Results are in from the Hinesburg Planning Commission's Shoreline Zoning survey. The survey is the first step in the planning commission's effort to update the town's shoreline zoning regulations, which cover the area around Lake Iroquois and Sunset Lake.
The PC wanted to hear from the community at large BEFORE it starts tinkering with and improving Hinesburg’s shoreline zoning regulations, so we created a survey and we are invited you to take it. And you did. Over 200 responses came in.
The 12-question survey asked respondents about their use of the lakes, the challenges they perceive the lakes face, and what types of development should be allowed around the lakes. The survey showed that the biggest concerns were around the issues of water quality, invasive species, and sub-par septic systems.
Over 45 percent of respondents thought the special protections for the shoreline water district should be extended to include the larger watershed, while over 31 percent said they weren't sure.
Over 81 percent of those surveyed said commercial uses should be prohibited from the shoreline zoning district.
Nearly 60 percent of respondents said the current level of development around the lake was just right, while more than 25 percent said there was already too much development. Less than eight percent said there could be more development.
Nearly 75 percent said allowances for expansions to existing non-complying structures in shoreline setback areas should be tied to improvements to help lake water quality.
Updates to the shoreline zoning district regulations are recommended in the Hinesburg Town Plan. The planning commission initiated the survey in an effort to solicit community feedback before undertaking that effort.
