Clinton Planning Committee Eyes Zoning Notice Changes, Regulation Overhaul

CLINTON, CT — Members of two Planning and Zoning Commission committees agreed Aug. 6 to move forward with proposed changes to notification requirements for commission-sponsored zoning map amendments while also beginning work on the town's housing plan and implementation of its 2025 Plan of Conservation and Development.

The Regulations Committee and Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Committee met jointly in a special virtual meeting. Members Michael Rossi and Dylan Walter attended, along with Town Planner Abby Piersall, Zoning Enforcement Officer Kathy Savona and Land Use Administrative Assistant Lori Pascarelli.

One discussion centered on Section 4.39.3(b) of Clinton's zoning regulations, which currently requires notices to be mailed to all owners of properties affected by a zoning map amendment, along with proof of delivery.

Piersall reviewed practices in neighboring municipalities and said requirements vary for regular applicants, while commission-sponsored map amendments are often exempt from mailed notices or subject to reduced requirements. The committee noted that larger mailings could carry substantial costs.

Members discussed reducing the requirement to postcards before reaching a consensus to remove the formal mailing requirement. The commission would instead consider a policy supplementing required newspaper notices with direct outreach to property owners when a project involves a limited geographic area.

Piersall is expected to draft the proposed regulation change and distribute it to Planning and Zoning Commission members before their Aug. 17 meeting.

2025 Town Plan Moves Toward Implementation

The committees also discussed moving from adoption to implementation of Clinton's 2025 Plan of Conservation and Development.

Piersall reviewed the plan's implementation matrix, which identifies action items and components for carrying them out. She said outreach should begin with other town boards, committees and community organizations that could collaborate on the plan's priorities.

Rossi suggested contacting outside groups and providing examples of potential steps, including identifying priority projects, assessing available resources and partnerships, reviewing relevant portions of the town plan and developing preliminary timelines.

Walter said the Economic Development Committee could begin reviewing portions of the implementation matrix where it may be able to assist and would do so before its September meeting.

Affordable Housing Plan Process Begins

Piersall also introduced the housing planning process required under Public Act 25-1 and outlined issues the commission will need to consider as it provides feedback to the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments, or RiverCOG, on Regional Housing Growth Plans.

RiverCOG is developing figures that will translate into target numbers of housing units each municipality is expected to plan for. Piersall said municipalities are not required to construct those units but must demonstrate that they have the capacity to accommodate them.

Commission members are being asked to examine population, demographic and regional housing demand data for Clinton and assess whether they agree with its assumptions and accuracy. Piersall stressed that the information currently under review is not a recommendation for future town policy.

She plans to send the data and background information to commissioners before the Aug. 17 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Members will also be asked to consider whether the findings match trends they are seeing locally and how the information should eventually be presented to residents.

During the discussion, Walter asked about a reference to a "Growth Category." Piersall said it may relate to demographic trends showing growth among older age groups.

Rossi said housing affordability and barriers facing younger people trying to enter Clinton's housing market may also contribute to demographic changes. Walter cited a decline in dual-income households and an increase in retirees moving to the area.

Rossi suggested that the commission consider additional housing options during its upcoming overhaul of the zoning regulations, including allowing duplexes in larger zoning districts and reducing restrictions on accessory dwelling units. No action was taken on those suggestions.

Zoning and Subdivision Regulations Set for Broader Review

The committees also reviewed the scope of a planned comprehensive update of Clinton's zoning and subdivision regulations.

Piersall asked members to focus on the project's proposed scope and determine whether anything was missing. Rossi raised concerns about the existing sign regulation and difficulties enforcing it. Piersall suggested adding a review of enforcement language to the request for proposals so prospective consultants would know it is an area the town wants addressed.

Piersall will distribute the Regional Housing Needs Assessment presentation and a revised draft request for proposals to the full commission. She plans to seek the commission's endorsement of the RFP at its Aug. 17 meeting.

The Aug. 6 meeting began at 6:02 p.m. and adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

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