Amenia proposes new standards for Planning Board and ZBA members

AMENIA — Revisions to the town regulations outlining the separate roles and structures of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will be considered at public hearings on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Town Hall, beginning at 7 p.m.

Amendments to the local code seek to clarify the structure of both boards, along with the appointment of alternates, training, attendance and the process for removing members. Residents are invited to comment on the proposed regulations during the public hearings or to provide written comments in advance.

The five-member ZBA, whose members serve five-year terms, would be expanded with the addition of two alternate members appointed by the Town Board for one-year terms, should the changes be adopted. If a ZBA member is absent or must recuse due to a conflict of interest on a particular application, the chairman would seat an alternate in their place.

Requirements for four hours of training annually would apply to all members, as well as alternates under the new code.

Under the proposed attendance requirements, ZBA members may not be absent for more than three consecutive meetings or for more than eight meetings within a calendar year.

Under the amended codes, the seven members of the Planning Board would serve for seven-year terms. The Town Board would appoint two alternate members, each for one-year terms. Four hours of training would be required for all members annually. No member would be allowed to be absent for more than three consecutive meetings or a total of five meetings in a calendar year.

Copies of the proposed local laws can be viewed on the town hall website at https://ameniany.gov.