Zoning Commission Minutes 08/20/2018 SPECIAL MEETING
Subject to Approval
Simsbury Zoning Commission
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, August 20, 2018 at 7:00PM
Simsbury Town Hall – Main Meeting Room
933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut
PRESENT: Dave Ryan, Jackie Battos , Michael Doyle, Bruce Elliott, and Donna Beinstein
Alternate: Joseph Campolieta
ABSENT: Kevin Gray
Alternate: Thomas Frank and Gavin Schwartz
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. Campolieta was appointed to sit for Mr. Gray
III. OLD BUSINESS
1. Discussion Zoning Regulations – potential amendment(s) and update
Mr. Glidden noted that proposals have been prepared by staff concerning text amendments specific to Accessory Dwelling Units and Temporary Liquor License based on commissioner input from the last meeting.
Chairman Ryan began discussing the temporary liquor license proposal. He asked whether any members were concerned of the number of events per location which is referenced in the proposal. Mr. Campolieta stated he was not concerned. Mr. Doyle stated he struggled with the number and the approval process.
Ms. Newton explained the initial application would be subject to a site plan approval. Ms. Beinstein supported the site plan approval approach. Mr. Doyle stated he would like to see charities benefit from a regulations change. Chairman Ryan noted the Town of Newington exempts charities.
Chairman Ryan asked whether members were ok with 15 total applications per calendar year. Ms. Battos and Mr. Doyle were ok with the number. Mr. Elliott discussed concerns about not for profit verses businesses. He suggested not including a language of capping the number of events.
Chairman Ryan asked staff to prepare an application based on the input from the Commission
Chairman Ryan reviewed the proposed changes to accessory dwelling unit regulations. Mr. Elliott voiced his concern about abandonment and termination.
Mr. Elliott asked whether placement of detached accessory dwelling units could be limited to rear yards if it the unit will be in a new structure. Ms. Beinstein was concerned that could limit places where existing structures or smaller lots may not qualify.
Ms. Battos asked that parking areas for units be screened from public view. Stating that those are some of the common complaints the commission sees.
Mr. Elliott discussed the renewal and inspection process that other communities use.
Chairman Ryan next discussed WHOZ regulations. Mr. Glidden noted the map prepared for the Commission and reviewed the locations of properties.
Chairman Ryan asked whether a map could be produced that shows properties that are within 750ft of Hopmeadow Street. Mr. Glidden stated staff could prepare such a map.
Chairman Ryan asked about Air B&B. Mr. Glidden noted that staff has not prepared language for text however they could develop something.
Mr. Elliott noted the concern of absentee property owners. The Commission could require the property owner to be accessible. Mr. Elliott questioned whether the use could be treated like a bed and breakfast.
Ms. Newton stated staff can prepare a draft that could be ready for the next meeting.
Chairman Ryan asked staff to prepare applications and amend language of the proposals to incorporate comments from the Commission.
IV. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Mr. Doyle made a motion to adjourn at 9:05pm. Ms. Battos seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Submitted by
Michael Glidden CFM CZEO
Interim Director of Planning