2024-11-1 Chuck Flaherty Testimony GP 2045 2 of 2

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Hawaii County Scenic Resources Inventory and Mapping Project clear application content requirements and program objectives. Stowe, Vermont The Town of Stowe, Vermont adopted the Ridgelines/Hillsides Overlay District (RHOD) to protect its scenic and ecological resources. The overlay district is implemented through the Town of Stowe Zoning and Subdivision Regulations. Overlay districts are zoning regulations that are typically applied to geographic areas that have unique geographical, environmental or socio-economic conditions that warrant special regulations. These regulations are attached to the existing zoning ordinance and are in addition to and not in lieu of those regulations (See: Appendix B, Stowe, Vermont . The purpose of the Stowe overlay district is described as follows: The purpose of the Ridgelines/Hillsides Overlay District (RHOD) is to protect the scenic and ecological resources associated with lands characterized by high elevations, steep slopes and visual sensitivity in a manner that allows for carefully designed, low- impact development. Implementation The RHOD is applicable to any development proposed on lands within the Overlay District. Development within the RHOD must submit a hillside development plan that is reviewed by the Development Review Board (DRB). The DRB determines if the project is classified as . There are established criteria that the DRB follows to make this determination. Minor projects may proceed with their development permits. Significant projects are subject to review by the DRB, in accordance with the RHOD process and standards codified by ordinance. The process includes the submittal of an application package, scheduling of a public hearing, review by the DRB and either approval, approval with conditions or disapproval of the site development plan within 45 days of the public hearing. Scenic Resource Protection Programs and Strategies Page | 15