Planning Board adopts first rules and regulations
The Whately Planning Board adopted its first-ever rules and regulations and opened a wide-ranging discussion on zoning for farm-based businesses.
Planning Board · Meeting of August 25, 2026
WHATELY — The Whately Planning Board adopted its first-ever rules and regulations and opened a wide-ranging discussion on zoning for farm-based businesses. Chair Brant Cheikes said the town's bylaw covers farmer breweries but not distilleries or wineries, a gap Valley Vodka owner Paul Kozen hopes to navigate as he seeks a Whately site after more than two decades in the business. Cheikes said an applicant "has a pathway to go to our zoning board of appeals" for a special permit even without a bylaw change, since the board's catch-all provision allows similar uses by special permit.
Member Mike Mahar pressed on how to define a genuine farm-based business so the category isn't exploited. The board also agreed to prioritize an accessory dwelling unit bylaw update and an Exit 35 interchange overlay district, and got advance notice of a planned agri-solar project at Chang Farm from Hyperion Systems, which plans no battery storage.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,907 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of August 25, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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