PARIS— Selectmen are asking for citizen’s comments on a proposed land-use ordinance by no later than Thursday, Feb. 20.

A forum on the proposed Land Use Ordinance, three years in the making, produced a divided response among the 30 residents who gathered on Feb. 3 for the first round of questions with selectmen and members of the Land Use Ordinance Committee.

Residents raised several concerns during the meeting over why changes in the documents language had been changed, as well as how specific regulations would influence future housing valuations.

Residents in favor of the zoning rules believed it was necessary to retain the historical character of the town, while others regarded it as an additional government burden.

The proposed ordinance would divide the town into unique districts with differing restrictions and requirements on building and development. The districts are General Growth, South Paris Main Street, Rural, Paris Hill, and the Route 26 Corridor.

In 2011, a Land Use Advisory Committee began drafting an ordinance, which was presented to selectmen in April of 2013, and in October selectmen updated language in the document at a lawyer’s suggestion to prevent liability issues.

According to Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Robert Kirchherr, if voters reject the ordinance the town will “be back to square one” as the Comprehensive Plan, unless amended, dictates that the town must enact a zoning ordinance.

After initially suggesting a vote could be held in June, Kirchherr revised his estimate farther out into November, saying the summer date would not provide enough time for comments and meetings to be held.

Residents can submit comments in writing at the town office or via email at its website, www.parismaine.org.