Ridgefield P&Z Approves Sustainability Regulations, Schedules Golf Range Hearing

Sustainability amendment approved

The commission voted unanimously to adopt a commission-initiated zoning text amendment creating sustainability standards and a checklist for special permit applications after closing a public hearing on the proposal. The amendment adds new definitions, sustainability standards, sustainable design review criteria and a special permit checklist to the town's zoning regulations.

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Vice Chair Mariah Okrongly said the proposal grew from recommendations in Ridgefield's Plan of Conservation and Development.

During discussion, Okrongly said the checklist was intended to ensure applicants address sustainability considerations before appearing before the commission, rather than requiring commissioners to raise those questions during hearings. Chair Robert Hendrick said the proposal would provide applicants and the public with a clearer understanding of the commission's expectations for special permit applications.

The proposal drew comments from Ridgefield architect Alex Bellina, who supported sustainability goals but questioned whether some checklist items were appropriate for all special permit applications, particularly requirements related to pedestrian access and other site improvements. Bellina said he was concerned the commission could be regulating issues better addressed elsewhere in the zoning regulations.

Commissioners Elizabeth DiSalvo and Okrongly said the checklist was intended as a planning tool that would help applicants understand what information the commission expects and allow questions to be answered as "not applicable" when appropriate. Ridgefield's Director of Planning & Zoning Aarti Paranjape also presented Stamford's sustainability scorecard as an example of how another municipality evaluates applications.

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Before voting, commissioners discussed whether additional topics from the Plan of Conservation and Development should eventually be incorporated into the checklist. Hendrick cautioned that expanding the proposal beyond its advertised scope would require additional public review, while noting minor revisions could be made later. The commission then approved the amendment unanimously.

Excavation amendment remains under review

Commissioners continued the public hearing on proposed amendments to Ridgefield's excavation, filling and grading regulations after reviewing revisions prepared following previous discussions. Hendrick presented edits developed by Commissioner Joe Sorena, and commissioners discussed how the proposed language would interact with existing regulations.

Because the public hearing remained open, the commission took no action on the amendment.

Moratorium discussions continue

During discussion of ongoing zoning initiatives, commissioners continued reviewing possible changes related to the town's temporary moratorium work program, including expansion of the business district, Branchville planning efforts and state-required housing regulations.

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Commissioners also discussed whether Ridgefield's zoning regulations should more explicitly address data centers. Hendrick said data centers currently are not permitted because they are not listed as an allowed use, while Okrongly and Paranjape discussed whether clearer language could prevent future interpretation disputes. Commissioners agreed draft language should be prepared before considering any changes.

The commission also held an initial discussion about whether temporary pop-up swimming pools should be regulated differently from permanent pools after staff raised questions prompted by recent permit inquiries. No action was taken.

Downtown projects approved and scheduled

The commission unanimously approved a Village District application for Jill Rae Designs, 18 Bailey Ave., allowing exterior painting, new lighting fixtures, an awning and a smaller backlit sign, subject to conditions in the staff report.

Commissioners also unanimously accepted a Village District application for "Lilia" at 7 Bailey Ave. and scheduled discussion for July 28.

The commission unanimously accepted a special permit application to establish a golf driving range, parking area and related improvements at 0 Ethan Allen Highway. Commissioners scheduled a site walk for July 26 and a public hearing for Sept. 8.

Commissioners also unanimously scheduled a July 28 public hearing on a commission-initiated amendment that would revise notice requirements for nearby property owners.

Finally, the commission unanimously approved amended minutes from its June 23 regular meeting and June 30 special meeting.