FARMINGTON — The Board of Selectmen added a proposed update to the town’s Comprehensive Plan and two proposed ordinances to the town meeting warrant Tuesday.

Voters can review the updated version of the plan created in 1998, Code Enforcement Officer Steve Kaiser said. Copies of the plan with proposed amendments are available at the town office or on the town website, Kaiser said.

“It is a useful tool for someone moving here or starting a business here,” he said.

Some highlights of the plan reviewed by the Planning and Zoning boards includes information on the town’s population, economy, housing, transportation, public facilities and resources.

The information is included to help manage growth of the town, he said.

The board also agreed voters would have a say on two proposed ordinances.

A Fire & Life-Safety Ordinance would adopt and implement National Fire Protection Association fire- and life-safety codes currently used by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Farmington Fire and Rescue would primarily be responsible for administering the ordinance while working with the code enforcement officer.

The ordinance requires an inspection by the Fire Department before any construction, addition, demolition, relocation or foundation work is started. 

Although the property owner is expected to contact the Fire Department, applications for building permits filed with code enforcement will be forwarded to the Fire Department.

The ordinance also provides authority to the Fire Department to enter any premises to inspect for the fire- and life-safety codes.

A second ordinance, a building permit ordinance, will help the town maintain accurate records of building activity within the town.

“This ordinance shall require all persons planning building projects within the Town of Farmington to first obtain a building permit,” according to the ordinance draft.

The permit provides better notification for the town assessor, Town Manager Richard Davis said.

Selectman Micheal Fogg inquired if extending a deck was considered a building project that requires a permit. 

A square foot threshold or dollar amount on construction costs may need to be added, Kaiser said. 

This was a starting point, he said of feedback expected when public hearings on both proposed ordinances are held in February prior to the annual town meeting in March.

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