Little Compton Town Council ponders new ordinances

By Kristen Ray
Posted 10/24/19

Approving amendments and considering changes to local ordinances dominated much of the town council’s conversation on Thursday, October 10, during …

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Little Compton Town Council ponders new ordinances

Posted

Approving amendments and considering changes to local ordinances dominated much of the town council’s conversation on Thursday, October 10, during their regular meeting.

From single-use plastic ban proposals to potential new outdoor lighting system rules and guidelines, and updated mobile food establishment and vendor regulations, some shakeups may be on the way to Little Compton’s town code, beginning that night.

Food for thought, revisited

Council members unanimously approved a revised version of the Mobile Vendors town ordinance, putting it in line with new Rhode Island regulations that went into effect this past July. In an effort to simplify the process state-wide, mobile food establishments and vendors – such as food carts and trucks – can now obtain permits through the town clerk, contingent on meeting local noise, location and operating hour requirements, as well as providing valid state registration. A copy of the ordinance can be found online at http://www.littlecomptonri.org/.

Saying no to plastic

That could be the case, that is, if council members choose to adopt a new ordinance brought forward by the Planning Board. Geared toward protecting the local environment, the new law would limit the use of and access to plastic single-use carryout bags, straws and balloons.

Proposed to go into effect starting January 1, 2020, the ordinance would impact both retailers and residents; businesses would no longer be able to offer such bags at checkout, nor could individuals release plastic balloons into the air. Council members voted unanimously to defer a decision until their regularly scheduled meeting this Thursday, October 24.

(Don’t) let there be light

Or at least, not too much of it. For their second proposal that night, the Planning Board additionally advocated for changes to the town’s outdoor residential and commercial lighting ordinance, targeted at maintaining Little Compton’s characteristic dark sky and limiting the impacts of light trespassing and pollution.

The new guidelines would have a town-wide effect, from residents installing new light systems outside their homes to fixtures situated at parking lots, playing fields and docks. Council members asked Planning Board chairman A. Michael Steers to return to the council’s October 24 meeting with their proposal drafted in ordinance format.

New appointments

Council members voted unanimously to appoint Jim Tumber to fill the vacant position on the Town Landing Ad Hoc Committee following the recent resignation of Karen McGuinness.

New December meeting dates

Instead of the previously scheduled December 10 and 24 meeting dates, the town council will now meet on December 3 and 17 to avoid conflicts with the holiday season.

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