SACO — The city of Saco is holding two informational meetings this week to inform the public about proposed zoning changes.

In fall of 2018, the city of Saco contracted with planning consultants TZM Planning and EF|Design & Planning, LLC to update the city’s zoning and make changes so that it better reflects the city now and into the future.

The city received more than 1,000 responses in January to an online survey on zoning-related topics, and used this input to develop areas to discuss in greater depth at a public meeting in February.

A draft of revised zoning changes has been made with help from public feedback as well as city officials and a steering committee.

Planning and Development Director Denise Clavette said she is grateful for the “incredible commitment” of city staff who made significant contributions in their areas of expertise.

“We’ve had pretty solid representation,” she said.

The city is hosting public forums from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at city hall to review the proposed zoning changes.

The meetings will be informational “open house” style, and staff will give a summary of changes and participants can ask questions, said Business Development Specialist Jessa Berna.

Feedback from these meetings as well as input from city boards will be reviewed and a final draft will go before the planning board and then the city council for final approval. Public hearings will be held during the planning board and city council stages.

Under the proposed changes, the number of zoning districts have been consolidated from 25 plus to 18, and the city’s shoreland zoning would be aligned with the state’s shoreland zoning, said Clavette.

Also proposed is a Portland Road Node, which would designate an area of Portland Road to allow for greater density and a mix of unique uses.

Suggested changes also include a provision for commercial solar arrays as a conditional use, guidelines for tiny homes, sidewalk requirements for new developments, and permitting municipal use in all districts.

Those who have questions or can’t attend the meetings and want to give input can contact Jessa Berna at JBerna@sacomaine.org or by calling 282-3487.

To review the draft ordinance, go to https://www.sacomaine.org/boards_and_committees/zoning_ordinance_revision.php.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.