The New Canaan Zoning Board of Appeals met virtually on Dec. 1, 2025, approved previously drafted minutes and the board’s 2026 meeting schedule, and discussed preparations for a likely executive session tied to the Pastures Lane appeal.

Chair Natasha moved to approve the Sept. 8 minutes "as drafted," and the motion passed with affirmative roll-call statements recorded in the transcript. The board then approved the 2026 meeting calendar, which was posted to the town website.

An unidentified staff member told the board there are currently no applications for January and that staff are "still waiting to hear from the attorneys on the Pastures Lane appeal from last year," adding that "there's some sort of settlement that's getting close, to potentially needing to be discussed by the board." The staff update said that matter could require an executive session in January or February depending on counsel discussions.

The same staff member flagged an upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission effort to revise zoning regulations and said the commission expects "a pretty substantial draft in, like, March 2026." The staff request asked the Zoning Board of Appeals to review changes or provide written comments, noting ZBA members see a distinct side of how the rules operate when variances arrive before the board.

Board members asked for targeted training before the town-wide regulation changes take effect. Topics requested included: (1) the legal standard and local practice for "hardship" findings; (2) how to assess neighborhood "character" when projects push allowed maxima; and (3) treatment of retaining walls that encroach within setback areas. One member said retaining walls appear to be a frequent point of noncompliance and urged the board to examine whether local rules match their intended purpose.

Members also discussed whether affordable or low-income housing topics might reach the ZBA, and the staff said it would brief the board on items that could affect ZBA jurisdiction before proposals near adoption.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of Sept. 8 minutes: Motion moved by Chair Natasha; transcript records five affirmative statements and the minutes were approved.
- Approval of 2026 meeting schedule: Motion moved by Chair Natasha; transcript records affirmative votes and the schedule was approved.

The chair moved to adjourn at 7:12 p.m.; the motion carried on recorded assent and the board closed the short virtual meeting. The board indicated it will schedule training and will be updated by staff as the Pastures Lane counsel discussions and the Planning and Zoning Commission draft proceed.