Exeter, RI

Zoning Board of Review

The Exeter Zoning Board of Review will consider a dimensional variance for a garage and an appeal of a zoning violation notice. The meeting will also approve previous meeting minutes and invoices.

• Dimensional Variance request for 26' x 50' metal garage at 183 Purgatory Road
• Appeal of Notice of Violation for Hog House Hill Farm, LLC at 415 Hog House Hill Road
• Approval of May 14, 2026 meeting minutes
• Approval of invoices for Southern RI Newspapers, Ron Ronzio (Stenographer), and Solicitor Peter D. Ruggiero
• Future meeting date set for July 9, 2026

Planning Board Meeting

The Exeter Planning Board will conduct routine business at its July 14, 2026 work session. Items include approval of minutes, handling correspondence, and noting the Zoning Board of Review meeting on August 13, 2026. The agenda also lists future Planning Board meetings on July 28 and August 11, 2026.

• Approval of minutes
• Correspondence
• Zoning Board of Review scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026
• Future Planning Board meetings: July 28, 2026 and August 11, 2026

Zoning Board of Review

Planning Board Meeting

The Exeter Planning Board is holding a work session to consider two recommendations to the Town Council regarding zoning ordinance amendments. The first addresses a transcription error that may have removed single-family dwellings as a permitted use in the Groundwater Overlay District. The second involves proposed modifications to the use code table, aiming to assign designations to all empty boxes for consistency with town plans and state law.

• Recommendation to correct transcription error in Article II, Section 2.4 Zoning Use Table regarding single-family dwellings in Groundwater Overlay District
• Recommendation on Article II, Section 2.3.3 Use Code Draft (Proposed) from June 7, 2026 Town Council hearing
• No old business items listed
• Future meetings: Regular Meeting Aug 25, 2026; Work Session Sep 8, 2026

Special Town Council

The Exeter Town Council will hold a public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the town's Code of Ordinances. The amendments cover zoning regulations, administration procedures, definitions, adoption provisions, district use regulations, and supplementary regulations. The meeting also includes the standard call to order and adjournment.

• Public hearing on proposed amendments to Exeter Code of Ordinances – Appendix A (Zoning)
• Proposed changes to Article I Administration Procedures (Sections 1.2 Definitions, 1.5 Adoption)
• Proposed changes to Article II Zoning District Use Regulations
• Proposed changes to Article IV Supplementary Regulations

Planning Board Meeting

The Exeter Planning Board will hold public hearings on two applications for phased commercial development at 597 South County Trail. One hearing concerns Phase II of a major land development project by Avondale Real Estate, LLC, adding three storage buildings. The other hearing involves KJC Properties, LLC seeking amendments to a previously approved plan, including dimensional variances for setbacks and permanent storage containers. The board will also consider minutes and a zoning ordinance rewrite recommendation.

• Avondale Real Estate, LLC: Phase II of a major land development with three storage buildings (Buildings 4-6) at 597 South County Trail
• Avondale seeks dimensional relief from off-street parking setback requirements and waivers from parking design standards
• KJC Properties, LLC: amendments to approved site plan including parking, storage areas, landscaping, and screening at 597 South Country Trail, Building 4
• KJC requests a 96-foot dimensional variance from road setback and a variance to allow permanent storage containers
• Administrative update on draft planning board recommendation to Town Council for zoning ordinance rewrite

Planning Board Meeting

This is a procedural work session of the Exeter Planning Board. The agenda includes only old business, new business, and administrative items such as approval of minutes and correspondence. No specific proposals, rezonings, or contracts are listed for discussion or decision.

• Notice of Zoning Board of Review meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026
• Upcoming Planning Board Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 6 p.m.
• Next Planning Board Work Session on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Special Town Council

The Exeter Town Council will hold a special meeting to discuss proposed amendments to the Exeter Code of Ordinances, specifically changes to zoning regulations under Appendix A. The meeting is procedural, with a public hearing on zoning ordinance updates and adjournment as the only items.

• Public hearing on proposed amendments to Exeter Code of Ordinances, Appendix A (Zoning)
• Amendments include Article 1 (Administration Procedures) and Article II (Zoning District Use Regulations)
• Additional changes proposed for Article IV (Supplementary Regulations)

Special Town Council

The Exeter Town Council voted to send proposed zoning ordinance amendments back to the Planning Board and establish public workshops to review them in small sections. The Council also approved a 60-day moratorium extension on the matter. A public hearing was opened but shut down early due to heat-related health concerns in the overcrowded room.

