Are you in favor of the adoption of Amendment No. 2 as proposed by the Planning Board for the Hampton Zoning Ordinance as follows?
Amend Wetland Conservation District Ordinance Section 2.3.4 -Use Restrictions and Prohibited Uses to add a new Section “H” titled “Construction Standards for the Tidal Wetland Conservation District” that will require all new construction and substantial improvement projects within the Tidal Wetland Conservation District to comply with FEMA’s Guidelines that the Town has adopted for the VE Special Flood Hazard Area (Section 2.4.11-C Coastal High Hazard Areas (Zone VE)- Construction Standards). The construction work shall have no adverse impacts on adjacent properties.
What It Means: This warrant article amends Wetlands Conservation District ordinance section 2.3.4. It requires that newly constructed structures or those that are substantially improved in the Tidal Wetlands Conservation District conform to FEMA’s guidelines that the Town previously adopted for the VE Special Flood Hazard zone. Those guidelines provide for the first floor of the structure to be at least one foot above Base Flood Elevation, and that the space below the first floor be open and covered only with lattice work, open fencing, or break-away walls such that water in storm events can flow freely beneath the structure. If this Article were to be defeated, no additional guidelines would be put in place.
Those in favor say: The additional guidelines will help reduce the potential for flood-related damage in areas that are prone to flooding. It will also reduce the cost of insurance premiums for homeowners.
Those against say: One person spoke against this Article and stated that NO additional building should occur in the Wetlands Conservation District. While this Article provides guidelines to assure more flood-appropriate construction, those against say that there should be no new construction at all. (Note: Whether the Article passes or fails does not change whether people can build in the Wetlands Conservation District, only that if they do they must follow FEMA guidelines for special flood hazard zones.)
Fiscal impact: No tax impact.