added decibel levels to Section 584 General Performance Standards.
15. Article VI Flood Hazard Area Regulations was rewritten.
16. Removed Conditional Use for Accessory Dwelling Units.
17. Added Conditional Use for land development on steep slopes as indicated in Section
595 Erosion Control and Section 599 Steep Slopes.
18. Added Wildlife Corridors to Section 900 – General Planning and Design Standards
for Subdivisions.
The areas of the town affected the proposed Amendments are:
Changes to the Ridgeline district impact that district.
Changes to the Flood Hazard Area Regulations impact that district.
All other proposed amendments affect all districts of the town.