• Motion to send proposed zoning amendments to Planning Board workshops passed 5-0
• 60-day moratorium extension approved 3-2 (Allen, Morrissey opposed)
• Public hearing opened, then closed early due to heat exhaustion incidents
• Residents cited concerns about prohibited uses, legal challenges, and impact on small businesses
• Meeting held at Wawaloam Elementary School, 100 Victory Highway

Regular Town Council

Regular Town Council

The Exeter Town Council approved a five-year audit services contract with Wadovick & Company for $105,625, authorized going out to bid for a new six-wheel dump truck, and rejected two bids for public restroom upgrades at the library due to costs exceeding grant funds. The council also discussed complaints about a farm at 73 Ridge Drive, with only a setback violation found, and heard public comment on various issues including SBA disaster loans and a paper street dispute.

• Awarded audit services bid to Wadovick & Company for $105,625 over five years
• Approved going out to bid for a 2027/2028 40K GVW six-wheel dump truck
• Rejected two bids for library restroom upgrades ($53,354 and $75,210) and will re-bid
• Approved $50 refund of Kito Market's outdoor entertainment license application fee
• Discussed 73 Ridge Drive neighbor complaints; only setback violation found

Planning Board Meeting

The Exeter Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the Preliminary Plan for the Gardner Ridge Comprehensive Permit Major Land Development Project. The proposal includes twenty condominium units—five affordable and fifteen market-rate—on a 3.72‑acre site at 415 Gardner Road in the RU‑3 zoning district. The applicant, MGT410, LLC, is requesting multiple zoning adjustments, variances, and waivers, including reduced setbacks and a density bonus. After the hearing, the board may vote to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the plan.

• 20 condo units (10 duplexes) on 3.72 acres at 415 Gardner Road, RU‑3 zone
• 5 units (25%) designated affordable housing for households up to 120% AMI
• Requested zoning adjustments: two‑family allowance, front yard setback to 19 ft, rear yard setback to 11.5 ft, multiple principal buildings, density bonus, and increased density per acre
• Waivers sought for impact study, off‑site improvement guarantees, interior parking curbing and landscaping, and groundwater overlay restrictions
• Exemptions requested from Growth Management provisions and impact fee requirements

Emergency Town Council

The Exeter Town Council held an emergency meeting to discuss trespassing on Estate Drive. The meeting was called after a resident raised concerns about the town's authority to enforce trespassing rules on disputed land. The council entered an executive session to discuss potential litigation and later voted to seal the minutes.

• Emergency meeting called regarding trespassing on Estate Drive
• Council voted to enter executive session on potential litigation
• Council voted to seal minutes and votes from executive session

Zoning Board of Review

The Exeter Zoning Board of Review will hear two new business items: a request for a dimensional variance to build a metal garage at 183 Purgatory Road, and an appeal by Hog House Hill Farm LLC of a notice of violation alleging multiple zoning infractions at 415 Hog House Hill Road. The board will also approve meeting minutes from May 14, 2026, and invoices for legal and stenography services.

• Charles Breagy seeks dimensional variance from north side setback to construct a 26x50 foot metal garage as accessory use at 183 Purgatory Road (Plat 50 Block 5 Lot 29).
• Hog House Hill Farm LLC appeals notice of violation for unauthorized temporary mobile home, commercial recreation, junk yard, and commercial vehicle parking in RU-3 zone at 415 Hog House Hill Road (Plat 64 Block 3 Lot 37).
• Approval of May 14, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Approval of invoices to Southern RI Newspapers, stenographer Ron Ronzio, and Solicitor Peter D. Ruggiero.
• Next regular meeting scheduled for July 9, 2026.

Special Town Council

The Exeter Town Council held a special meeting on June 9, 2026 to consider the 2026 Financial Town Meeting resolutions. Council members and town officials participated in discussion of the budget and related resolutions. No specific actions or votes were recorded in the agenda.

• Call to order and roll call at 7:00 p.m. in the Joseph Walsh Performing Arts Center Auditorium
• Discussion of the 2026 Financial Town Meeting resolutions (budget)
• Adjournment at 10:15 p.m.

Planning Board Work Session

The Board will discuss a request for a pre‑application conference on a mixed‑residential development at 875‑919 Ten Rod Road, proposed under the Rhode Island Low‑ and Moderate‑Income Housing Act. The project, submitted by Crossroad Capital Fund VIII, LLC, would contain about 300 units, with at least 30% (≈90 units) set aside for low‑ and moderate‑income households. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of the April 14, 2026 minutes and scheduling of future meetings.

• Pre‑application conference request for Comprehensive Permit for Ten Rod Road Neighborhood (≈300 units, 30% low‑/mod income) located between 875 and 919 Ten Rod Road
• Approval of meeting minutes from April 14, 2026
• Zoning Board of Review scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026
• Planning Board regular meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – public hearing on comprehensive permit at Exeter/West Greenwich High School Auditorium
• Planning Board work session scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Planning Board Work Session

The Planning Board held a pre-application conference for a proposed mixed-residential development on a 118-acre parcel. The project would include affordable apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes. The Town Planner cautioned that the proposed density is four times the normal limit and requested further technical data.

