At the request of the board of selectmen, the Boothbay Harbor Planning Board has been working to rewrite the parking ordinances for the town to increase safety, create clear rules that are easier to follow, and prevent large-scale parking areas being built in residential neighborhoods.

In May of this year, a large-scale parking lot was being planned for 25 and 27 Campbell Street. The organization planning it decided against the project, but it left residents of both Campbell Street and other neighborhoods concerned that it could happen again.

Residents of Campbell Street and concerned citizens brought a petition to the Boothbay Harbor selectmen on May 12 asking that the zoning ordinances be reworded to disallow the building of new parking lots in residential areas. The selectmen passed the petition onto the planning board, as ordinance changes start with them.

So far, the board is working with three definitions: a “parking area,” which is used for parking no more than four motor vehicles (such as a private driveway); a parking lot, used for parking between five and ten motor vehicles; and a large-scale parking area, used for parking 11 or more vehicles, including areas where a fee is charged (such as the municipal lot by the footbridge in the summer). These definitions are only drafts, and may change in future discussion.

There was some discussion at the last meeting on July 23 of creating a separate definition for “pull-in” parking areas, which provide no turnaround (such as Bayberry House on Townsend Avenue). Currently, all new parking areas require allowing vehicles to exit going forward, but locations such as Bayberry are grandfathered.

Board member Chris Swanson suggested creating a special category for such lots, so if the buildings were ever sold or put in for a change of use (such as a hotel to a retail store), the new owner would not be bound by the ordinance.

Board member Thomas Churchill voiced concern over this idea, due to the dangerous nature of backing out into traffic.

“As a board, I don't think we in good conscience can sign off on a rule that would create a dangerous condition,” Churchill said.

After further discussion, the board decided to table the idea until they received input from Boothbay Harbor Code Enforcement Officer Geoff Smith.

At a previous meeting, the board discussed requiring all parking lots to meet the setback rule for structures, and install a 6-foot wide (or larger) buffer strip with vegetation between the lot and abutting structures/roads. Board members also discussed where different types of lots would be allowed. The only major change would be that large-scale lots would be allowed only in the general business district (and, as always, would require review by the planning board).

According to Smith, once members of the planning board are in agreement, a hearing is scheduled to get the public's input on ordinance changes. The plan then passes to the selectmen, who also hold a public hearing. Once it passes, it is placed on the town warrant for the town meeting in May.

“As far as the parking lot issue was concerned, it is easy to read the ordinance different ways, and ambiguity in the ordinances don't do anyone any service,” Smith said at the selectmen's meeting May 12.

The next meeting to discuss parking changes will be held on August 6 at 6 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Town Office. The public is welcome to attend.

Related: Should parking lots be allowed in residential neighborhoods?