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Sharon P&Z approves two accessory apartments, tables Land Trust parking request
Summary
At its April 8 meeting the Sharon Planning & Zoning Commission approved two accessory-apartment applications that met setback and health approvals, tabled a Sharon Land Trust parking-in-right-of-way proposal pending neighbor notification, and allowed a hospital stairwell modification with a height condition.
The Sharon Planning & Zoning Commission on April 8 approved two accessory-apartment applications, tabled a parking-area plan from the Sharon Land Trust pending neighbor notification, and granted a conditional approval for a hospital stairwell modification.
David Ruff, the applicant’s agent, presented a proposal for a 603-square-foot accessory apartment at 31 Joray Road that meets setback requirements and has Health Department approval; the commission approved the application after noting the applicant will record a restriction in the land records requiring one of the structures be owner-occupied. Peter Whalen presented a barn conversion at 135 Millerton Road with a 507-square-foot apartment above storage; the commission approved that application as well. Mr. MacMillan moved to approve the 31 Joray Road application, Mr. Moskowitz seconded; Mr. Moskowitz moved to approve the 135 Millerton Road application, Mr. MacMillan seconded. Both motions passed "with all in favor."
Land Use Administrator (LUA) Casey told the commission that town ordinance requires both the Board of Selectmen and the P&Z Commission to approve anything placed in a town right-of-way and that applicants must notify adjoining property owners within 500 feet by certified mail. First Selectman Flanagan had already approved the Sharon Land Trust’s request to install a parking area on Drum Road, but Casey said neighbors had not been notified. Tim Hunter, the Land Trust’s land steward, said the parking area would not be installed until August or September and agreed to complete the required notifications. Mrs. Lynn moved to table the application until notification was complete; Mrs. Hall seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The commission also reviewed a hospital third-floor renovation that included a proposed stairwell the architect had believed exceeded the 35-foot height limit. Mr. MacMillan and LUA Casey determined the stairwell would not exceed the highest elevation of existing rooftop machinery and fixtures and would continue a nonconforming use. Mr. MacMillan moved to allow the stairwell with roof access and a condition that its height not exceed the highest existing elevation; Mrs. Hall seconded and the motion was approved "with all in favor."
LUA Casey noted that routine regrading of the Sharon Playhouse parking area using a gravel mix appears to be maintenance and not subject to the town’s Excavating & Grading Regulations. The Medical Arts building is under review for a south-side addition that would require a special exception; Casey said any site plan must demonstrate adequate area for required parking and handicap spaces even if the physical spaces are not yet installed.
The commission approved payment of $1,100 to Byrne & Byrne LLC for the Gold Dog appeal after a motion by Mr. Moskowitz and a second by Mrs. Lynn. Members acknowledged a Length of Service Award presented to LUA Casey by the Connecticut Federation of P & Z Agencies; Chairman Rand spoke on the commission’s behalf and members thanked Casey for her service. The commission noted that the land use office positions will be advertised and that Office Assistant Blass has been trained to provide coverage.
The meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 13 at 5:30 p.m.
