Zoning Commission Minutes 08/06/2018 SPECIAL MEETING
Subject to Approval
Simsbury Zoning Commission
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, August 6, 2018 at 7:00PM
Simsbury Town Hall – Main Meeting Room
933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut
PRESENT: Dave Ryan, Jackie Battos, Kevin Gray, Bruce Elliott, and Donna Beinstein
Alternate: Gavin Schwartz
ABSENT: Michael Doyle
Alternate: Joseph Campolieta, Thomas Frank
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Glidden CFM CZEO, Interim Director of Planning
Robin Newton CZEO, Code Compliance Officer
I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
II. ROLL CALL:
1. Appointment of Alternates.
Mr. Schwartz was appointed to sit for Mr. Doyle
III. APPOINTMENTS TO DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
1. Appointment of Katie Beal to fill vacancy
Motion: Ms. Battos made a motion to appoint Katie Beal to the Design Review Board to serve the remaining term of Jenifer Murnane term starting August 6, 2018. Mr. Gray seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Discussion Zoning Regulations – potential amendment(s) and update
Chairman Ryan referred the Commission to his memorandum which was the purpose of forming a subcommittee to review the current regulations.
Chairman Ryan noted the first topic mentioned was temporary liquor licenses. Mr. Elliott explained the discussions had by the subcommittee on this topic.
Mr. Glidden noted that staff did not have any written copies of proposed language left by Mr. Rabbitt. Ms. Newton provided the Commission with a draft language for temporary liquor licenses. She explained the draft is based on East Windsor’s regulations. An applicant would be subject to site plan approval for the first initial application then renewals would be handled by staff.
Mr. Glidden asked the Commission to review the proposed language and this can be discussed at the next special meeting. If the Commission likes the proposed language then it could be scheduled for a public hearing.
Chairman Ryan stated the next subject was WHOZ regulations. Mr. Elliott mentioned that proximity to Hopmeadow Street was discussed. Ms. Battos asked whether size the subject property was discussed.
Mr. Glidden told the commission that staff can prepare a map for the next meeting which illustrated all properties that are 10 acres or greater which are within either 1,000 ft or 2,000 ft of Hopmeadow Street.
Chairman Ryan moved on to the next subject which was PAD regulations. Mr. Elliott suggested that this topic is one which a separate group should look at. The consensus of the Commission was in agreement on this subject.
Chairman Ryan discussed signs on town property as the next discussion item. Ms. Battos noted the concern that signs on town property should not be exempt from regulations or have a separate standard. She felt DRB served a purpose in reviewing these situations.
Chairman Ryan stated the next subject on the memorandum is accessory dwelling unit. Mr. Elliott reviewed his memorandum concerning other how surrounding communities regulate accessory dwelling units
Ms. Battos noted the size limitations in these regulations. Mr. Elliott commented on how several communities limit use of accessory dwelling units to relatives. Ms. Battos suggested limiting the size, requiring internal access, and having shared utilities could help address some of the concerns that the public have. Mr. Glidden stated that staff would prepare a draft regulation based on these comments from the Commission.
Mr. Glidden asked the Commission how they wanted to approach accessory dwelling units. Mr. Elliott suggested that the Commission place a minimum lot size of 2 acres or only in the R-80 zone for detached accessory dwelling units. Mr. Glidden noted majority of community is zoned r-40 however there are lots which exceed 40,000 square ft. The consensus of the members present was that only lots that are 2 acres or greater should qualify for detached accessory dwelling units. Mr. Glidden stated staff would prepare draft language that incorporated comments from the discussion.
Chairman Ryan asked members of the Commission to look at proposed regulations staff has prepared which did not incorporate other changes discussed earlier. Mr. Elliott asked what has changed from the current version. Ms. Newton explained the nature of the changes re-organization and consolidation of the existing regulations.
Chairman Ryan asked members to look at the table of contents and whether they liked organization of the proposed document. Ms. Battos commented that she liked the set-up. The consensus of the members was that they like the set-up.
Mr. Glidden noted there is still cross references and other areas within the document that need to be cleaned up however the flow of the document should not change.
Ms. Beinstein asked whether short term residential rental units were to be discussed. Mr. Glidden provided a background to the current situation. He said staff will provide copies of other ordinances and regulations. He said that the Commission could discuss this matter in further detail at the next meeting. Ms. Newton noted there are some definitions which are related to short term residential units that also should be examined while the Commission reviews the documents.
V. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Mr. Gray made a motion to adjourn at 8:45pm. Ms. Battos seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Submitted by
Michael Glidden CFM CZEO
Interim Director of Planning