Town of Suffield, CT Zoning Districts and Use Regulations

The predominant character of Suffield as it exists and as planned is for agriculture and single-family residential use. However, it is also the intent that there be a variety of types of rural and urban residential environments and commercial centers to meet the needs and desires of Town residents.

(2)

The Town of Suffield is divided into the following single-family, multifamily, commercial, industrial, and agricultural zoning districts, the boundaries of which are shown on the Official Zoning Map, Town of Suffield, which is declared to be part of these regulations and shall bear the date of the most recent zone map amendment.

(3)

Zoning district boundary lines are intended to follow lot lines or center lines of streets, rights-of-way and watercourses, or be parallel or perpendicular thereto, unless such district boundary lines are fixed by dimensions as shown on the Zoning Map. Where district boundaries are so indicated that they approximately follow the edge of lakes or other bodies of water, the mean high water lines thereof shall be construed to be the district boundaries. All dimensions to or from roads shown on the Zoning Map shall be taken from the edge of the right-of-way of such roads. When uncertainty exists the Commission shall determine the location of the district boundary line.

Single-family residential (R) zoning districts.

(1)

R-90 (90,000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit).

(2)

R-45 (45,000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit).

(3)

R-25 (25,000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit).

(4)

R-20 (20,000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit).

(5)

R-15 (15,000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit).

(6)

R-11 (11,000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit).

Multifamily residential zoning districts.

(1)

Planned Development Apartment (PDA).

(2)

Housing Opportunity District (HOD).

Commercial zoning districts.

(1)

Town Center Village District (TCV).

(2)

West Suffield Center Village District (WSCV).

(3)

Neighborhood Commercial District (NC).

Industrial zoning districts.

(1)

Industrial District (I).

(2)

Planned Development Industrial Park District (PDIP).

Farmland preservation zoning district.

(1)

Farmland Preservation District (FP).

§ 315-28 Use Table.

The Use Table included as an attachment to this chapter lists permitted uses of land and buildings as follows. Any use not specifically listed or otherwise permitted in a zoning district herein established shall be deemed prohibited unless the Commission determines that a proposed use is substantially similar to a listed use. No structure shall be used, erected or expanded and no land use shall be established or expanded except in accordance with these regulations.

Any use marked "P" in the Use Table is a permitted use subject to the issuance of a building and/or zoning permit.

Any use marked "SP" in the Use Table may be a permitted use subject to these regulations and requires a special permit and site plan approval to be issued by the Commission.

Any use marked "SPA" in the Use Table may be a permitted accessory use subject to these regulations and requires a special permit and site plan approval to be issued by the Commission.

Any use marked "SITE" in the Use Table is permitted subject to site plan approval issued by the Commission.

§ 315-29 Farmland Preservation Zone (FP).

Purpose. The purpose of the Farmland Preservation (FP) Zoning District is to perpetually protect and preserve land in Suffield for agricultural use. Only land containing a permanent conservation restrictive covenant or easement shall be made part of the Farmland Preservation (FP) Zone.

Permitted uses. The following uses may be permitted as of right in the FP Zone subject to any applicable provisions of these regulations and subject to the property-specific conservation restrictive covenant or easement:

(1)

Farm or nursery.

(2)

Customary home office or occupation.

(3)

Single-family dwelling, one per lot.

Special permit uses. The following uses may be permitted in the FP Zone subject to special permit and site plan approvals in accordance with Article XIV of these regulations and in accordance with the property-specific conservation restrictive covenant or easement:

(1)

Aquaculture.

(2)

Bed-and-breakfast as an accessory use.

(3)

Commercial horse farm.

(4)

Farmers' market.

(5)

Farm stand, permanent.

[Added 1-4-2019]

(6)

Greenhouse operation (commercial).

(7)

Kennel.

(8)

Professional home office or occupation as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling.

(9)

Small wind energy producing facility.

[Added 1-4-2019]

Lot, yard, and other requirements.

