The Edgecomb Planning Board approved the wording for three proposed ordinances for presentation at an April 2 public hearing. The board approved the language for a proposed land use ordinance, floodplain management ordinance, and revised appeals process ordinance.

The board voted unanimously on March 19 to approve each ordinance’s language for the hearing. Planning Board Chairman Jack French said the proposed ordinance with the most impact on the town was the floodplain management ordinance. The state proposed the new regulation. It would double the number floodplain zone properties to qualify for flood insurance, said French.

“The number would go from 8-16. The proposed ordinance is also less restrictive than the current one,” he said. “It  would allow owners more options for rebuilding and other construction activity in the floodplain zone.”

French described the land use ordinance changes as being minor. The other proposed ordinance clarifies the appeals process. The current ordinance has various timelines for appeals. The proposed ordinance places a 30 day limit on all appeals. It also clarifies who hears appeals. The zoning board of appeals will hear all disputes regarding the code enforcement officer’s decision.

Planning board appeals made regarding commercial property, subdivisions, and shoreland zone issues will be heard in superior court.

The public hearing will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2 in the municipal building. The planning board will finalize the language in preparation for a vote at the May 16 town meeting.

In other action, Selectman Jack Sarmanian updated the board about reconstituting the zoning board of appeals. So far he has four possible members to nominate.

“I have four candidates that can be appointed on Monday (March 23),” Sarmanian said. “I’ve spoken Bobbie (Carlton, the current zoning board of appeals chairman) and Priscilla Hanson. That’s two. I’m in the process of confirming a third. And there’s a possibility of a fourth.”

Sarmanian expects to appoint the reconfigured appeals board during the March 23 selectmen’s meeting. The zoning board of appeals consists of five members and two alternates. The board hasn’t meet in years, according to town officials.

The planning board asked the selectmen to reactivate the board while updating the town’s appeals process.

The planning board meeting will follow the public hearing on Thursday, April 2 in the municipal building.