Planning Board — October 13, 2026

The Fairhaven Planning Board met on October 13, 2026, with six members present in person, one attending remotely, and one member absent. The board opened the meeting by approving a request from the applicant to continue the public hearing for DS 26-01 on Earl Street to October 27, 2026. Under receipt of plans, the board reviewed and unanimously endorsed an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan (FA26-08) for 356 Bridge Street (Map 38, Lot 15A), submitted by applicant Mr. Chase to subdivide the parcel into two conforming lots so his son could build a house.

The board discussed prioritizing future Town Meeting warrant articles, weighing topics such as statutory Chapter 40A compliance, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), lot dimensional standards, battery energy storage systems, and data center regulations. Town Counsel Heather White joined the meeting to review draft revisions aligning local zoning bylaws with recent state Chapter 40A legislative changes, specifically concerning variances, nonconforming lot and structure protections, and zoning freeze timelines. Additionally, the board voted 6-0 to authorize board member Mona Phillips to collaborate with Town Planner Dawn to draft a letter on board letterhead advocating for state legislation supporting balcony solar.

Controversy arose during discussion of board policy and procedures when member Patrick presented written motions to establish rules for obtaining Town Counsel advice and to require quarterly financial reporting of town legal expenses attributed to the board. Following debate regarding whether the Planning Board possesses independent authority or falls strictly under the Select Board's legal counsel policies, the board voted 5-2 to refer the written motions to Town Administrator Keith Hickey for review. To conclude the meeting, Town Planner Dawn reported on an ADU public comment letter submitted regarding the West Island sewer cap, noted that Wareham was awarded an MIT coastal community grant, and held preliminary discussions on zoning use table revisions.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Watch the video to verify.