Politics & Government
Ridgefield Planning and Zoning Commission Advances Short-Term Rental Rules, Sustainability Review
Ridgefield P&Z advanced short-term rental rules and launched a sustainability zoning amendment review.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Planning and Zoning Commission closed a public hearing June 9 on proposed regulations governing short-term rentals and initiated a separate zoning amendment process that could add sustainability requirements to future development applications.
Commissioners unanimously voted to close the public hearing on a commission-initiated amendment that would revise the town's bed-and-breakfast regulations and establish new definitions and permitting requirements for short-term rentals. The proposal has been under review for several meetings and includes provisions addressing rental duration, permitting thresholds, reporting requirements and signage.
During the discussion, Chair Robert Hendrick reviewed a revised draft that included definitions for terms such as "lodging party," "lodging night," "lodging stay" and "short-term rental." Commissioners discussed enforcement mechanisms, permit requirements and whether short-term rentals should be allowed signage similar to traditional bed-and-breakfast establishments. Commissioner Sebastian D'Acunto raised concerns about the lack of reporting requirements for rentals operating fewer than 14 days annually, while Commissioner Mariah Okrongly said the proposed permitting framework addressed many of the commission's concerns.
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Although Commissioner Elizabeth DiSalvo initially moved to approve the amendment after the hearing closed, commissioners ultimately agreed to postpone action until June 23 to allow for an additional review of the draft language and correction of minor typographical issues.
The commission also continued a separate public hearing on proposed amendments to Ridgefield's excavation, filling and grading regulations. Hendrick said additional revisions are still needed before the commission can consider closing that hearing.
In another unanimous vote, commissioners approved revised lighting plans for Sommlike at 407 Main St. The approval allows exterior lighting and sign illumination provided the fixtures do not include uplighting and remain at a color temperature of 3,000 Kelvin or less. The application returned to the commission after members requested changes to the original lighting proposal.
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Commissioners also voted unanimously to initiate a new zoning text amendment related to sustainability standards and to schedule a public hearing for July 14. The proposal, developed by Okrongly with revisions from Hendrick, would add sustainability-related considerations to the zoning review process and create a new application checklist addressing environmental impacts. The commission plans to formally receive the amendment application on June 23.
The sustainability discussion coincided with a presentation from the Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment, or RACE, which urged the commission to consider regulations encouraging or requiring native plantings and strengthening outdoor lighting standards. Representatives discussed potential measures related to invasive species management and "dark sky" lighting practices designed to reduce light pollution. Commissioners generally expressed support for exploring both topics further and directed staff and volunteers to continue researching potential regulatory language.
The commission also continued its ongoing Branchville Strategic Review. Hendrick said commissioners should dedicate additional time at an upcoming meeting to reviewing draft regulatory concepts and preparing for future public hearings related to development and planning issues in the Branchville area.
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As part of new business, the commission unanimously accepted and scheduled for June 23 review a Village District application for a replacement illuminated sign at 451 Main St. and a town referral application for construction of a rain garden near the skate park at 66 Prospect St. The proposed rain garden is intended to help address stormwater and impervious surface concerns on the municipal property.
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