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Planning commission sends preliminary feedback to zoning on draft regulation updates (ADUs, short‑term rentals, parking)
Summary
The commission agreed to send preliminary comments to the Zoning Commission on proposed zoning updates covering accessory dwelling units, boarding houses/short‑term rentals, seasonal dwellings and multifamily development, raising concerns about ADU size limits, definitions, parking impacts and flood‑zone EDUs.
Stratford's Planning Commission reviewed the draft zoning regulation updates and agreed to forward preliminary feedback to the Zoning Commission.
Commissioners highlighted several topics they want the Zoning Commission to consider: how the draft defines and limits accessory dwelling units (size caps such as 1,000 square feet or 40% of an existing structure and the undefined term "family"), whether converting detached garages or basements should be limited to relatives, and how ADUs in flood zones interact with FEMA and MS4 permitting concerns. Members also questioned the inclusion of short‑term rentals in boarding house provisions, asked for a clear definition of seasonal dwellings, and recommended consideration of parking impacts from ADUs and higher density multifamily provisions.
Commissioners urged zoning to consider affordability incentives such as set‑asides or tax abatements, recommended screening and landscaping for corridors like Ferry Boulevard (in the boat amendment discussion), and asked staff to draft a letter incorporating member memos and today's comments for transmittal to the Zoning Commission before their final draft meeting.
Next steps: Town planning staff will draft a transmittal letter that incorporates the commission's memos and comments; the final Zoning Commission draft is expected soon and will trigger the 35‑day statutory review period for this commission.
