SECTION 8.0. - ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF REGULATIONS

Footnotes:

--- (3) --- Editor's note— An ordinance adopted Nov. 14, 2023, amended section 8.0, §§ 8.1—8.4 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former section 8.0 pertained to similar subject matter.

Sec. 8.1. - Authority to create and administer regulations.#

Pursuant to section 701 of the Exeter Home Rule Charter, the planning board has the authority to adopt, modify and amend regulations and rules governing land development and subdivision projects and to control land development and subdivision projects pursuant to the regulations. The regulations shall be consistent with Title 45, Chapters 22 and 23 of the R.I. General Laws, with the Exeter comprehensive community plan, and with the Exeter zoning ordinance.

(Ord. of 11-14-2023(4))

Sec. 8.2. - Procedure for adoption and amendment.#

A.

The planning board shall conduct a public hearing before adopting or amending these regulations. At the public hearing, all persons who wish to speak on the proposed adoption or amendment shall be given an opportunity to be heard. Notice of a public hearing on proposed adoption or amendment of these regulations shall be given as follows:

1.

Notice of a public hearing shall be published in a newspaper that circulates in Exeter at least once each week for three successive weeks before the date of the hearing. The third notice may be published during the week in which the hearing will take place. The notice shall:

a)

State the date, time and place of the public hearing;

b)

State that adoption, amendment or repeal of the regulations will be considered;

c)

Contain the proposed amendments, or a summary of the proposed amendments that explains the intent and effect of the amendments;

d)

State where and when a complete copy of the proposed amendments may be obtained or examined and copied; and

e)

State that the proposed amendments may be altered during the public hearing without further advertising, as a result of further study or because of the views expressed at the public hearing, as long as any such alteration is presented for comment during the public hearing.

2.

At least 14 days before the date of the public hearing, the notice shall be posted in the town clerk's office, in the Exeter Public Library, and on the home page of the Town's website.

3.

At least 14 days before the public hearing, the planning department shall send notice of the public hearing by first class mail to the following:

a)

The planning board of any municipality in which there is a public or quasi-public water source, or private water source that is used or is suitable for use as a public water source, located within 2,000 feet of Exeter's boundaries.

b)

The governing body of any state or municipal water department or agency, special water district, or private water company that has riparian rights to a surface water resource or a surface watershed that is used or is suitable for use as a public water source located in Exeter or within 2,000 feet of Exeter's boundaries, provided that the governing body of the state or municipal water department or agency, special water district, or private water company has filed with the Exeter Building Inspector a map survey showing the areas of surface water resources and watersheds, and parcels of land within 2,000 feet of the areas of surface water resources and watersheds, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-53(f).

(Ord. of 11-14-2023(4))

Sec. 8.3. - Public notice registry.#

A.

The town shall establish and maintain a public notice registry that enables members of the public to register to receive electronic notice of any proposed changes or adopted amendments to the land development and subdivision regulations.

B.

At least once a year, the town shall publish a notice of the availability of the public notice registry in a newspaper that circulates in Exeter.

C.

The town shall post notice of the availability of the public notice registry on the town website and provide a link that members of the public can use to register to receive notice.

D.

Notice provided through this registry does not qualify the recipient as an aggrieved party as that term is defined in article 2, section 1.2 of the zoning ordinance.

(Ord. of 11-14-2023(4))

Sec. 8.4. - Publication and availability of regulations.#

Printed copies of the land development and subdivision regulations shall be available for purchase by the public in the town hall. The regulations shall be revised to include all current amendments and all appendices. There shall be a charge for a copy to cover the cost of printing.

(Ord. of 11-14-2023(4))