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Canaan planners ask selectmen to assign IHZ administering agency, flag density typo
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission forwarded a letter asking the Board of Selectmen to designate a qualified housing entity to administer Inclusionary Housing Zone (IHZ) affordability rules and said the IHZ minimum-density figure appears to be a typo that needs clarification; staff noted nonprofits may seek waivers for 100% affordable projects with 30‑year deed restrictions.
The Canaan Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 22 voted unanimously to forward a letter to the Board of Selectmen asking that a qualified housing entity, not the Planning & Zoning Commission, be designated as the administering agency for the town’s Inclusionary Housing Zone (IHZ). The motion was made by Eileen Kinsella and seconded by Tim Metzger.
Joyclyn Ayer, director of LCCHO, told commissioners that the IHZ minimum‑density figure in current guidance is likely a typographical error and that maximum density appears to be the true regulatory control. Ayer also confirmed that nonprofits may seek waivers for 100 percent affordable projects provided the projects include a 30‑year affordability restriction.
Commissioners said the density language should be clarified to avoid unintended future development pressure and discussed related constraints including water, septic capacity and necessary state approvals. A lengthy public exchange reiterated concerns that the town should consider whether a clear maximum unit cap belongs in the regulations to align with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).
The letter to the Board of Selectmen asks for a formal designation of the administering body and clarifies that Planning & Zoning staff consider administration of IHZ affordability requirements outside the commission’s appropriate duties. The commission did not adopt regulatory language at the meeting; members agreed to place IHZ density and wording amendments on a future agenda for detailed review.
Next steps: The Board of Selectmen will receive the commission’s advisory letter; commissioners said they plan additional regulatory drafting and will return with proposed edits and any recommended maximum‑unit language tied to POCD objectives.