(1)

Minimum lot size: five acres.

(2)

Minimum lot frontage: 50 feet.

(3)

Minimum front yard setback: 50 feet.

(4)

Minimum side or rear yard setback when a specialized farm is proposed: 50 feet.

(5)

Maximum height: 40 feet.

§ 315-30 Residential (R) zones.

Purpose. The purpose of the single-family residential zoning districts is to provide areas for residential development surrounded by open space while at the same time preserving those areas which are capable of supporting agricultural pursuits. It is intended that nonresidential and nonagricultural uses in these districts be limited to those which are primarily necessary or desirable to serve the residents of these districts and are compatible with residential uses when located in their midst.

Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted as of right in all residential (R) zones subject to any applicable provisions of these regulations:

(1)

Customary home office or occupation.

(2)

Farm or nursery.

(3)

Horses for pleasure.

(4)

Single-family dwelling, one per lot.

Special permit uses. The following uses may be permitted in all residential (R) zones unless indicated below, subject to special permit and site plan approvals in accordance with Article XIV of these regulations as follows:

(1)

Active-adult housing.

(2)

Animal hospital in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

(3)

Antique shops as an accessory use to an owner-occupied single-family dwelling in the R-90 and R-45 Zones, or R-25 Zone within a historic structure or accessory building identified within the Town's Survey of Historical and Architectural Resources prepared by the Capital Regional Council of Governments, 1979, on file with the Town Clerk's office.

(4)

Aquaculture in the R-90 and R-45 Zones.

(5)

Assisted living facility.

(6)

Bed-and-breakfast as an accessory use to an owner-occupied single-family dwelling in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

(7)

Cemetery in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

(8)

Child day-care center.

(9)

Conversion of single- to two-family dwelling in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

(10)

Horses for commercial purposes in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

(11)

Farmers' market.

(12)

Farm stand, permanent in the R-90, R45, and R-25 Zones.

[Added 1-4-2019]

(13)

Golf course in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

(14)

Greenhouse operations (commercial) in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

(15)

Kennel as an accessory use to an owner-occupied single-family dwelling in the R-90 and R-45 Zones.

(16)

Municipal land use.

(17)

Museums in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

(18)

Places of worship in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

(19)

Private membership club.

(20)

Professional home office or occupation as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling.

(21)

Two-family dwelling in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

(22)

School/education center in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones, including indoor or outdoor restaurant facilities, as an accessory use.

(23)

Small wind energy producing facility in the R-90, R-45, and R-25 Zones.

[Added 1-4-2019]

(24)

Winery.

[Added 1-4-2019]

General dimensional requirements.

Zone	Height (feet)	Frontage (feet)	Lot Size (square feet)	Developable Area (square feet)	Lot Coverage	Front (feet)	Side (feet)	Rear (feet)
R-90	30	200	90,000	60,000	10%	50	30	50
R-45	30	175	45,000	45,000	20%	50	20	50
R-25	30	125	25,000	25,000	25%	50	20	40
R-20	30	100	20,000	20,000	30%	40	10	40
R-15	30	90	15,000	15,000	35%	40	10	35
R-11	30	75	11,000	11,000	40%	40	9	25

See also § 315-39 for additional requirements.

§ 315-31 Planned Development Apartment (PDA) Zone.

Purpose. The purpose of the Planned Development Apartment (PDA) Zoning District is to provide, as a special permit after public hearing, the establishment of carefully designed residential areas which can be integrated into the neighborhood, conserve property values, and do not negatively impact existing and proposed traffic or the general character of the immediate neighborhood, for those residents who cannot or do not wish to have personal responsibility for the maintenance of residential property or who prefer a more urbanized environment.

Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted as of right in the PDA Zone subject to any applicable provisions of these regulations:

(1)

Customary home office or occupation.

(2)

Farm or nursery.

(3)

Single-family dwelling, one per lot.

