Materials at the Increase Robinson house are more vulnerable. Town lacks safeguards to assure that significant historic and archeological resources are not lost by development in locations other than those already protected by shoreland zoning. Minimize the impact of development that could threaten historic and archaeological sites is recognized. Explore grants and other means for the conducting of a professional survey of the historical and archaeological resources of the town. Develop/amend ordinance standards to require a survey by developers to identify and protect nearby historic and archeological structures/sites. Historic Preservation Committee. Mid: 3-5 years Planning Board/ Ordinance Committee Mid 3-5 years Agriculture and Forestry Recommendations (pgs. 35-36) Issue Policies Implementation Strategies Responsible Group By when It is important for agriculture to be recognized as a vital and significant part of the economy of the town both by town officials as well as full time and seasonal residents. There are threats of subdividing Protect resources: farm and forest soils. Establish an Agriculture Task Force: That, among other tasks, would encourage and facilitate educational opportunities about agriculture in classrooms, on farms in Sumner and at community events. Inventory lands for their agricultural use and potential use. Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee Short: 1-3 years
land from time to time. Farmland and Open Space are essential for maintaining the scenic landscapes, as well as a reminder of their historic role in the community. Indeed one farm is currently developing programs for educational opportunities as living history reminiscent of the late 1800’s. Enhance the economic ability of existing farms or forestry operations. ELIMINATE:Adoption of measures to help minimum lot sizes be large enough to support small farms and woodlot operations (10-25 acres). ELIMINATE:Maximum lot size/maximum density in which a farmer or woodlot owner can sell of a minimum of 15 acres, setting aside an additional amount of land under easement for farming or woodlot management with a maximum density of one dwelling unit per 25 acres. Note: strategies are not directly related to the policy. If a farmer has to sell a minimum of 15 acres he/she may be taking land out of production. ordinance provisions to encourage the clustering of subdivisions proposed for agricultural and commercial forest areas through density bonuses and other techniques. Agricultural Task Force Mid: 3-5 years
Clustering will be done to maximize agricultural and forestry potential. Existing farmland may be at risk of being divided or lost because of increased taxes and appeals to sell for development. Promote markets, roadside stands, farmers market. Encourage eligible farms to take advantage of tax laws (Farm Land and Open Space and Tree Growth) Assist small farmers to develop a network and brochure with a listing of farms in the area and an inventory of local farm products and distributing it widely. Agricultural Task Force Short: 1-2 years Long range implications of harvesting and changed use of forested lands Promote the continued existence of large parcels of forested land used for forest products. Encourage forested land owners to continue participation in Tree Growth Agricultural Task Force Mid: 3-5 years Land Use Patterns Recommendations (p. 42) Issues Policies Implementation Strategies Responsible Group/ By When Sumner has a tradition of independence and privacy typical of rural lifestyle. This tradition has imposed few limitations on the activities a private landowner can undertake on his or her property. Maintain the character of the villages and areas in Sumner and direct projected growth to “suitable” areas, i.e., areas relatively free of natural resource constraints. ELIMINATE: Maintaining village and rural qualities including, by amending ordinances to allow a range of lot sizes or densities. Develop ordinances provisions that encourage new development in growth areas through higher densities than in Planning Board Mid: 3-5 years
The town respects this tradition and will seek to limit property rights only for clear and compelling reasons. rural areas. (Refer to the Future Land Use Plan) Harvesting timber has affected the aesthetic beauty of several roads. Maintain the aesthetic quality of road corridors during timber harvesting operations. Establish a buffer zone between town roads and timber harvest areas. Planning Board Short: 1-2 years Current and future residential development on below standard roads may lead to the town being responsible for improving /maintaining more roads. That new residential development is served by public roads suited for such development. That new residential subdivisions will not require the town to upgrade roads or maintain roads that are not currently maintained by the town. Develop ordinance provisions that assess the impacts of new residential development that will be accessed by below standard public roads. Require upgrading when it is determined that such roads are not adequate for the proposed level of use. Planning Board/ Mid/Long: 3-10 years Many people prefer to live on larger parcels of land, in more secluded areas of town. There have been 12 subdivisions developed in Sumner over the past 10 years. Allow a range of lot sizes or densities based on current development patterns and the desire to maintain rural qualities. Explore the concept of “Conservation land use” ordinances. Review and amend the subdivision regulations to reflect current standards relating to conservation of natural resources. Amend the subdivision regulations to consider lots greater than 40 acres as lots for the purpose of subdivision review. Planning Board Mid/Long: 3-10 years There is an expressed desire to preserve tracts of agricultural and forested land as a greenbelt for farming, natural beauty and recreational purposes. Encourage conservation of forestry and agricultural resources by using innovative residential development planning. Implement “Right-to-farm” and forest” provisions to protect traditional rural uses from nuisance suits. Planning Board Mid 3-5 years