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Stratford planners begin review of zoning updates, debate size and approval path for ADUs
Summary
Planning staff and commissioners discussed proposed zoning regulation changes, focusing on accessory dwelling units, including whether detached ADUs should be allowed, appropriate size limits, how to define "family," and possible incentives for deed‑restricted affordable units; staff will meet with the Housing Partnership and the consultant in October.
The Stratford Planning Commission began a line‑by‑line review of proposed updates to the town’s zoning regulations, concentrating on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), definitions and affordability measures.
Town planner Sismitha told commissioners the proposed updates include substantial revisions and that staff and consultants are seeking commissioner input before the draft is referred back for a formal public hearing. "There are substantially changed sections," she said, urging commissioners to review the document closely and to ask questions on specific sections.
Commissioners and staff debated whether detached ADUs should be permitted in RS‑1 and RS‑2 zones and whether different size metrics should apply to conversions versus newly constructed detached units. Under current language discussed by staff, ADU size benchmarks ranged from a minimum of 400 square feet or 25% of livable area to a proposed cap of 1,000 square feet; staff said some members favor allowing full basement conversions without an arbitrary cap. The transcript records the planner noting: "up to 1,000 feet, as a benchmark," and commissioners proposed alternatives such as using a percentage of livable area for conversions.
The commission also discussed the regulation’s occupancy language, asking whether the definition of "family" and caps on occupants in ADUs should be based on number of persons per household rather than per ADU to reflect changing household structures. The planner said a consultant is reviewing the family definition to modernize the language.
Affordability provisions prompted a separate exchange: staff noted affordability language has existed in the regulations but has rarely been used and suggested the town consider incentives to encourage deed‑restricted affordable ADUs. "If the town is serious about increasing its 8‑30g count," the planner said, the town should consider homeowner incentives, she added.
Commissioners asked staff to circulate a schedule of subcommittee meetings on each topic and were reminded of quorum rules for off‑calendar discussions. Staff said they will meet with the Stratford Housing Partnership and the consultant on Oct. 17 to discuss detached ADUs and to refine recommended language before returning the amendments for more formal consideration.
