News

Ask The Monument

What is the process by which the Council decides to make a zone change? Is it written somewhere?

In Gray, there is public input into an ordinance amendment process through a minimum of at least two public hearings and other opportunities for public input at several junctures during the lengthy time frame a Council considers any zoning changes.

The Council is given the authority to make, amend and repeal ordinances, including Zoning changes, through the Town Charter.

However, State Statute requires that the Planning Board must conduct a public hearing on the proposed zone change, return the minutes of that public hearing to the Council, who may then proceed with a 'first reading' t their Council meeting. The first reading then sets the request for a Council Public Hearing, which is usually at their next council meeting.

After this hearing, the Council must have the 'second reading.' If the second reading is approved the ordinance becomes effective in 30 days.

This means there are at minimum, two public hearings for public participation.

The Council may host more than one official public hearing in addition to that of the Planning Board. For clarification the Council and not the town meeting approves the ordinance.

The public may also comment on the proposed zone change as a regular agenda item at any Council meeting in which it is discussed.

Public Hearings are noticed to the public by placement on the town website (www.graymaine.org, click on "Public Notices"), and publishing in The Monument newspaper, and posted at Town Office bulletin Board.

While the Town Council can make, alter and repeal ordinances, citizens have a role, too. Citizens may petition for enactment of ordinances through petition process. They may also petition for overrule of action of Council.

After the adoption of an ordinance, resolution, or order, citizens may file a petition that the ordinance etc. be put to a referendum vote. There are time limits to both procedures, and the process is outlined in Article IX of the Gray Town Charter, "Initiative and Referendum."

The Town Charter is available at Town Office or online at www.graymaine.org, click on "Municipal Reports" at the bottom of the page, then click on "Town Charter."