PARIS – A ballot question asking voters if they support developing a zoning ordinance is on its way to the printer, Town Manager Phil Tarr said late Thursday afternoon.

It reads: “Do you support the development of an ordinance to carry out the Paris Comprehensive Plan’s future land use goals?”

The question will be presented during the Nov. 2 general election. A yes vote will show support for preparing an ordinance, holding hearings on it and voting to accept or reject it.

Selectmen and Planning Board members met Tuesday evening to discuss the possibility of enacting townwide zoning, but made it clear they prefer to describe the initiative as developing an ordinance to support the land use goals of the town’s Comprehensive Plan that was developed several years ago.

The ballot will explain that they are considering an ordinance “that creates a legal framework to protect the property rights of citizens and control growth in our town. The Paris Comprehensive Plan, adopted by citizens in 2007, is a guide to resource protection and growth but it lacks the authority of an ordinance. The intent of this ordinance would be to implement the Paris Comprehensive Plan within a formal legal framework.”

The ballot will also have a description of the land use goals that the boards wish to address. They are:

1. The desire to encourage economic development including retail, commercial and industrial, that is suitable for the community in appropriate areas.

2. The desire to maintain and enhance South Paris Village areas.

3. The desire to maintain the historic value of Paris Hill.

4. To balance the development along Route 26 with the desire to minimize the future development of a commercial strip between Market Square and the Paris/West Paris line.

5. The desire to provide residential development at varying densities.

6. The desire to direct new development to areas that are or can be served by public infrastructure, including water and sewer.

7. The need and desire to protect ground water quality and quantity.

8. The desire to protect surface waters.

9. The desire to maintain agriculture, woodland, open space and wildlife habitats.

10. The type and density of development should be matched as closely as possible with the natural constraints of the land to absorb development. Water quality, soils, slope and the presence of unique natural features are key factors.

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