• Proposed 300 dwelling units on Assessor's Plat 22, Block 3, Lot 3
• Minimum of 30% (approximately 90 units) reserved for low- and moderate-income households
• Proposed mix of 60 elderly apartments, 60 condominium units, and 180 single-family homes
• Proposed community well and individual septic systems for single-family homes
• Town Planner recommendation for a third-party peer review of hydrogeology, stormwater, and traffic

Regular Town Council

The Exeter Town Council approved several licenses for local events and businesses. The body also filled a Planning Board vacancy and reappointed two members to town boards.

• Granted second-hand dealer's license to Lauree's Shop Around the Corner at 367 Nooseneck Hill Road
• Granted outdoor entertainment license for Exeter Fall Festival at Yawgoo Valley Ski Area
• Granted outdoor entertainment license for a classic car show at the Exeter Animal Shelter
• Granted outdoor entertainment license to Kito Market for a weekly farmer's market at the public library, subject to Library Board approval
• Granted public entertainment license to Exeter Grange for country music and dancing events at 469 Ten Rod Road

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board approved a combined preliminary and final application for Building 'F' at the Pine Ridge commercial business park. The project includes a warehouse for boat storage and a retail space. The board approved the plan with conditions regarding lighting, permits, fire safety, and a ban on outdoor storage.

• Approval of Building 'F' at Pine Ridge (Plat 72, Block 2, Lot 10): 8,100 s.f. warehouse and 1,500 s.f. retail space
• Approval of March 24, 2026 meeting minutes
• Upcoming June 8 workshop: Ten Rod Road Preapplication for 300 units
• Upcoming June 23 public hearing: Gardner Road Comprehensive Permit for 20 units/10 buildings

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board will consider the Pine Ridge minor land development project, which proposes an 8,100‑square‑foot warehouse and 1,500‑square‑foot retail space on 19.42 acres in the B (business) district near South County Trail (State Route 2). No new business items are listed. The board will also approve the minutes from the March 24, 2026 meeting, note the Zoning Board of Review scheduled for June 11, 2026, and announce upcoming meeting dates.

• Pine Ridge minor land development project – 8,100 sf warehouse, 1,500 sf retail, 19.42 acres, B district, near South County Trail (State Route 2)
• Approval of minutes from March 24, 2026
• Zoning Board of Review scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026
• Planning Board Workshop – Monday, June 8, 2026 (Ten Rod Rd preapplication – Comp Permit)
• Planning Board regular meeting – Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (Exeter‑West Greenwich High School public hearing – Comp Permit – Gardner Rd)

Special Town Council

The Exeter Town Council met on May 14, 2026 at the Exeter Public Library Program Room, 773 Ten Rod Road. Council reviewed draft ordinances covering lumber and wood processing, family child‑care homes, and prohibited uses. Members voted unanimously to adopt the amended lumber and wood‑processing ordinance, setting employee and truck limits, operating hours, and adding exemptions for forest‑management plans and farm overlay districts. Additional motions added data‑center and sludge‑incineration prohibitions and revised several residential‑zone prohibited‑use items.

• Adopted amended Lumber and Wood Processing Operations ordinance (employee limit of 2, 4 trucks GVW 20,000, hours Mon‑Fri 7 am‑5 pm, Sat 8 am‑5 pm)
• Added US Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation District to exemption language for forest‑management plans
• Declared sawmills and incidental commercial sales exempt when conforming to approved Forest Management Plan
• Added Data Centers and sludge incineration to prohibited uses in all zoning districts
• Revised residential‑zone prohibited uses: strike out kennels <5 acres, insert “Commercial” before Boat Building and Repair and Farm Equipment Sales, strike out miscellaneous personal services, non‑motorized

Planning Board Meeting

The Exeter Planning Board work session will review the Site Readiness Analysis for Route 95/102/3 under old business. The board will also approve the minutes from the previous meeting and handle routine correspondence. A Zoning Board of Review is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026, and future Planning Board meetings are set for May 26 and June 8, 2026.

• Site Readiness Analysis – Rt 95/102/3 (new ideas)
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Correspondence
• Zoning Board of Review scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026
• Future meeting dates set for May 26 2026 and June 8 2026

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board is holding a work session to discuss new ideas regarding the Site Readiness Analysis for Rt 95/102/3. The remainder of the meeting consists of administrative items.

• Discussion of Site Readiness Analysis - Rt 95/102/3

Special Town Council

The Exeter Town Council accepted the resignation of the Tax Collector and appointed the Tax Assessor to the interim role. The Council adopted the proposed municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and selected Option C for the design of the new Town Hall at 742 Ten Rod Road.

