West Haven — The West Haven City Council voted unanimously Oct. 15 to approve Ordinance No. 11-20-25 rezoning the property at 3481 South 2700 West from A-1 and A-2 agricultural zones to R-2, finding the R-2 designation conforms with the city’s general plan.

The decision reverses the planning commission’s Sept. 24 recommendation, which had unanimously recommended denial of a request to rezone the site to a P-H (patio home) zone. Planning staff and the commission found the P-H request would deviate too far from the general plan’s recommended density.

Why it matters: the rezoning resolves a pending land-use question where the applicant proposed P-H zoning to permit a higher density that would offset a significant roadway dedication along the site’s western edge for the 33-to-36 Connector Road. Planning staff told the council the city would purchase the dedication strip from the property owner if the road requires land; that requirement influenced the applicant’s original request.

Planning staff member Steven summarized the staff analysis, saying the general plan map recommends R-2 (about 2 units per acre) while a P-H zoning could allow up to 5 units per acre. Staff noted the difference in the concept plans could amount to “probably 6 units to 14 units between the two.” The staff report recommended approval of R-2.

Applicant Nathan Paulson told the council the road changed the dynamic of the parcel and had prompted his initial P-H request. “The road is what changed that because it changes the dynamic of the neighboring properties as well,” Paulson said, adding he would accept an R-2 approval and could build “6 really nice homes” if the council approved R-2.

Council discussion cited buffering, lot sizes and the general plan’s guidance. After motioning to approve Ordinance No. 11-20-25 rezoning the parcel to R-2, the council held a roll-call vote with all present members voting aye; the mayor declared the motion carried.

The ordinance and council action will be recorded in the city’s zoning map and proceed according to the city’s standard implementation steps for rezoning.