DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD ANNUAL REPORT
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The Waitsfield Development Review Board (DRB) is comprised of seven members appointed by the Selectboard. The Board's function is to administer the Town's zoning bylaws and subdivision regulations in conjunction with the Zoning Administrator. Specifically, the Board reviews applications for conditional use approval and the subdivision of land, and considers appeals of Zoning Administrator decisions and requests for variances.

Last year was less busy than prior years with regard to permit activity. Four subdivisions involving 8 lots were approved (one of which was reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission because the application was submitted prior to the creation of the DRB). Five boundary adjustments were also approved in 2008.
The DRB issued 14 conditional use approvals, mostly involving new structures, expansions and changes of use in Irasville and Waitsfield Village. This involved the approval of 6,750 square feet of new commercial space. The Board denied one variance request, one application for a conditional sign that did not comply with the sign regulations, and one request for the expansion of a non-conforming use (which was subsequently approved as part of a planned residential development).
In addition to the projects approved by the DRB, the Zoning Administrator issued 31 zoning permits in 2008, including 3 permits for new single-family homes. A permit is required for most development activity in the town and landowners are encouraged to consult with the Zoning Administrator before starting construction or site development.
Noteworthy personnel changes occurred in 2008. Blaine Laskowski resigned as Zoning Administrator in April, and was replaced by Vickie Trihy in May. Blaine did a great job and we were sorry to see her go, but we are very pleased that Vickie has been able to fill the position with comparable bearing, intelligence, and dedication.
The DRB is presently comprised of Chris Cook, Eleanor D'Aponte, Gib Geiger, Mike Kingsbury, Mark Sinclair, Brian Shupe, and David Galfetti serves as an alternate to the Board. Two valuable members of the Board - Hallie Tamez Jamey Fidel - resigned this year to deal with other time commitments. The Town is fortunate that both have expressed interest in applying for future vacancies should time become available.
The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Office. Notices of public hearings are published in the Valley Reporter and on-line at www.waitsfieldvt.us. Our meetings are also frequently televised on Mad River Television's Channel 45.

The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Office.  Our agendas and notices of public hearings are published in the Valley Reporter and on-line at www.waitsfieldvt.us.  Our meetings are also frequently televised on Mad River Television's Channel 60.

Respectfully Submitted
Brian Shupe, Chair