Planning Commission backs new 'Site‑Specific Development' zoning, sets 50‑acre minimum

The Fairfield Planning Commission on July 29 recommended that the Town Council adopt a new Site‑Specific Development (SSD) zoning district that would allow tailored, project‑level regulations for developments the town’s existing zones cannot adequately address. The Commission endorsed a two‑step review — preliminary concept review followed by a final ordinance and development agreement — and agreed to a 50‑acre minimum for SSD applications.

Planner Jim Spung told commissioners the SSD is intended to “provide a tool for projects with unique characteristics that cannot be appropriately addressed through the Town's existing zoning districts.” Commissioners discussed thresholds and agreed the tool should be reserved for larger proposals; commissioners and staff said smaller requests could be handled through existing code mechanisms. Commissioner Mascaro moved to forward the draft ordinance and Commissioner Riet seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Under the recommended approach, an applicant would first present a conceptual plan for preliminary feedback before preparing ordinance-level materials. Final approval would adopt an SSD ordinance specific to the project and record a development agreement. Staff recommended, and the Commission accepted, three drafting edits before forwarding the package: replace references to the Airpark with the Airpark Mixed‑Use Zone, change the minimum project size from 10 to 50 acres, and replace references to “Town Staff” with “Planning Director or the Mayor's Designee.”

Supporters of the approach said it promotes high‑quality design and allows the town to negotiate public benefits and site‑specific standards. Remote commenter Brenda Tanner said the 50‑acre threshold initially seemed small but that the application process and Town discretion reduced her concerns. The Commission’s positive recommendation sends the SSD ordinance and procedures to the Town Council for final action.