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Litchfield planning commission unanimously adopts three zoning amendments on ADUs, accessory-structure size and ZEO procedures
Summary
The Litchfield Planning and Zoning Commission on March 2 unanimously adopted three amendments to town zoning: relaxed siting and parking rules for accessory apartments, a lower size threshold for accessory structures in residential districts (from 4,000 to 2,500 sq ft) with a special-exception requirement, and clarification that ZEO duties and reporting will be detailed in a procedures document. The changes take effect after a 15-day legal posting period.
The Litchfield Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously adopted three amendments to the town zoning regulations at its March 2 meeting, voting to change rules for accessory apartments, reduce the permitted size of accessory buildings in residence districts, and clarify the role and procedures for the Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO).
Commissioners adopted the amendment to Sections 5.2.5 and 5.2.8 to allow greater flexibility for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The change relaxes the rule that ADUs in detached structures must be located strictly in the rear yard and permits alternatives where the appearance of the streetscape would not be affected; the amendment also modifies parking requirements and allows landscaping to be required when parking is not consistent with a residential neighborhood. The legal notice for this amendment appeared in the Republican American, and the Commission closed the hearing and voted to adopt the change; the amendment becomes effective after the 15-day posting period required for legal advertisement.
The Commission also adopted an amendment to Section 5.21.3 reducing the accessory-structure size threshold in residence districts from 4,000 square feet to 2,500 square feet and adding a special-exception review for structures above 2,500 square feet. Commissioners said the adjustment is intended to preserve residential scale along streetscapes; Chairman Carol Bramley suggested adding a regulatory definition of accessory structures with assistance from planner SN Villalba.
Finally, the Commission approved a shortened third draft amendment to Section 6.1 clarifying the ZEO’s authority and moving procedural details—such as reporting formats, limitations, and administrative duties—into a separate procedures document adopted by the Commission. The intent is for the Land Use Administrator/ZEO to share with the Commission proposals from the public that do not strictly follow the regulations so Commission input can be provided.
All three amendments were adopted by unanimous vote and will be active after the statutory 15-day posting period following legal advertisement.
