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Litchfield planning commission adopts three zoning rule changes on ADUs, accessory structure size and ZEO procedures
Summary
The Litchfield Planning & Zoning Commission on March 2 adopted amendments loosening location and parking rules for accessory dwelling units, lowering the size threshold for accessory structures from 4,000 to 2,500 sq ft (with special-exception review above 2,500), and moving detailed Zoning Enforcement Officer duties into Commission-adopted procedures.
The Litchfield Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously adopted three amendments to the town zoning regulations at its March 2 meeting, changing rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), reducing the allowable size for accessory structures, and clarifying the role and procedures for the Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO).
Chair Carol Bramley said the adopted revision to Sections 5.2.5 and 5.2.8 relaxes the prior rule that a detached ADU must be located only in the rear of a lot. The amendment lets the Commission review ADU siting on larger lots and permits relief from the strict rear-parking requirement when landscaping can preserve the residential streetscape. Commissioner S. Simonin moved to close the hearing on the amendment and later moved to adopt it; D. Correia and R. Lupo made the supporting motions as recorded, and the actions were approved unanimously.
The Commission also adopted a change to Section 5.21.3 that lowers the accessory-structure threshold from 4,000 square feet to 2,500 square feet and adds a special-exception review for structures larger than 2,500 square feet. Commissioners discussed adding a formal definition of "accessory structure" and asked planner S.N. Villalba to assist with that future clarification. The motion to adopt this amendment was made by S. Simonin and seconded by C. Bunnell; the vote was unanimous.
On Section 6.1, the Commission approved a shortened draft that removes prescriptive language from the regulation itself and places detailed limitations, duties and reporting expectations for the ZEO into a separate procedures document to be adopted by the Commission. Bramley said the procedures would clarify when the Land Use Administrator/ZEO should bring proposals or questionable interpretations to the Commission for input. The amendment was adopted on a motion by S. Simonin, seconded by C. Bunnell, with a unanimous vote.
All three amendments were published in legal notice prior to the hearing and will become effective after the 15-day posting period required by the notice. The Commission recorded no public opposition at the meeting and indicated the regulatory updates aim to preserve neighborhood character while increasing flexibility for property owners.
Next steps: the adopted amendments will be posted as required; the Commission expects to develop or post the implementing procedures for the ZEO in a future meeting or administrative action.
