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Ashford staff flags zoning‑map discrepancies; parcel‑by‑parcel review ordered
Summary
Town planning staff told the commission the online 'current' zoning map was never formally adopted, producing mismatches that could render longstanding commercial uses non‑conforming. Staff will prepare a parcel comparison and present it for public hearing to codify an official map.
Town planning staff reported to the Ashford Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 9 that the color 'current' zoning map posted to the town GIS was never formally adopted or filed with the town clerk, creating inconsistent guidance for property owners and potential unintended non‑conforming statuses.
Zoning Officer Mike Damato said that during a review of minutes, agendas and town clerk records he could not find evidence the map had been formally adopted; parcels that historically functioned as commercial are shown as residential on the online map. He cited the former liquor store on Fence Road as an example and noted a swath of parcels near Midway that appear as residential on the current map despite long‑standing commercial uses.
Mike told commissioners he will prepare a comparison (old map narrative vs. current GIS map) and flag parcels where the current map is more restrictive. The commission discussed the practical problems such differences create: longstanding businesses could be treated as non‑conforming and therefore ineligible for expansion. Commissioners supported staff preparing the comparison for public review and a required hearing to codify an official zoning map and avoid unfair constraints on existing businesses.
Next steps: staff will produce an analysis comparing the old and current maps, identify parcels that may need correction or special consideration, and propose a process for public hearings and formal codification of the official zoning map.
