Reduce Restrictions that are Strangling and Prohibiting Small Businesses

In 2004, I initiated the bill that exempted renovation projects that disturb no more than 2,500 square feet from having to submit costly drainage plans and implementations. Plans and implementations that could cost tens-of-thousands-of-dollars. The town council approved this bill which has helped a number of small businesses open their doors.

This bill is a step in the right direction, but I think more can be done to help small business.

Adoption of a Rehabilitation Code

This code would apply less stringent regulations on people trying to rehabilitate an existing building--hopefully this would encourage some much needed rehabilitation in town.

Help with Interpreting the Regulations

From talking to different people who have started a small business, one of their biggest complaints was trying to figure out what the regulations were saying--and, being a small business, they could not afford to hire an engineer to figure everything out. I would like to work with the town's development services to see if they could become more of a facilitator in this area. This would involve the town providing more guidance in following the regulations and also advising the small businesses upfront on how to prevent costly mistakes during the construction/renovation process.

Advocate for Small Businesses

Before enacting new regulations, I will carefully consider what the impact will be on small businesses and their bottom line.