Special permit uses. The following uses may be permitted in the PDA Zone subject to special permit and site plan approvals in accordance with Article XIV of these regulations and any applicable provisions of these regulations:

(1)

Active-adult housing.

(2)

Adult day-care center as an accessory use.

(3)

Apartment or residential condominium, including townhouses.

(4)

Assisted living or personal care facility.

(5)

Child day-care center as an accessory use.

(6)

Farmers' market.

(7)

Golf course.

(8)

Multifamily dwelling, including apartments and townhouses.

(9)

Municipal land use.

(10)

Convalescent home.

(11)

Restaurant as an accessory use, including outdoor cafe service.

(12)

Retail, personal services as an accessory use when confined to the use by residents of the planned development.

Area, yard, and density requirements.

(1)

Minimum lot size: 10 acres.

(2)

Maximum density: five dwelling units per developable acre; seven dwelling per developable acre if age-restricted to those 55 or over.

(3)

Minimum lot frontage: 500 feet.

(4)

Minimum building setback from existing public streets: 100 feet.

(5)

Minimum building setback from proposed private roads: 30 feet.

(6)

Minimum building setback from property boundary: 50 feet unless adjacent to an existing PDA Zone in which case 20 feet side and 40 feet rear yards.

(7)

Minimum parking area setback from property boundaries: 25 feet for side and rear; 50 feet for front.

(8)

Maximum lot coverage: 35%.

(9)

Maximum building height: 50 feet.

(10)

Minimum open space: sufficient to meet active and passive recreational needs of residents, including tennis and swimming facilities, and clubhouses limited to use by tenants and guests.

Other requirements.

(1)

Pre-application conference. Prior to the submission of an application for a Planned Development Apartment (PDA) Zone change, all applicants are required to initiate a pre-application conference with the Commission and its staff to discuss the conceptual aspects of the proposed development and to prepare and present a conceptual plan for informal consideration. The conceptual plan should contain all necessary information to allow the Commission to make an informed informal consideration, including the locations of wetlands, slopes in excess of 20%, and all proposed roads, parking areas, buildings, development amenities, and open spaces.

(2)

Homeowners' association. A homeowners' association shall be developed in a common interest community form of ownership per CGS Chapter 828, i.e., Common Interest Ownership Act. A homeowners' association must be legally established prior to filing the approved plans; membership must be mandatory for each home buyer and any successive buyer and recorded in all deeds; open space restrictions must be permanent and not just for a given period of years; the association must be responsible for liability insurance, taxes, and the maintenance of recreational and other facilities; homeowners must pay pro rata share of the cost or the assessment levied by the Town or the same may become a lien upon the delinquent member's property and share of the common space in the development; the instrument establishing the association must be submitted for approval as part of the application; and each unit owner shall own a proportionate share of the common land shown on the plan and a statement to that effect shall be indicated on said plan.

(3)

Bonding. Estimates of construction costs for roads, storm drains, sidewalks, hydrants, streetlights and other common facilities and site erosion and sedimentation control shall be prepared and submitted to the Commission for approval after the appeal period for approval has expired. Sureties must be received and approved by the Commission's Counsel and the Treasurer's office prior to start of construction.

(4)

Improvements. Any required public improvements shall conform to the applicable sections of the subdivision regulations. The owner(s) shall maintain all private roads, parking areas, landscaping, streetlights, and sidewalks. All utilities shall be underground. Public sewer and water are required.

(5)

Parking. There shall be a minimum of 2.5 parking spaces provided for each dwelling unit to provide adequate unit and visitor parking.

(6)

Landscaping plan. The landscaping provisions of § 315-83 of these regulations shall be applicable to Planned Development Apartments except as modified by this section. A forty-foot-wide landscaped buffer area shall be provided within the building setback wherever a Planned Development Apartment unit abuts a single-family residential development. The buffer shall be installed in compliance with the Type "B" screening requirements. A landscape plan prepared by and containing the seal of a landscape architect registered by the State of Connecticut shall be prepared and include a list and count of all trees and shrubs to be planted by common and botanical names, size (caliper, height, time until maturity) at planting, and height and spread at maturity and shall be part of the PDA application. All trees and shrubs to be undisturbed shall be tagged, or otherwise identified in the field prior to commencement of site work, and shall be shown on the landscape plan.

