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Avon commission approves broader Upland Review Area protections
Summary
The Inland Wetlands Commission voted unanimously to adopt amendments expanding Upland Review Area criteria — adding buffer distances tied to vernal pools, the Farmington River and steep slopes — after a public hearing and limited public comment.
The Inland Wetlands Commission of Avon voted unanimously July 7 to approve amendments to the town's Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations that expand the Upland Review Area around sensitive features.
At a public hearing, Planning and Community Development Specialist and Wetlands Agent Emily Kyle said the revisions add specific distance criteria: 500 feet from the boundary of any vernal pool; 200 feet from the boundary of the Farmington River or any tributary located within a half-mile of the Farmington River; and 200 feet from the boundary of any slope exceeding 15 percent. Kyle told commissioners the language was reviewed by the Town attorney and submitted to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the required review; DEEP had not yet provided feedback, she said.
Consultant William Weckman of Richter & Cegan Inc. asked whether town staff could assist property owners in determining whether the new criteria would apply to a site; Kyle responded that staff guidance would be available. Resident and property owner Susan Rietano asked why the commission was proposing the changes; Kyle said the intent is to strengthen regulatory protection for wetland-associated resources and that the revisions reflect several years of internal deliberation.
After public comment closed, the Commission first voted to close the hearing and then voted to adopt the proposed amendments; both motions passed unanimously. Vice Chair Robert Yass seconded the motions. The changes will be incorporated into the town's regulations and remain subject to any further direction from DEEP, Kyle said at the meeting.
The Commission's action formalizes numeric buffers intended to broaden local review of development near vernal pools, river corridors and steep slopes, and places responsibility on staff to help property owners determine applicability under the updated rules.
