The Edgecomb Planning Board proposed making several minor changes on March 5 to the state’s required Floodplain Zone Management Ordinance. The board accepted recommendations made by the ordinance review committee to make the document consistent with current municipal regulations.

Among the proposed changes were charging $50 for floodplain zone building permits and altering the appeals process. The new policy would requires all floodplain zone appeals be heard in Superior Court. The current policy requires appeals to the code enforcement officer’s decision be heard by the municipal zoning board of appeals. All appeals regarding planning board decisions are currently heard in Superior Court.

The planning board will seek voter input on the proposed ordinance during an April 2 public hearing at 6:30 p.m. in the municipal building. According to French, the town needs to comply with the new state regulation or face a severe sanction.

“It’s a pretty stiff penalty if we don’t approve a new floodplain ordinance,” French said. “If we don’t, then insurance policies in the floodplain zone may be canceled,” French said.

According to town officials, there are eight properties in the town’s floodplain zone insured, in total, at $3.7 million.

After the public hearing, the planning board will consider possible amendments before submitting the ordinance to the selectmen. The proposed ordinance is expected to go on the town warrant for the May town meeting. The town’s final draft must also be approved by the state, according to French.

In other action, the planning board requested the board of selectmen revive the municipal zoning board of appeals. In a letter, the planning board requested the selectmen appoint a new board and require it to meet once a year.

“It hasn’t met for years and nobody knows who’s on it,” French said.

According to the planning board, municipalities of Edgecomb’s size are required to appoint a zoning board of appeals with 5-7 members. The board is required to meet at least once a year and elect a chairman and secretary.

The planning board will meet next at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19 in the municipal building.