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Planning board refers sustainability zoning text change, backs scorecard and tree protections with minor recommendations
Summary
The planning board reviewed ZB application 226-08 and voted to refer a zoning text change requiring minimum sustainability scorecard grades, tree-protection measures, and solar/green roof standards to the zoning board, recommending the zoning board consider a larger minimum replacement caliper (2 inches) and adjustments to solar canopy heights in truck corridors.
The Stamford Planning Board on April 28 reviewed a zoning referral (ZB application 226-08) that would strengthen sustainability requirements for development in targeted districts, including minimum grades on the city’s sustainability scorecard, tree-protection rules and requirements for solar panels or green roofs on large roofs.
Ralph Blessing, land use bureau chief, walked the board through the scorecard update (version 5), explaining it awards points across nine categories with a heavy emphasis on energy performance and now covers substantial renovations (defined as alterations equal to 50% or more of a building’s value). "We wanted to customize standards to suit Stamford, to focus on energy use and make the scorecard more straightforward," Blessing said. The proposed text change would require a minimum scorecard grade (B or C depending on district and project size) for developments meeting the thresholds in the zoning table.
On tree protection, Blessing said the change applies to projects requiring zoning approval (site plans, special permits) and sets a replacement requirement of inch-for-inch DBH (diameter at breast height) for removed trees with DBH 4 inches or greater; if direct replacement is infeasible, a fee-in-lieu would go to the city’s tree fund. Board members questioned whether a higher minimum replacement caliper (for example, 2 inches instead of 1.5 inches) should be required; staff said that is an option for the zoning board to consider.
The text change would require a solar or green roof for roofs of at least 5,000 square feet covering at least 50% of the roof area, with exemptions if more than 50% of the roof is a residential amenity. It would also reclassify solar parking canopies as permitted obstructions—excluding them from accessory-structure height limits and easing siting—while initially capping canopy height at 15 feet. Board members asked for exceptions for industrial or truck-heavy areas; staff said the 15-foot limit mirrors accessory-structure height and can be revisited.
A planning board motion to approve the referral carried; the motion included a recommendation that the zoning board consider increasing the minimum replacement caliper to 2 inches and consider increasing maximum solar canopy heights where truck clearance is required. The referral proceeds to the zoning board for the public-review process.
