FREEPORT – A lack of a quorum led the Freeport Planning Board to put off any discussion of amending the zoning ordinance in the Freeport Village district to allow smaller lot sizes.

Only Board Chairwoman Wendy Caisse and members Malcom Collins and Greg Savona were present at the meeting on Nov. 7, leaving the board one member short of a quorum, preventing it from being able to take any action on the measure. The board will likely take up the issue at its next meeting, scheduled for Dec. 5.

The Planning Board was considering a proposal to allow landowners in the Village 1 and Village Commercial 2 and 3 districts, who have a lot of at least 25,000 square feet, to create a 5,000-square-foot housing lot. The minimum lot size in these districts now is 20,000 square feet.

The Village 1 district abuts the Village Commercial Districts on the north, west and east sides. The Village Commercial 2 district is in the area of Mallet Drive and includes a small portion on Main Street. The Village Commercial 3 district is in the area of Independence Drive.

Under the proposed amendment, the house and garage size would be limited, only one small lot would be allowed per parcel, setback requirements must be met and the small lots must be connected to the public water and sewer system.

Under current regulations, the only way landowners can divide their lots in the village district is to have at least 40,000 square feet, as both lots must be at least 20,000 square feet after they are divided. The amendment would allow landowners with smaller lots to break off a 5,000-square-foot parcel for development, provided the remaining parcel meets the 20,000-square-foot limit.