Norwich planning staff backs short‑term warming shelter; commission sends favorable ZBA referral for Buckingham Memorial Building
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Summary
The commission recommended favorably that the Zoning Board of Appeals grant a use variance allowing TVCCA to operate a seasonal warming shelter for up to 16 people at 307 Main Street from Dec. 1–March 15; staff noted additional operational, life‑safety and parking documentation will be required by the ZBA and permitting agencies.
The Commission on the City Plan voted on Nov. 18 to send a favorable referral to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a use variance to allow TVCCA to operate a seasonal warming shelter at 307 Main Street (Buckingham Memorial Building).
Staff read the referral noting that the CC zoning district does not permit residential‑type overnight accommodations as a matter‑of‑right, so a use variance (variance #2513307) is required for the proposed nightly shelter operation. The application proposes a maximum capacity of 16 people with two staff, operating from Dec. 1 through March 15, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and includes lower‑level floor plans depicting sleeping areas, a restroom and a kitchen.
Staff cautioned that the referral does not yet include a complete operating plan, parking analysis or life‑safety evaluations and said any ZBA approval would not change the underlying CC zoning; subsequent permitting would need to address occupancy, fire/safety, parking and building code issues. Staff described the requested variance as a short‑term operational solution and said TVCCA continues to seek a permanent location in a zoning district that would permit the use.
Commissioners voted unanimously to send a favorable recommendation to the ZBA.