Rochester is set for a growth spurt, and planning officials say a new tool is needed to manage looming developments in the town’s center.

With prospective buyers interested in purchasing a nine-acre parcel at Plumb Corner and a 10-acre parcel on New Bedford Road, a proposed bylaw change would help keep developments aligned with the town’s aesthetic, officials said.

“Remember, we cannot stop growth, we can only manage it,” Zoning Board of Appeals Chair Richard Cutler said. “If we don’t manage it, we will end up with our growth controlled by outside entities.”

On Saturday morning, the Planning Board hosted a public forum to discuss changes to a Limited Commercial District bylaw that would allow for mixed-use projects.

If adopted, businesses and dwellings could be built in the same structure or on the same parcel.

Under the existing bylaw, a project must either be all business or all residential within the district.

Following the forum, the board will consider suggestions and edit the draft. A public hearing is tentatively set for the board’s May 12 meeting. Voters at the June Annual Town Meeting will be asked to approve or deny the bylaw changes.

The district includes the Plumb Corner mall and adjacent land as well as parcels on New Bedford Road, located across the street from the post office.

As a Zoning Bylaw Review Subcommittee member, Cutler was on the panel that drafted changes to the existing bylaw.

The size of the district will remain the same. Cutler said the changes are designed to encourage: diverse housing options, pedestrian friendly features and mixed-use development.

New language in the bylaw would also establish guidelines in the district.

“This would make it clear to any developers as to what will be acceptable in town,” Cutler said. “Right now, it’s not that clear.”

Some of the specific changes would require developers to submit designs that reflect the town’s architectural character. Also, a site plan review by the Planning Board would be needed for mixed-use developments.

Site plan reviews require developers to present detailed proposals before the Planning Board. Reviews include public hearings where residents and abutters may ask questions.

“Everyone will have the ability to say something about potential projects,” Cutler said.

Bylaw language that identifies individual businesses allowed in the district would be removed. The bylaw states that bakeries, barbershops, clothing rental stores, typewriter repair shops and other businesses are suitable for the district.

Removing the passage gives developers flexibility, Cutler said.

Residents in attendance raised concerns related to traffic and public safety

Ward Benner, the town’s fire inspector, said a 2011 blaze that destroyed a bakery, office space and two apartments in one building proved that mixed-use could be hazardous.

“That was a disaster waiting to happen, and it happened,” Benner said.

Planning Board member Mike Murphy said there are safeguards in place to prevent such accidents. Building codes have been updated and projects are vetted before construction.

“Building codes have been changed drastically to protect residents and businesses,” Murphy said.

Woody Hartley, the town moderator, said a new development would increase traffic at an overburdened intersection.

“When I look at the map, I see a confluence of five very busy roads,” Hartley said.

New Bedford Road, Route 105, Mary’s Pond Road, Marion Road and Dexter Lane all meet in the center of town. When the ball fields on Dexter Lane are being used that brings in more traffic, he said.

Johnson said the board is focused on traffic concerns for all projects. The board is authorized to require developers to fund traffic studies.

Ultimately, Johnson said changing the bylaw would protect Rochester from overdevelopment.

“Someone could come in tomorrow and file for a building that’s four times the size of [Plumb Corner mall],” Johnson said.