Zoning panel adopts text amendment to allow conversions of existing business buildings to residences by special exception
Loading...
Summary
The Simsbury Zoning Commission voted 4–2 to adopt ZC25‑28, a text amendment to Section 4.5 allowing conversion of existing commercial structures to residential uses in B1, B2 and B3 zones by special exception; staff said the change aligns with local POCD housing goals and forthcoming state legislation on 'middle housing.'
The Simsbury Zoning Commission on Nov. 7 adopted a text amendment (ZC25‑28) to Section 4.5 of the town zoning regulations to permit the conversion of existing commercial buildings to residential uses in B1, B2 and B3 zones through a special‑exception review and public hearing.
Planning Director George framed the change as a narrow, reuse‑focused step supported by the Planning Commission. George told the commission the Planning Commission “provided a positive recommendation” and that the revision was consistent with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) housing policies, which encourage reuse of existing structures. He also cited a pending state measure, referred to in the meeting as HB8002, and said, “So effective July 1, if the governor signs the bill … all parcels in commercial zones would be permitted to have 2 to 9 units by right subject to summary review,” while noting that that bill had not yet been signed.
Applicant Mark Christensen, who owns the Simsmore site that prompted the petition, described his property at 548 Hot Meadow Street and said the proposal is intended to allow reuse of vacant commercial buildings. “The only thing we’re proposing is putting the kitchen back,” Christensen said, describing an intended conversion of a long‑vacant office back to a single‑family house.
Public commenters expressed concern about precedent and town character. Mark Schwab asked whether approving the amendment would open a floodgate of conversions and change Simsbury’s dynamic. Commissioner responses emphasized that the amendment adds the use to the code but requires a special exception hearing for each conversion, so approvals remain site‑specific.
After discussion the commission voted to adopt the amendment 4–2. The language adopted allows conversion of existing buildings in B1, B2 and B3 districts by special exception, preserving a public‑hearing review for each site. The amendment was declared effective immediately pending any statutory appeal period.
What happens next: property owners seeking to convert a specific building must file a special‑exception application and go through a public hearing and the zoning review criteria before a permit can be issued.
