Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
May 9, 2018 – 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall Hearing Room
100 Hill Road, Redding, Connecticut
Present: Gerry Casiello, Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary; Commissioner Matt Lecher; Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Commissioner Paul Scholl; Alternate Gary Miyashiro (arrived 7:40 p.m.)
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; 1 member of the public.
The Chairman called the hearing to order at 7:32 p.m. noting that all regular members were in attendance and seated.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Item #18-11z – Proposed Amendments to the Redding Zoning Regulations:
-Section 3.14 regarding minimum rectangle exceptions.
-Section 5.1 regarding application notifications.
-Section 5.4 regarding erosion and stormwater control
-Section 5.11.2 regarding renewal of limited duration Special Use Permits.
Proposal received on March 28, 2018; Public Hearing May 9, 2018.
Ms. Atamian read the call for the hearing. On the motion of Mr. Lecher and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the call and open the public hearing.
Mr. Casiello reviewed the proposed amendments.
Regarding Section 3.14, he explained that each new lot is required to have a minimum rectangle of land within it. He stated that Section 3.14 provides for an exception to the minimum rectangle size for only land of four to five acres that is being subdivided. He suggested that this had been added to the regulation in 1986 to provide relief to some property owners at the time the minimum rectangle regulations were enacted but he noted that Ms. Pardee had seen where an owner could manipulate a lot size to allow for use of the smaller rectangle. He said that changing the regulations would allow for uniform application of the minimum rectangle.
Regarding Section 5.1, the Chairman stated that the current regulations only call for notification of direct abutters of a subject property of a Site Plan or Special Use hearing. He explained that, by expanding the notification to property owners within 100’, the notice will go to property owners more directly impacted by a property use, such as property owners across the street.
A member of the public asked to speak to this change. Lisa Furman, of 125 Picketts Ridge Road, spoke in favor of this change. She stated that she has been impacted by the use of the property across the street from her; she understands why she wasn’t notified as to the Commission hearing regarding 130 Picketts Ridge Road but feels that the change in the regulations would prevent that from happening in the future.
The Chairman went on to briefly review the proposed changed in Section 5.4 regarding erosion and stormwater control and noted that this Section is being brought up to the standards required by the state.
Lastly, the Chairman spoke regarding the proposed changes to Section 5.11.2 which would allow for Limited Duration Special Use Permit renewals to be handled by the Zoning Officer. He stated that the Commission brings little to the renewal process and, if there is ever a problem with an event, the new regulations allow for the Zoning Officer to require a renewal come before the Commission.
The Chairman read into the record a letter from the Redding Planning Commission providing for a positive referral; he also read comments from WestCOG stating that they did not have any concerns.
After a brief discussion, the Chairman asked if there were further questions or comments. Hearing none, Mr. Ogonek moved that the hearing be closed. Ms. Atamian seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously, closing the hearing at 7:53 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING:
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:53 p.m. noting that all regular members were in attendance and seated.
1. Approval of Minutes:
-Regular Meeting of December 13, 2017.
The Chairman unseated Mr. Ogonek and seated Mr. Miyashiro. Mr. Scholl moved that the minutes be approved, Mr. Miyashiro seconded the motion, and the Chairman, Mr. Scholl and Mr. Miyashiro voted to approve the minutes. Ms. Atamian and Mr. Lecher abstained from the vote.
-Regular Meeting of March 28, 2018.
The Chairman unseated Mr. Miyashiro and seated Mr. Ogonek. On the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Mr. Lecher, the Commission voted by majority to approved the minutes; Ms. Atamian and Mr. Scholl abstained.
2. Item #18-11z – Proposed Amendments to the Redding Zoning Regulations:
-Section 3.14 regarding minimum rectangle exceptions.
-Section 5.1 regarding application notifications.
-Section 5.4 regarding erosion and stormwater control
-Section 5.11.2 regarding renewal of limited duration Special Use Permits.
Proposal received on March 28, 2018; Public Hearing May 9, 2018. For discussion/vote.
After a brief discussion, Ms. Atamian moved that the proposed amendments to the Redding Zoning Regulations be adopted as written. Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously. Publication of notice of approval will occur on May 17; the regulations will be effective 15 days after publication.
3. Application #18-14Z: DNKL 30 Putnam Park Road (Assessor’s Map # & Lot #) – In accordance with Section 5.11.2 of the Redding Zoning Regulations request for a Limited Duration Special Use Permit to hold its annual “Blessing of the Animals” on May 19, 2018. Previously held on June 3, 2017. For discussion/action
The Chairman noted that, once the new regulations are in effect, the Commission will no longer need to approve this sort of application. He said that there had been no problems with this event in the past. On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Scholl, the Commission voted unanimously to grant Permit #18-14Z.
4. Discussion
As 130 Picketts Ridge Road had been raised by Ms. Furman earlier, the Commission discussed this use. Ms. Pardee said that the property is a bit messy as the barn and house have not been completed nor has site work. She said she would speak to the owner about his schedule and also discuss the possibility of some buffer plantings.
5. Future Agenda Items
147 Cross Highway: Farm Management Plan.
101 Marchant Road: addition to barn.
6. Communication
7. Adjournment
On the motion of Mr. Lecher, and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Submitted by:
Aimee Pardee