In addition to the two state ballot questions, voters in the Town of Rockport will consider five articles related to the town's land use and sewer ordinances Nov. 4. The proposed changes range from housekeeping clarifications to adding language that allows developers to exceed height limitations 

Rockport has prepared a municipal guide to the changes included in the town specific ordinance changes. The guide contains the existing ordinance as well as the proposed changes.

Voting will take place at the Rockport Public Library, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 4.

The articles are as follows:

Article 2. Shall the Town adopt amendments to the Rockport Land Use Ordinance regarding cleanup and clarity edits for Chapter 300, 800, 900 and 1300?

According to the Town of Rockport, the proposed amendments add definitions to uses already allowed in various zones. Proposed amendments were included in the voter guide with corresponding Article numbers.

Article 3. Shall the Town adopt the amendments to the Rockport Land Use Ordinance regarding Section 816 Planned Unit Development?

According to the Town of Rockport, the proposed amendment inserts a Maine LD 1829, An Act to Build Housing for Maine Families and Attract Workers to Maine Businesses by Amending the Laws Governing Housing Density, requirement to allow an additional story of height for affordable housing developments within the Rockport Land Use Ordinance Section 816 - Planned Unit Development.

This means, the town said, "if a developer wants to utilize the extra height option provided by the State Legislation LD 1829, they could do so through our Planned Unit Development ordinance and not through another means of the Land Use Ordinance."

The PUD, "is a development option in the following zone districts: "the Harbor Village 901, Village District 902, Residential 904, Mixed Business Residential 906, Mixed Business Residential 907, Rural 908, Hospital and Resort 909, and Downtown 913, in those areas served by the Town sewer system. Properties in the above noted districts with a portion of land in the Shoreland Residential, Resource Protection and Stream Protection Districts may apply for a PUD; however, these properties must still meet shoreland standards contained in Chapter 1400," the Land Use Ordinance states.

State law LD 1829 specifies in its language:  "Sec. 5. 30-A MRSA §4364, sub-§2-A is enacted to read: 2-A. Additional height allowance. Except as otherwise prohibited under Title 38, chapter 3 and municipal shoreland zoning ordinances, a municipality shall allow, subject to review by a municipal fire official or designee, an affordable housing development to exceed any municipal height restriction by no less than one story or 14 feet."

Article 4. Shall the Town adopt the amendments to the Rockport Land Use Ordinance regarding Section 902 Village District?

The proposed amendment is to allow an exception to building footprint requirement for certain Uses within the 902 Village District. The Uses for this exception being Public Buildings, Schools, Athletic Facilities, and Boat Storage/Shipyard/Sales facilities.

This means that at Simonton's Corner, West Rockport, Rockville and Glen Cove there will be, if approved, exceptions to the building footprint requirement are Public Buildings, Schools, Athletic Facilities, and Boat Storage/Shipyard/Sales facilities.

"The exception is similar to what’s already allowed in the downtown district for Boat Storage/Shipyard/Sales facilities, which does not have a maximum building footprint," said Rockport Planning and Economic Development Director. "Only the 906 and 907 zones have building footprint maximums for commercial uses. The other uses mentioned in this exception are just staying congruent for what already received this exception."

 He added: "Existing boatyards are having difficulty growing with our existing ordinance. This amendment would allow them to grow here in Rockport."

Article 5. Shall the Town adopt the amendments to the Rockport Subdivision Ordinance regarding cleanup and clarity edits for Articles 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10?

The proposed amendments are for cleanup and clarity related to application submission timeline requirements to allow for advance notice to the public, and clarity on where and when to submit applications.

Article 6. Shall the Town repeal the Town of Rockport Sewer Ordinance and replace it by adopting the Town of Rockport Wastewater Ordinance?

The repeal and replace is due to the name change of the existing ordinance and clean up of the existing ordinance. "The amendments are proposed via a Task Force with the objective of harmonizing with the Wastewater Discharge Agreement with the Town of Camden, support economic development of the town, increase capacity for housing opportunities, protect the local environment, and promote the health and safety of residents," the town said.