• Resignation of Tax Collector Kimberly Robitaille
• Appointment of Tax Assessor Kerri Petrarca as Interim Tax Collector
• Adoption of proposed municipal budget for FY 2026-2027
• Selection of Option C for Town Hall design at 742 Ten Rod Road
• Increase of Municipal Fuel Excess Cost by 8%

Special Town Council

The Exeter Town Council voted to grant a Retailer’s Class BV liquor license to Matthew Richardson of Tilted Barn Brewery, approved the required $215.88 fees, and increased the town’s liquor license cap from 13 to 14. The council also approved the consent agenda, including a $950 invoice to Ryan’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc., and adopted minutes from recent meetings. Vacancies for several boards and committees were announced, and no resignations or expiring terms were reported.

• Liquor license granted to Tilted Barn Brewery (Matthew Richardson) with $215.88 fees; liquor license cap raised to 14
• Consent agenda approved, including Ryan’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc. invoice for $950.00
• Minutes approved for regular and special meetings held in April 2026
• Vacancies posted for Personnel Board (5 members), Exeter Rural Land Preservation Trust Committee (3 members), and Tax and Assessment Review Alternate (1 member)
• No resignations or expiring terms reported

Special Town Council

The Exeter Town Council adopted the proposed fiscal year 2026‑2027 budget for the Public Works Department, including a 5% operating budget increase to $480,150 and several capital projects. Council also voted unanimously to raise the Director of Public Works salary by 20% and to create a $10,000 storm‑response stipend. Additional discussion covered equipment purchases and impact‑fee allocations, but no further actions were taken.

• Operating budget increase of 5% to $480,150.00
• Capital improvements: Roads $465,647.00 (actual spend $697,813.00)
• Bridges and culverts project $985,000.00 for Mt. Tom Bridge and Stony Lane upgrade
• Motion approved to raise Public Works Director salary by 20% and add a $10,000 storm stipend
• New equipment fund increase of 5% to $262,500.00 for a 40K GVW 6‑wheel dump truck

Planning Board Meeting

The Exeter Planning Board discussed a pre-application for a new 9,600 s.f. commercial building (Building 'F') in the Pine Ridge Industrial Park, including warehouse and retail space for a marina. The board reviewed traffic, drainage, and utility connections, while noting concerns about Route 2 traffic and outdoor storage. No formal decisions were made; the item remains under review.

• Pre-application review for 9,600 s.f. commercial building (Building 'F') in Pine Ridge Industrial Park
• Proposed warehouse (8,100 s.f.) and retail (1,500 s.f.) space for marina use
• RIPDES permit (#102185) approved for project
• Traffic and outdoor storage concerns raised for Route 2 location
• Mobile home park ordinance amendments tabled for further review

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board will continue reviewing proposed ordinance amendments regarding mobile home parks. The board will also consider a pre-application for a new commercial building in the Pine Ridge business park.

• Proposed amendments to Code of Ordinances regarding Mobile or Manufactured Home Parks
• Pre-application for Building 'F' at Pine Ridge (Plat 72, Block 2, Lot 10) featuring 8,100 s.f. of warehouse and 1,500 s.f. of retail space

Amended Special Town Council

The Exeter Town Council held public hearings and unanimously granted a Public Entertainment License to New England Auto Chateau to hold car shows on May 2, May 30, July 25 and October 10, 2026 at 314A Nooseneck Hill Road. The Council also granted a Public Entertainment License to Morris Farm to hold a Mother’s Day event on May 9, 2026 at 91A Ten Rod Road, pending fire‑marshal approval and payment of fees. In addition, the Emergency Management Director presented a budget request that is lower than the prior year, and Council discussed staff raise adjustments and a proposed $20,000 addition to the comprehensive‑plan update fund, with no action taken.

• Grant Public Entertainment License to New England Auto Chateau for car shows on May 2, May 30, July 25 and Oct 10, 2026 at 314A Nooseneck Hill Road (fees $143.08).
• Grant Public Entertainment License to Morris Farm for Mother’s Day event on May 9, 2026 at 91A Ten Rod Road (fees $180.28, subject to fire‑marshal approval).
• Emergency Management Director Dori Boardman presented the FY 2026‑2027 budget request, noting it is less than last year.
• Council discussed adding $20,000 to the comprehensive‑plan update fund (current balance $40,000) – no action taken.
• Council raised the Town Sergeant’s salary increase from 5% to 10%.

Planning Board Meeting

Special Town Council

The Town Council voted unanimously to hire Brewster Thornton Group Architects for a project at 742 Ten Rod Road. The council also continued reviewing the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget.

• Approved contract with Brewster Thornton Group Architects for 742 Ten Rod Road
• $5,000.00 cost for the initial drawing phase of the Town Hall project
• Review of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 proposed budget Draft 2
• Discussion of revenue from the Solar Farm Pilot located next to the Exeter Post Office
• Salary increase adjustments for Town Sergeant, Social Services, and Council