Present: G. Casiello, T. Ogonek, A. Atamian, M. Lecher, and alternates G. Miyashiro (7:34) and W. Whitehead
Also present: ZEO Aimee Pardee, First Selectman Pemberton and three member of the public
Mr. Casiello called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 pm
REGULAR MEETING:
1. Approval of Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes March 23, 2016
Motion: move that the minutes of the March 23, 2016 meeting be approved as submitted. Ogonek, Lecher. Approved. 3-0-1. Ms. Atamian abstained.
2. Application #16-12Z –In accordance with Section 5.11.2 of the Redding Zoning Regulations, application to renew a Limited Duration Special Use Permit for the DNKL (Tibetan Buddhist Center), 30 Putnam Park Road to hold it’s “Annual Animal Blessing” on May 14th, 2016 from 1:30pm thru 4:30pm. Previously held on June 6, 2015. For discussion/action
Motion: move that Application #16-12Z be approved. Ogonek, Atamian. Approved unanimously.
3. Application #16-13Z – William Whitehead, Jr., 40 Huckleberry Road (Map #31 & Lot #29). In accordance with Section 5.12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations, request for a Special Use Permit for an accessory apartment in existing dwelling. To receive/schedule public hearing.
Motion: move that a Public Hearing is set for May 11, 2016 for Application #16-13Z. Atamian, Ogonek. Approved unanimously.
Mr. Miyashiro arrived at 7:34 and was seated for Mr. Scholl
4. Application #16-14Z – Ralph Augustus Ford, 1 Lonetown Road (Map #22 & Lot #58). In accordance with Section 5.12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations request for a Special Use Permit for an accessory apartment in existing barn. To receive/schedule public hearing
Motion: move to set a Public Hearing for May 11, 2016 for application #16-14Z. Ogonek, Atamian. Approved unanimously
5. Agenda Addition:
Move to add to the agenda consideration of a modification to the limited duration permit issued for the Georgetown Day event. Lecher, Miyashiro. Approved unanimously.
Discussion and action on modification to a limited duration permit for the Georgetown Day event.
Mr. Casiello began the discussion stating there are two issues: the first is to determine if the change is a minor or a major change; and second, if the change is a major modification, a public hearing would be required.
Ralph Bosch, representing the Georgetown Day event, explained the request was to extend the event to the first portion of Old Mill Road. He has spoken with the property owners and Police Chief Fuchs and there are no difficulties in extending the activities to that portion of Old Mill Road.
Commission members were in agreement that the request constituted a minor modification
Motion; move that the Zoning Commission determine that the proposed modification is a minor change. Ogonek, Lecher. Approved unanimously.
Motion: move that the Zoning Commission approve the modification in the limited duration permit for the Georgetown Day event, extending the event to include a portion of Old Mill Road. Ogonek, Miyashiro. Approved unanimously.
6. DISCUSSION
A. Regulation of beehives: Mr. Ogonek raised the issue of inclusion of beehives in the Zoning Regulations that requires structures for housing animals of close confinement to be located 50 feet from the property line. He maintained that bees are considered animals, and beehives are considered structures of close confinement.
A resident, Maria Camomilli, of Overlook Lane, addressed the Commission regarding an abutting neighbor that has recently installed a beehive on the property line. She expressed her concern that the bees would gravitate to her property in search of water (a pool and a pond).
A long discussion followed.
Motion: move that the Zoning Commission was in agreement that beehives is included in the regulation as a close confinement structure. Miyashiro, Ogonek. Approved. 4-1. Mr. Casiello voted against the motion.
B: Medical Marijuana Regulations: The current moratorium on medical marijuana businesses expires in July of 2016. Mrs. Pardee provided a copy of Ridgefield’s regulations. She suggested a regulation be prepared and a public hearing scheduled. Commission members requested information on surrounding town’s regulations for review and discussion at the next meeting.
C: Accessory apartment regulations: Mrs. Pardee commented that several questions have been asked regarding accessory apartments, primarily to allow accessory apartments as a means to making the town more attractive. Mr. Casiello recapped the history on accessory apartments. Currently, the size is limited to 600 sq. ft. and the owner must occupy the primary residence. Commission members discussed a change in the size, allowing a larger size, i.e. 800 sq. feet, and a change in the owner occupancy of the primary unit to occupancy of either unit. Mrs. Pardee will draft changes for review at the next meeting.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion; move that the Zoning Commission meeting be adjourned. Lecher, Atamian Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 pm.
Submitted by Mary Maday, Recording Secretary