The Rindge Planning Board adopted two changes to its regulations, setting a specific time for people to submit applications for upcoming board meetings.
The board agreed unanimously to adopt theo proposed changes, after no input was offered from the public during a hearing Tuesday, according to Planning Director Al Bump.
The changes were similar, with identical wording creating a specific timeframe for applications for subdivision and site plan reviews.
The regulations already set an expectation that an application must be submitted 21 days prior to the scheduled Planning Board meeting. This includes payment of application fees. This timeframe is required because the applicant and abutters must be informed, by certified mail, at least 10 days prior to a public hearing, and the meeting must be noticed in three public places for at least 10 days prior.
The changes adopted by the board kept that 21-day deadline intact, but added the words “prior to Noon (12:00 PM)” at least 21 days prior to the scheduled meeting date. The same phrasing is used for both subdivision and site plan reviews.
While changes to the zoning code require a vote on the Town Meeting ballot in March, the Planning Board’s regulations are rules and procedures developed by the board to guide its own decision-making process, and may be changed at any time, following a public hearing for input. The rule was approved by the board Tuesday and is now in effect.
The Planning Board is scheduled to meet next on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Rindge town offices.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.