About 100 people braved subzero temperatures to attend a public hearing on proposed land use ordinance changes.

Although a majority just listened, some builders and developers voiced concerns about a limitation on permits issued for family members who are involved in the building business. Another questioned why there was no provision for previously approved subdivision owners that would allow them to get more than one permit.

Comprehensive Plan Committee Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick chaired the meeting that was jointly hosted by his panel and the Ordinance Writing Committee. They have been working on revisions since an earlier proposal was turned down last August.

Among the ordinance changes turned down last year was a provision that would have “grandfathered” existing subdivisions. Taking that vote into consideration, the Ordinance Committee opted not to include it in the new ordinance, a committee spokesman said.

However, one resident, who complained about the absence of that exception, said he thought it was turned down because it was grouped with another unrelated issue in one article.

Fitzpatrick said this was not the case; it was in an article dealing with only ordinances.

The goal of both committees has been “to keep the rural character of the town,” something residents indicated they want, and to ensure that it’s “not overbuilt,” Fitzpatrick noted.