The purpose of the ARB is to provide guidance in preserving
and improving the appearance and beauty of the community; to protect
Stratford's architectural heritage; and to conserve the value of buildings,
structures and property. This is accomplished by making recommendations
to land use boards and Town agencies of the Town on future or pending
projects prior to the issuance of any building permits. The ARB is
charged with developing guidelines for community design and appearance
by creating a publication containing land use design standards appropriate
to Stratford.
The ARB authority is limited to making recommendations to land
use boards and Town agencies which will evaluate and consider said
recommendation as part of its deliberative process in deciding applications
before them. The ARB recommendation report shall not override the
authority vested in the land use boards and Town agencies under state
law nor shall it abridge the land use boards' and Town agencies' duty
to act in the best interest of the community.