(7)

Outdoor illumination. The outdoor illumination provisions of § 315-19 of these regulations shall be applicable to Planned Development Apartments.

(8)

Solid waste disposal. Solid waste stations (dumpsters) shall be placed on a concrete pad, appropriately screened, maintained, and shown on the approved site plan.

(9)

Sidewalks. Sidewalks shall be required to provide sufficient and safe pedestrian circulation both within the site and to abutting properties.

§ 315-32 Town Center Village (TCV) District Zone.

Purpose. The purpose of this zoning district is to allow for integrated commercial development which meets the shopping and service needs of the entire Town and encourages a diversity and mix of uses while preserving and enhancing the distinctive character, landscape, pedestrian nature, and historic structures within the district. It is the intent of this area to encourage the conversion, conservation, and preservation of existing buildings and sites in a manner that maintains the historic and/or unique character of the district; to encourage revitalization and compatible new development within the district; to promote a mix of compatible land uses; to promote a pedestrian-oriented environment; to promote human scale; to require traffic access management; and to promote traditional neighborhood design for new construction and substantial reconstruction to ensure compatibility with current uses.

Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted as of right in the Town Center Village (TCV) Zone subject to any applicable provisions of these regulations:

(1)

Customary home office or occupation.

(2)

Farm or nursery.

(3)

Funeral home subject to site plan approval.

Special permit uses. The following uses may be permitted in the TCV Zone subject to special permit and site plan approvals in accordance with Article XIV of these regulations as long as the maximum footprint area of any single building is no greater than 20,000 square feet, unless said building is in existence at the time of adoption of these regulations:

(1)

Adult day-care center.

(2)

Apartment or (residential) condominium as an accessory use.

(3)

Bank and financial institution.

(4)

Bed-and-breakfast as an accessory use to an owner-occupied single-family dwelling.

(5)

Child day-care center.

Farmers' market.

Municipal land use.

Museums.

Offices.

Personal care or convalescent home.

(11)

Places of worship.

(12)

Private membership club.

(13)

Restaurant, including outdoor cafe service as an accessory use.

[Amended 1-4-2019]

(14)

Retail, personal services.

(15)

School/education center, including restaurant facilities as an accessory use.

(16)

Theaters (indoor movies).

Applicability. These regulations shall apply to new construction and exterior modifications of properties within the TCV District, including but not limited to the design and placement of:

Buildings.

Paving materials.

Landscaping.

Pedestrian ways.

Public and private roadways.

(6)

Signage.

(7)

Lighting.

(8)

Other elements deemed appropriate by the Commission to maintain and protect the character of the district.

Parking requirements. The off-street parking and loading requirements of Article VII of these regulations shall be satisfied using one or a combination of the following methods:

[Amended 9-10-2007]

(1)

Off-street/on-site parking. Applicants shall provide for the required number of parking spaces off street/on site. On-site parking is preferred to be located at the rear of a building, except in the case of corner lots, where said parking may be on the side.

(2)

Shared parking. See § 315-75A.

Design standards. The Commission shall consider the design, relationship and compatibility of structures, plantings, signs, roadways, street hardware and other objects in public view. Complete drawings, elevations, and renderings, including color and lighting, shall be required so that the Design Review Board and the Commission can review the proposal as to its compatibility with the scale and character of the Town Center Village. In approving applications relating to the exterior of buildings within the Town Center Village District, the Commission shall consider the standards set forth in the "Connecticut Historical Commission - The Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings" as well as the following standards:

(1)

Buildings and their main entrance shall be oriented toward the street. Doorways, windows and other building facade openings shall be proportionate to reflect pedestrian scale and movement, and to encourage interest at the street level.

