In a special election on Sept. 9, Washington voters enacted changes to the Land Use Ordinance including transferring some review power from the Planning Board to the CEO and "Housekeeping" updates to the language in the code, ex. changing "Board of Selectmen" to "Select Board."

Additionally, voters adopted a Formula Business Ordinance aimed at regulating and restricting so-called chain stores,changes to the Subdivision definition in the Subdivision Ordinance, and updates to the Road Naming and House Numbering Ordinance.

Two measures did not pass. An article which aimed to instate a permit process for structures less than 240 square feet failed with a vote of 44 yes votes and 155 no votes. An article which would have removed the Planning Board's requirement to review above-ground storage of more than 350 gallons petroleum or liquid fuel in approved containers in most districts also failed.

Passed:

Question 1 increased CEO-only approval of nonresidential structures to 2,000 square feet from the previous limit of 1,200 square feet in the Farm & Forest District, with 97 yes votes and 61 no votes.

Question 2 increased Planning Board approval of structures larger than 2,000 square feet from the previous limit of 1,200 square feet,except single-family and two-family dwellings in all applicable districts, with 106 yes and 53 no votes.

Question 4 will correct outdated references. 

Question 5 will update the subdivision definition in the Subdivision Ordinance.

Question 6 will enact the Formula Business Ordinance.

Question 7 will enact updates to the Road Naming and House Numbering Ordinance.

Failed:

Question 3 Require building permit for all structures. 

Question 3A Remove requirement for Planning Board review of above-ground storage of more than 350 gallons petroleum or liquid fuel in approved containers in certain districts. 

All results are available on the Town of Washington's website.