Milford Eyes Zoning Overhaul To Spur Development In Key Corridor

MILFORD, CT — Milford officials are considering significant zoning changes aimed at encouraging redevelopment along Route 1 and Naugatuck Avenue, while Planning and Zoning Board members are questioning whether the two corridors should be governed by the same rules.

The board discussed proposed changes to the city's CDD-2 zoning regulations during a special meeting Tuesday. No vote was taken. The proposal is expected to return to the board as the public hearing continues.

City Planner David Sulkis said the changes are intended to better capture the area's economic development potential. He said state law changes have affected some of the multifamily housing and mixed-use regulations approved by the board in 2025. The city has also received feedback that existing density limits can make properties difficult to develop.

The proposed regulations would largely mirror standards used downtown, where parcels are similar in size, according to the city planner.

Some board members questioned treating the entire district the same, however. The board discussed whether Route 1 and Naugatuck Avenue have different enough characteristics to warrant separate zoning rules.

That issue also arose during discussion of first-floor housing. The proposal would prohibit ground-floor residential units in mixed-use or multifamily buildings with 10 or more units. The board discussed whether first-floor residential development should instead be allowed along Naugatuck Avenue.

Parking was another concern. Sulkis said new state regulations prevent the city from requiring parking for developments with fewer than 16 units. A board member suggested exploring a traffic conservation district to address parking concerns.

The board asked staff to provide more information about that option and whether it could apply to Route 1, Naugatuck Avenue or both.

Other proposed changes include a higher floor-area ratio and allowing additional uses such as personal training businesses, veterinary services, child care centers and hotels with no more than 50 rooms.

The board is expected to continue considering potential changes before acting on the proposal.

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