PARIS – The committee for the town’s proposed subdivision ordinance heard comments from residents at a meeting Tuesday night at the Paris Fire Department.

A set of questions received at a public hearing on March 6 and the committee’s subsequent actions were made available to the residents. The majority of the public concerns were directed at Article 11, which addresses performance standards.

According to the document, 17 actions were taken by the committee, many of which clarified the language used in the ordinance to prevent confusion.

Similar actions were taken based on comments from the Planning Board and written comments received by Sharon Jackson, the town manager and committee member.

Residents expressed their gratitude that their concerns were addressed, but also frustration that the document had not been provided to them sooner. Jackson said the document had only just been completed earlier in the day, and that the revisions had been made in the best interest of the town.

“We have made every attempt to keep you informed,” she said.

Raymond Glover, a committee member and Paris selectman, said the existing subdivision ordinance has been in effect since 1984, and will remain in effect if voters turn down the new ordinance.

“We were not charged with changing any policy of the town or doing a complete rewrite,” Glover said.

Claude Rounds, a committee member and the town’s code enforcement officer, said the new ordinance only changes the parts of the old ordinance that violate existing laws.

“We did not make any changes where we didn’t have to,” Rounds said.

Residents brought questions and concerns on the ordinance before the committee at Tuesday’s meeting.

One concern regarded a section giving responsibility for interpreting and enforcing the ordinance to the code enforcement officer. Jackson said the officer would be better trained for the duty than the Planning Board members who had less experience on the board.

Another related to the Board of Appeals, which will no longer hear cases related to subdivisions under the new ordinance. It will still hear appeals on shoreland zoning and any decision a resident wants to appeal to the code enforcement officer.

Ron Fitts asked for clarification of an article addressing closed lots, which relates to erosion control and contract work done during the winter months. Rounds said work can continue as long as safeguards are in place.

“There’s nothing in this that stops any work at any time of the year,” he said.

Buddy Crawford said wording regarding the ordinance’s power was left to interpretation, and suggested stronger definitions. The board decided to leave the wording as it was written.

Chief Brad Frost of the Paris Fire Department said he preferred cul-de-sacs in subdivisions for access by fire vehicles, but realized that some circumstances prevented their use.

According to John Maloney, senior land use planner for the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, the ordinance “can always be amended.”

The town will hold a final public hearing on the ordinance May 30.

The committee will have a final draft of the ordinance available May 11. The ordinance, along with a proposed comprehensive plan, will go to a referendum June 12.