(2)

First floor street-facing building facade fenestration shall be 50% to 75% with pedestrian entrances spaced no greater than 35 feet apart. Second and third floor building fenestration shall be 20% to 60%. Fenestration requirements shall be met with the installation of clear glass sufficiently transparent to provide views into interior of buildings.

(3)

Windowsill height shall be 24 inches to 36 inches from ground level for first floor uses. Glazing is required to be located between sill height and eight feet above the sidewalk on retail frontages.

(4)

Blank walls or roof planes shall not be longer than 30 feet.

(5)

Flat roofs on buildings of less than two stories are prohibited where they can be viewed along the street frontage of said property.

(6)

Building exteriors shall be constructed of traditional materials such as masonry, stucco, stone, and wood. The exterior color of buildings shall be selected from the Historic Colors of America pallet (as approved by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities) by California Products Corporation or equivalent. Metal or vinyl siding, exposed concrete block or panels, and reflective glass are prohibited, as are metallic, neon, and primary colors, unless the DRB determines that existing conditions warrant such use.

(7)

No outdoor mechanical equipment, fans, generators, etc., shall be visible from Ffyler Place, High Street, Mountain Road or Main Street, or be on the roofs of buildings unless totally screened by means of a parapet wall or a sloped or stepped roof form that is part of the architecture of the building. Evergreen plantings and/or opaque fencing shall screen ground-mounted or wall-mounted mechanical equipment.

(8)

Residential uses are excluded from first-floor storefronts and shall be accessory to the main use of the building.

(9)

Operable awnings are permitted to provide for covered walkways, except that fluorescent lighting and back illuminated awnings are prohibited on facades fronting streets. No awning, canopy or similar weather shielding device projecting beyond the property line of any lot into the sidewalk portion of a public street shall be erected or maintained on any building or structure unless such awning is at least seven feet six inches above the level of the sidewalk, nor may any such awning project beyond six feet of the property line. Any such awning shall be firmly affixed to the building and no support other than that provided by the building shall be allowed.

(10)

Refuse receptacles (dumpsters) shall be located in the side or back of buildings and screened entirely from public and abutting site view with evergreen plantings or opaque fencing.

(11)

Pedestrian amenities. Amenities such as seating benches, sidewalks, covered garbage cans, bike racks, etc., shall be required by the Commission as deemed appropriate.

(12)

Signage. Signs shall be approved according to Article IX of these regulations and the Design Review Board.

(13)

Landscaping. Landscaping shall be provided according to Article VIII of these regulations.

(14)

On sites with rear vehicular access, sidewalks must be located a minimum of 10 feet from the front of the building.

[Amended 7-5-2007]

Town Center Village District Design Review Board (DRB). In accordance with CGS and these regulations, there shall be a Design Review Board (DRB) consisting of at least five members appointed by the Commission. Members shall include at least a licensed architect or landscape architect, or certified land use planner, and a member of the Historic District Commission, and two business owners or residents from the district. Design Review Board members shall be appointed for a period of four years. The duties of the DRB shall include the review of all applications for construction and exterior modifications, including the placement of signs, parking areas and pedestrian ways, within the district and making advisory recommendations to the Commission with respect to their consistency with the design standards of Subsection F within 35 days of Commission plan acceptance. The DRB report submitted to the Commission shall be entered into public record and considered in the decision of the Commission. The Commission may seek other reports and recommendations in accordance with applicable sections of the regulations. The DRB shall be notified when a variance from these regulations is sought.

Other requirements.

(1)

Minimum lot size: 12,000 square feet.

[Amended 7-5-2007]

(2)

Maximum height: 40 feet (three stories).

(3)

Maximum lot coverage: 75%.

(4)

Minimum rear yard setback: 20 feet.

(5)

Minimum front yard setback: zero feet [see § 315-32F(14)].

[Amended 7-5-2007]

(6)

Minimum side yard setback: 10 feet with aggregate of 30 feet.

