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Staff reports slow in new builds, zoning code rewrite underway; commission presses for sidewalk continuity and smaller utility markings
Summary
Planning staff reported fewer new‑build permits this month and said a zoning code update — including gateway district rules and potential solar language — is in progress. Commissioners pressed for sidewalk continuity along Cherry Street and asked staff to research less‑obtrusive utility markings.
At the March 24 meeting the planning department reported a slowdown in new‑build certificates and outlined work on an amendment to the zoning code to address gateway districts, missing provisions (including solar) and other gaps.
Alex Blankenship, planning staff, told the commission the office issued 11 zoning certificates in the past month, eight of which were for new builds. Occupancy permits totaled 25 in a recent batch, and staff reported a year‑to‑date total of about 30 permits. Blankenship said the department is working with CT Consultants to draft amendments that will add gateway district provisions related to the Sunbury Parkway and to fill other code gaps, including rules for solar installations.
Why it matters: changes to the zoning code and gateway standards will shape how new corridors and subdivisions are designed and reviewed; commissioners also used the meeting to press staff and applicants on pedestrian access and the visual effect of permanent utility markers.
Pedestrian and frontage issues Commissioners repeatedly returned to sidewalks and pedestrian continuity near the Kintner Commercial site and along Cherry Street. The commission asked the applicant to provide sidewalks on both sides of new public roads and added a condition requiring a 5‑foot sidewalk along the parcel's northern boundary. Commissioners noted an existing ditch and guardrail along Cherry Street that limits public right‑of‑way space and asked staff and the applicant to seek solutions (private or public) to continue sidewalk connectivity.
Utility marking concern Commissioners also raised concerns about large, obtrusive utility markings and flagging left after work by utilities such as Columbia Gas and fiber/electric contractors. A commissioner asked staff to research lower‑profile, ground‑level marking systems used in other jurisdictions and to return with options for enforcement or code language that could reduce the visual impact of permanent markers.
Other items - Staff said the town currently has one active home builder (Pulte) and that multi‑unit occupancy figures will be reflected in future monthly reports as units come online. - Commissioners discussed calendar timing: several noted Memorial Day commonly conflicts with the regularly scheduled fourth‑Monday meeting; staff will propose alternative dates via email.
Ending Staff said they will return with draft zoning code amendments from the consultant for the commission's review, and will research alternatives for less intrusive utility markings and options to improve sidewalk continuity along Cherry Street.
