Auburn Planning Board advances zoning waiver changes, debates growth map

The Auburn Planning Board approved minutes, recommended zoning changes that shift variance and waiver authority to the Board of Appeals, and continued its review of the draft comprehensive plan. Members split over whether land near Exit 75 should stay a high density core, and over proposed language loosening housing limits in the agricultural resource protection zone, with final votes expected October 28.

Key points

• The board voted unanimously to recommend adoption of changes to sections 60-1312 and 60-1366 covering zoning waivers and variances, following a public hearing.
• The board approved the May 28, September 15, and September 23 minutes, amending the September 23 adjournment vote from 8-0 to 7-0.
• A timber framing business owner asked the board to add artisan and craft-based businesses as an allowed use in the general business zone; staff said a draft definition would come to a future meeting.
• A Presidential Way resident asked the board to address plowing and developer responsibility for streets the city holds an interest in but has not accepted.
• Members disagreed on the Exit 75 area, with some backing the comprehensive plan committee's high density core designation and others favoring mixed-use corridor or compact residential.
• Proposed changes to the agricultural resource protection land use category drew sharp debate, with some members calling them too sweeping and others saying they would allow landowners more flexibility.

Next steps

• Staff will bring a proposed artisan use definition and possible zoning amendment to a future Planning Board agenda.
• The board plans to take formal votes on comprehensive plan recommendations, including the Exit 75 land use category and the agricultural resource protection language, at its October 28 meeting.
• Staff will look into how "parcel" is defined in city ordinances and gather information on PFAS contamination of agricultural land.

Read the full transcript