Zoning Regulations and the New Firehouse

Over the past months, there has been much discussion about the current status of the zoning application for our new Norfolk firehouse. Some of that discussion suggests an incomplete understanding of how zoning applications must be processed under state law. As the chair of the Norfolk Planning and Zoning Commission, I would like to shed some light on how the process works, what is involved and why this project has taken as long as it has.
Zoning regulations are designed to protect the many interests of town residents and taxpayers, including community character, environmental concerns and the need for sustainable business and residential growth. Protecting those interests often requires balancing many different factors, even when the town itself is the applicant. Since it is important for all members of the public to know what factors the P&Z will consider, they are set forth in Norfolk’s zoning regulations. Under state law, the commission must be very careful to ensure that we weigh these factors as objectively as possible so that everyone who wishes to comment will know that they are being fairly heard.
As a commission, all of us members of the Norfolk community, we are aware of the importance of the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department and their need for an adequate, up-to-date facility. In our hearings, we have benefited from the experience and wisdom of the members of the fire department. Our task, then, is to apply what we have learned from the fire department and all other testimony we receive to determine how to the apply the criteria established by the zoning regulations to the proposed new firehouse and to facilitate, to the extent possible, whatever is needed for a safe, effective and efficient fire department.
Before P&Z can make a decision about the firehouse, we must address a number of complicated aspects of the proposal: the design, the expanded lot size, its effects on City Meadow and the neighbors, the excavation process and more. Each separate concern must be discussed at public hearings before we begin our deliberations on the firehouse itself. As an elected town commission, we are limited, by law, to discuss and ask questions about the firehouse solely at our monthly public meetings. We must follow our town regulations, take guidance from Norfolk’s Plan of Conservation and Development, and adhere to state statutes. When we need more information, or an application is incomplete, the issue is put forward to the next month’s regular meeting, and the process begins again. To the members of the fire department and our neighbors who have attended our meetings, this must seem frustratingly slow.
I strongly believe that it is better to take the time necessary to consider this application in a deliberate and careful manner. We are working hard to ensure that our decisions are carefully considered, legally consistent and designed to best meet the long-term needs of Norfolk.
As always, we welcome everyone to come to our meetings, contribute their ideas, ask questions and participate in the important work of making Norfolk a wonderful town.

Tom Fahsbender
Chair, Norfolk Planning and Zoning Commission