Ridgefield P&Z Reviews Sewer Project, Schedules Hearings On Short-Term Rental Rules

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — The Ridgefield Planning & Zoning Commission on March 10 continued its review of a town sewer infrastructure project and scheduled multiple public hearings on proposed zoning regulation changes, including new rules governing short-term rentals and traffic impact analysis.

The meeting was held at the Town Hall Annex.

Sewer Pump Station Project Reviewed

Commission members continued the public hearing on a special permit application to relocate a sewer pump station and construct a new gravity sewer line connecting the facility to the South Street wastewater treatment plant.

The project, proposed by the Town of Ridgefield and represented by applicant Matthew Formica, involves relocating the existing pump station at 59 South Street, decommissioning the current station and constructing a new gravity sewer line leading to the wastewater treatment facility.

The proposal requires a special permit under the town’s zoning regulations governing infrastructure improvements and utility facilities.

Commission members continued gathering information and public comment on the proposal before taking final action.

Pickleball Court Referral Reviewed

The commission also reviewed an 8-24 referral from the town regarding a proposed pickleball court at 195 Danbury Road, a parcel owned by the Town of Ridgefield.

Under Connecticut’s municipal referral process, planning commissions must review and comment on proposed municipal projects for consistency with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development.

Commission members discussed the project as part of the town’s ongoing recreational facility planning, and voted to give it a positive referral.

Text Amendments Proposed

Commission members formally received several commission-initiated applications proposing updates to Ridgefield’s zoning regulations and scheduled public hearings for April 14.

The proposed amendments include:

• Short-term rental and bed-and-breakfast definitions: A proposal to revise the definition of “bed and breakfast” and add a new definition and regulatory framework for “short-term rentals.”
• Traffic impact analysis standards: Amendments to multiple zoning sections to clarify when traffic studies must accompany development applications.
• Excavation, filling and grading regulations: Proposed updates to rules governing site work and land alteration.
• Application fee structure: Changes to zoning application fees across several approval processes.

P&Z staff recommended scheduling public hearings for April 14 to allow the commission to gather public feedback before considering adoption.

Strategic Planning Work Continues

The commission also discussed ongoing regulatory reviews related to zoning regulations and the Branchville Strategic Review, an initiative examining planning and development issues in the Branchville area.

Executive Session

Commission members entered executive session to discuss an enforcement matter involving 34 Bailey Avenue.

Next Steps

The commission will continue the sewer pump station review and hold public hearings on the proposed zoning text amendments during its April 14 meeting.