Westport P&Z To Revisit Housing Rules, Traffic Overlay Districts

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to continue public hearings on proposed zoning changes tied to a new state housing law and the creation of two Conservation and Traffic Mitigation District overlay zones when it meets Monday.

The commission will meet at 6 p.m. in a remote meeting. Members of the public may observe, but not participate, during pre-application discussions and the work session. Click here to view the agenda.

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The commission's public hearing agenda includes the continued review of two commission-sponsored proposals implementing provisions of Connecticut Public Act 25-1, a state law addressing housing growth.

One proposal would amend Westport's zoning regulations to establish new review procedures and definitions, allow certain transit-oriented middle housing developments through a summary review process, modify parking requirements for residential developments, and create a new Conservation and Traffic Mitigation District overlay. The hearing was continued from the commission's July 6 meeting, and the agenda states the matter may be discussed and voted on as time permits.

Commissioners are also scheduled to continue a public hearing on a related zoning map amendment that would establish two Conservation and Traffic Mitigation District overlay areas extending along portions of the Post Road corridor, downtown Westport and other designated commercial and transportation areas. According to the agenda, the overlay boundaries are intended to implement the proposed district described in the zoning text amendments. The item also was continued from July 6 and may be discussed and voted on.

Earlier in the meeting, the commission is expected to hold two pre-application discussions.

One involves a conceptual proposal for 34 Imperial Ave. that envisions redeveloping the property with two residential buildings containing nine dwelling units, surface and under-building parking, and a related zoning text amendment affecting inclusionary multifamily housing regulations.

The second pre-application concerns 1431 Post Road East, where the applicant is seeking feedback on a potential two-story indoor community sports facility. The concept includes parking, a dedicated drop-off and pickup lane, and landscaping intended to buffer neighboring residential properties.

The commission is also scheduled to conduct public hearings on three separate special permit and site plan applications involving excavation and fill work at residential properties:

• 17 North Ave., where the applicant seeks approval to create a level area through non-exempt excavation and fill.
• 12 Timber Lane, where a proposal includes excavation and fill for a boulder retaining wall and level area.
• 29 Manitou Road, where the applicant seeks approval for excavation and fill associated with constructing a patio and creating a level area.

The agenda lists no new business or old business for the work session following the public hearings.