City Council Public Hearing - Ordinance O-2012-07-A: Surface Water Protection Overlay District

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the Keene City Council relative to Ordinance O-2012-07-A relative to the establishment of a surface water protection overlay district.

This ordinance would amend the City of Keene Zoning Ordinance by creating an overlay district based on the presence of surface waters and wetlands.  The intent is to protect the water quality of surface waters and wetlands and the buffers associated with these resources. Wetlands are defined in a manner consistent with NH Laws. In these areas, and adjacent upland buffers, limits are established for certain uses and structures. Man-made wetlands such as roadside ditches, stormwater basins and agricultural/irrigation ponds are not included in the overlay district.  Some uses are prohibited – those which have the greatest potential to harm the water resources – including junkyards, car repair and filling stations, and sub-surface wastewater facilities.  Other uses are allowed including agriculture, forestry, and new driveways when installed to minimize potential adverse impacts. Other uses and structures are allowed subject to the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit by the Planning Board.

New structures and modification/expansion of existing structures within the overlay must meet the standards in the Ordinance and may need approval from the Planning Board through the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. For pre-existing lots or structures which cannot comply with this ordinance, new structures or expansion of existing structures are allowed provided that impact to the resource areas is minimized.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for review in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall 3 Washington Street or by clicking the link provided below.

HEARING DATE: MARCH 21, 2013
HEARING TIME: 7:00 pm
HEARING PLACE: Council Chambers, Keene City Hall

PDFs: 

Ordinance O-2012-07-A