BUCKFIELD – Planning Board members unveiled proposed amendments to the subdivision regulations Monday night at a public hearing.

Most changes were to keep the Planning Board in line with state law, to clarify language and to ensure a more timely exchange of information in the subdivision planning process.

The board has added vernal pools as a natural resource to be identified and protected. Vernal pools are defined as naturally occurring seasonal bodies of water, free of predatory fish populations, that provide an essential breeding habitat for one or more of Maine’s four vernal pool indicator species.

Among other changes:

• Application fees are raised from $25 to $100 per lot, with additional payment of $150 for each unit contained in a shopping center, mini mall, business complex or similar commercial establishment. A final plan fee has been eliminated.

• Open space is required in areas of exceptional historic or natural resource value, and the person seeking to subdivide must try to preserve rock outcroppings, natural contours and stone walls.

• The requirement for evidence of adequate groundwater has been eliminated.

• The person seeking the subdivision is required to show what area of the lot can be used for buildings, driveway and lawn so that it preserves natural resources.

• Subdivisions of more than six lots must create an emergency water supply.

• A 25-foot buffer must be preserved along all streams not protected by the Shoreland Zoning Laws.

• Curb cuts into a subdivision parcel from any state- or town-maintained street has been limited to one cut per four lots, two for five to 14 lots and not more than three for 15 or more.

• More basic information will be required in the preliminary plans.

• A final plan or revision of a previously approved subdivision plan must be signed only at a formal meeting of the board.

Board Chairman Emory “Wes” Ackley said scores of hours have been spent over the last year to create the revision, which is in the sixth revision.

The Maine definition of subdivision is “the division of a tract or parcel of land into three or more lots within any five-year period.” It also includes “the division of a new structure or structure on a tract or parcel of land into three or more dwelling units within a five-year period.” There are allowed exemptions, such as dividing land parcels within a family.

Sixteen pages were cut from the original regulations by pooling large and small subdivision regulations together.

There was one citizen in attendance at the hearing.