[Amended 7-5-2007]

(7)

Minimum frontage: 60 feet.

[Amended 7-5-2007]

§ 315-33 West Suffield Center Village (WSCV) District Zone.

Purpose. The purpose of this zoning district is to allow for the creation of commercial development that meets the shopping and service needs of the community while preserving the rural character of the district.

Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted as of right in the WSCV Zone subject to any applicable provisions of these regulations:

(1)

Customary home office or occupation.

(2)

Farm or nursery.

(3)

Funeral homes subject to site plan approval.

Special permit uses. The following uses may be permitted in the WSCV Zone subject to special permit and site plan approvals as long as the maximum floor area of any single building is no greater than 20,000 square feet:

(1)

Adult day-care center.

(2)

Animal hospital.

(3)

Antique shop as an accessory use to an owner-occupied single-family dwelling.

(4)

Apartment or (residential) condominium as an accessory use to a nonresidential development.

(5)

Banks and financial institution.

(6)

Bed-and-breakfast as an accessory use to an owner-occupied single-family dwelling.

(7)

Commercial horse farm.

(8)

Day-care center.

(9)

Farmers' market.

(10)

Greenhouse operations.

Municipal land use.

Museums.

Offices.

Personal care or convalescent home.

(15)

Places of worship.

(16)

Private membership club.

(17)

Professional home office or occupation as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling.

(18)

Restaurant, including outdoor cafe service as an accessory use.

[Amended 1-4-2019]

(19)

Retail, personal services.

(20)

School/education center, including restaurant facilities as an accessory use.

(21)

Theaters (indoor movies).

Applicability. These regulations shall apply to new construction and exterior modifications of properties within the WSCV, including but not limited to the design and placement of:

Buildings;

Paving materials;

Landscaping;

Pedestrian ways;

Public roadways;

Signage;

Lighting; and

Other elements deemed appropriate by the Commission to maintain and protect the character of the district.

Design standards. The Commission shall consider the design, relationship and compatibility of nonresidential structures, plantings, signs, roadways, street hardware and other objects in public view. Complete drawings, elevations, and renderings, including color and lighting, shall be required so that the Design Review Board and the Commission can review the proposal as to its compatibility with the scale and character of the West Suffield Center Village District. In approving applications relating to the exterior of buildings within the WSCV, the Commission shall consider the standards set forth in the "Connecticut Historical Commission — The Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings" as well as the following standards:

(1)

(2)

Flat roofs on buildings of less than two stories are prohibited where they can be viewed along the street frontage of said property.

(3)

Building exteriors as viewed from the street shall be constructed of traditional materials such as masonry, stucco, stone, and wood. The exterior color of buildings shall be selected from the Historic Colors of America pallet (as approved by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities) by California Products Corporation or equivalent. Metal or vinyl siding, exposed concrete block or panels, and reflective glass are prohibited, as are metallic, neon, and primary colors, unless the DRB determines that existing conditions warrant such use.

(4)

No outdoor mechanical equipment, fans, generators, etc., shall be visible from the street, or be on the roofs of buildings unless totally screened by means of a parapet wall or a sloped or stepped roof form that is part of the architecture of the building. Evergreen plantings and/or opaque fencing shall screen ground-mounted or wall-mounted mechanical equipment.

(5)

Residential uses are excluded from first-floor storefronts and shall be accessory to the main use of the building.

(6)

(7)

Refuse receptacles (dumpsters) shall be located in the side or back of buildings and screened entirely from public and abutting site view with evergreen plantings or opaque fencing.

(8)

Pedestrian amenities. Amenities such as seating benches, sidewalks, covered garbage cans, bike racks, etc., shall be required by the Commission as deemed appropriate.

(9)

Signage. All signs shall be approved according to Article IX of these regulations and the Design Review Board.

(10)

Landscaping. Landscaping shall be provided according to Article VIII of these regulations.

