The Word “Character”
HB 6107 redefines “character” to consider only physical site characteristics - not people or their income sources or levels.
What’s good about clarifying what “character” means?
Avoiding past pitfalls.
“Character” will not be used against people, but used for the better delineation of the physical nature of our places.
Clarity for officials.
Objective characteristics and standards will give decision makers clear guidelines to make consistent and defensible judgments.
Historic site protection.
Character defined to fit the context will create unbiased and equitable standards to preserving historic and cultural resources.
Keep an Eye on Your Town!
Make sure your local decision-makers make objective decisions about housing by participating in planning and zoning processes!
FAQs
Why did HB 6107 change “character”? Local zoning codes sometimes have loose definitions of the term “character,” or do not define it at all. This term has been an avenue for discrimination against newcomers. Additionally, it has created uncertainty for zoning enforcement officials, property owners, and prospective property owners because it is inconsistently applied.
HB 6107 frees towns from having to write zoning codes that promote “character” in its current, vague form. Instead, it encourages better standards for their architecture, landscapes, and streets.
Do any towns already take physical characteristics into account? Yes. Several towns have adopted model form-based codes and village district regulations that delineate the architectural and design standards set by the town for buildings and streets.
What about local control? Under HB 6107, towns would develop zoning code provisions that define the physical characteristics of buildings and streets.