Planning commission reviews Part 1 of zoning rewrite, discusses mixed‑use rules, ADUs, home businesses and short‑term rentals

Ben, planner for Fanda Wall and Associates, presented Part 1 of a proposed rewrite of New London's zoning ordinance and asked the Planning Commission for direction on several policy choices.

The draft consolidates land‑use permissions into a single land‑use table, establishes new zoning districts and bulk (dimensional) standards, and proposes a sequence of implementation steps. "We're trying to modernize this code," Ben said, describing the goal of making the code easier to use and aligning it with state and federal requirements and the comprehensive plan.

Why it matters: the rewrite will change how projects are reviewed and where particular uses are allowed across New London. Commissioners said they want to balance flexibility for development with protections for neighborhood character.

Major proposals discussed

- Mixed‑use buildings: The draft would allow mixed‑use buildings (residential plus nonresidential uses in one structure) in multiple districts and would require that at least 33% of the ground floor be nonresidential. Ben said the 33% rule is modeled on other communities and is intended to preserve downtown storefronts while allowing housing above or behind streetfront commercial space.

- Accessory dwelling units…