(11)

Parking. Parking shall be provided according to Article VII of these regulations.

West Suffield Center Village District Design Review Board (DRB). In accordance with CGS and these regulations, there shall be a Design Review Board (DRB) consisting of at least five members appointed by the Commission. Members shall include at least one licensed architect, licensed landscape architect, or certified land use planner and two business owners or residents within the District. Design Review Board members shall be appointed for a period of four years. The duties of the DRB shall include the review of all applications for nonresidential construction and exterior modifications, including the placement of signs, parking areas and pedestrian ways within the district, and making advisory recommendations to the Commission with respect to their consistency with the design standards of Subsection E within 35 days of plan acceptance. The DRB report submitted to the Commission shall be entered into public record and considered in the decision of the Commission. The Commission may seek other reports and recommendation in accordance with applicable sections of the regulations. The DRB shall be notified when a variance from these regulations is sought.

Other requirements.

(1)

Minimum lot size: 30,000 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot frontage: 125 feet.

(3)

Maximum height: 35 feet (2 1/2 stories).

(4)

Maximum lot coverage: 50%.

(5)

Minimum front yard setback: 60 feet.

(6)

Minimum side yard setback: 20 feet.

(7)

Minimum rear yard setback: 30 feet.

§ 315-34 Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zone.

Purpose. The purpose of this zoning district is to allow for neighborhood-oriented commercial, institutional, and office services which meet the daily needs of a particular neighborhood within the Town and to encourage a diversity of uses which are complementary to the surrounding residential areas and among the various uses within the district. It is the intention of the Commission to require traffic access management within this district.

Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted as of right in the NC Zone subject to any applicable provisions of these regulations:

(1)

Customary home office or occupation.

(2)

Farm or nursery.

[Added 1-4-2019]

(3)

Funeral home subject to site plan approval.

[Added 1-4-2019]

Special permit uses. The following uses may be permitted in the NC Zone subject to special permit and site plan approvals as long as the maximum floor area of any single building is no greater than 20,000 square feet:

(1)

Active-adult housing.

(2)

Adult day-care center.

(3)

Animal hospital.

[Added 1-4-2019]

(4)

Antique shop as an accessory use to an owner-occupied single-family dwelling.

(5)

Apartments or condominiums as an accessory use.

[Added 1-4-2019]

(6)

Assisted living facility.

(7)

Banks and financial institution.

(8)

Bed-and-breakfast as an accessory use to an owner-occupied single-family dwelling.

(9)

Day-care center.

(10)

Farmers' market.

(11)

Greenhouse operations.

(12)

Motor vehicle sales, service, and washing.

(13)

Municipal land use.

(14)

Museums.

[Added 1-4-2019]

(15)

Offices.

(16)

Personal care or convalescent home.

(17)

Places of worship.

(18)

Private membership club.

(19)

Professional home office or occupation as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling.

(20)

Restaurant, including outdoor cafe service as an accessory use.

[Amended 1-4-2019]

(21)

Retail, personal services.

(22)

School/education center, including restaurant facilities as an accessory use.

(23)

Theaters (indoor movies).

Other requirements.

(1)

Minimum lot size: 30,000 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot frontage: 125 feet.

(3)

Maximum height: 30 feet (2 1/2 stories).

(4)

Maximum lot coverage: 40%.

(5)

Minimum front yard setback: 50 feet.

(6)

Minimum side and rear yard setbacks: 20 feet, except where it abuts a residential zone where it shall be 30 feet.

§ 315-35 Industrial (I) Zone.

Purpose. The purpose of this zoning district is to allow for a range of industrial and manufacturing facilities that benefit the residents of Suffield and have a minimum impact on the natural resource base of the Town. It is the intention of the Commission to require traffic access management within this district.

Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted as of right in the I Zone subject to any applicable provisions of these regulations:

(1)

Customary home office or occupation.

(2)

Farm or nursery.

(3)

Funeral home subject to site plan approval.

