03/18/2019

Hearing April 8 on proposed updates to Coastal Waters and Harbor Ordinance

The Town Council will hold a public hearing on April 8, 2019 on proposed updates to the Coastal Waters and Harbor Ordinance.

The updates, the first since 2005, incorporate the recommendations of the Harbors Committee, which met in 2017-18 to review issues relating to town harbors. Updating the ordinance was part of that charge.

Proposed revisions include adding references to and definitions for "Houseboat," "Out Haul," and "Transient Vessel," and expanding the definition of Commercial Vessel to include those used for aquaculture and supportive services.

Design standards for out hauls, a system that allows a dinghy or boat to be hauled to or from a mooring using lines secured at the shore, were drafted by the town harbormaster and will be considered separate from the ordinance.

"I think we had some great input from community members and I think this represents the best foot forward for these items," said Councilor Penny Jordan, chair of the ordinance committee, in her motion to set the hearing.

Implementing recommendations of the Harbors Committee, including crafting a coastal access plan and improving access for watercraft in the Kettle Cove/Crescent Beach area, are among Town Council goals for 2019