Simsbury planners discuss merging planning and zoning boards for efficiency

The Simsbury Charter Revision Commission meeting on February 20, 2025, focused on the potential merger of the Planning and Zoning Commissions, a topic that has sparked considerable debate among local officials and residents. The meeting aimed to gather insights from the Planning Commission regarding their role in the charter and the implications of combining the two boards.

A key discussion point was the pros and cons of merging the Planning and Zoning Commissions. One commissioner expressed concerns that merging could lead to planning issues being overshadowed by zoning matters, as the two boards have distinct functions. Planning is primarily focused on long-term development strategies, while zoning deals with the technical aspects of land use regulations. The commissioner highlighted that in towns where the boards are combined, planning often takes a back seat, which could be detrimental to the community's development goals.

Conversely, there were arguments in favor of merging the boards. A combined commission could streamline processes, reducing the time developers spend navigating multiple meetings and approvals. Currently, developers may need to attend separate meetings for planning and zoning, which can prolong project timelines. A merger could facilitate a more efficient "one-stop shopping" approach for developers, potentially encouraging economic growth.

The conversation also touched on the importance of maintaining effective communication between the two boards, regardless of whether they remain separate or merge. Some officials noted that improved collaboration has been observed in recent years, particularly since the adoption of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), which guides land use decisions.

Another significant topic was the method of selecting Planning Commission members. Currently, members are elected, which some officials believe is essential for ensuring community representation in long-term planning decisions. There was a suggestion to consider appointing members instead, but the consensus leaned towards maintaining the elected structure.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that while there are valid arguments on both sides regarding the merger of the Planning and Zoning Commissions, further discussions and community input will be necessary to determine the best path forward. The commission plans to continue exploring this issue, weighing the benefits of efficiency against the need to preserve the distinct roles of planning and zoning in Simsbury's development.