Planning and Zoning approves renovation of former bank at 272 Elm Street for pet provisions store
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Summary
The New Canaan Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site-plan application Jan. 27 to convert the former bank at 272 Elm Street into a pet provisions store with grooming services, allowing the applicant to select one of three color and fenestration options presented to the commission.
The New Canaan Planning and Zoning Commission voted Jan. 27 to approve a site-plan application to renovate and modestly add to the building at 272 Elm Street for use as a pet provisions store with grooming services.
Paul Harris of Kohl Harris Associates, the agent for the property owners, said the proposal keeps most work interior while altering the front marquee and converting an existing side emergency exit to a secondary entrance for the groomer. He presented three design variations that change door / fenestration detail and facade color to respond to the commission’s prior aesthetic comments.
Commissioners praised the return to traditional mullioned glazing and debated exterior color. Commissioner Alan Swerdlow said the revisions were responsive to the commission’s suggestions; other commissioners favored lighter tones but said the darker option also “connects our village district guidelines” when paired with horizontal treatments such as awnings.
On a motion by Swerdlow, seconded and called to a vote, the commission approved the application as amended, limiting the applicant’s color choice to the three presented options and approving the fenestration detail shown. One commissioner was recused from the vote. The commission’s approval does not permit off-site parking signs or other free-standing signage not shown in the application; staff confirmed a separate sign permit will be required for exact dimensions.
The project was continued from the prior month’s hearing and was approved Jan. 27. The applicant confirmed signage dimensions were submitted to the town planner and meet code.