Special permit uses. The following uses may be permitted in the I Zone subject to special permit and site plan approvals in accordance with Article XIV of these regulations:

(1)

Adult-oriented establishment.

(2)

Animal hospital.

(3)

Banks and financial institution.

(4)

Contractor's yard.

(5)

Commercial horse farm.

Crematorium.

Day-care center.

Farmers' market.

Golf course.

Greenhouse operations.

Indoor recreation.

Industrial.

Light industrial.

Motor vehicle sales, service, and washing.

(15)

Municipal land use.

(16)

Offices.

(17)

Private membership club.

(18)

Professional home office or occupation as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling.

(19)

Restaurant, including outdoor cafe service as an accessory use.

[Amended 1-4-2019]

(20)

Retail or personal services as long as the maximum floor area of any single building is no greater than 20,000 square feet.

(21)

School/education center, including restaurant and banquet facilities as an accessory use.

(22)

Self-storage facility.

(23)

Small wind energy producing facility.

[Amended 1-4-2019]

(24)

Theaters (indoor movies).

(25)

Warehousing, wholesaling, and distribution.

Other requirements.

(1)

Minimum lot size: 45,000 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot frontage: 150 feet.

(3)

Maximum height: 50 feet.

(4)

Maximum lot coverage: 75%.

(5)

Minimum front yard setback: 50 feet.

(6)

Minimum side setback: 15 feet.

(7)

Minimum rear setback: 30 feet.

§ 315-36 Planned Development Industrial Park (PDIP) Zone.

[Amended 3-24-2006]

Purpose. The purpose of this zoning district is to allow for a range of office, research, and light industrial facilities that can be located relatively close to residential uses without negative influence and which will have minimum impacts on the natural resource base of the Town. It is the intention of the Commission to require traffic access management within this district.

Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted as of right in the PDIP Zone subject to any applicable provisions of these regulations:

(1)

Customary home office or occupation.

(2)

Farm or nursery.

Special permit uses. The following uses may be permitted in the PDIP Zone subject to special permit and site plan approvals in accordance with Article XIV of these regulations:

(1)

Active recreation facility.

[Added 1-4-2019]

(2)

Animal hospital.

(3)

Banks and financial institution.

(4)

Commercial horse farm.

(5)

Contractor's yard, provided that the maximum lot area is 10 acres; that there is a minimum five-thousand-square-foot building associated with said use; that no portion of the property maintaining such use fronts or is directly accessed by South, Hale or Spencer Streets; that outdoor material storage is located in bins or alternative encasement deemed acceptable by the Commission; and that any outdoor parking of commercial vehicles or equipment is located behind the building and not visible from Town roads or residences. Storage area of property shall be screened from abutting properties. Based on site conditions, the Commission may require Type "C" or year-round screening for outside storage of commercial vehicles, equipment and material containers from abutting properties.

[Amended 3-24-2006]

Day-care center.

Farmers' market.

Funeral home.

Golf course.

Greenhouse operations.

Hospital.

Hotel/motel.

Indoor recreation.

Light industrial.

Municipal land use.

Offices.

Personal care or convalescent home.

(18)

Private membership club.

(19)

Professional home office or occupation as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling.

(20)

Restaurant as an accessory use, including outdoor cafe service.

[Amended 1-4-2019]

(21)

Retail, personal services as an accessory use.

(22)

School/education center, including restaurant and banquet facilities as an accessory use.

(23)

Small wind energy producing facility.

[Added 1-4-2019]

(24)

Theaters (indoor movies).

(25)

Warehousing, wholesaling, and distribution.

Other requirements.

(1)

Minimum lot size: 60,000 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot frontage: 150 feet.

(3)

Maximum height: 50 feet.

(4)

Maximum lot coverage: 60%.

(5)

Minimum front yard setback: 50 feet.

(6)

Minimum side setback: 25 feet.

(7)

Minimum rear setback: 30 feet.

§ 315-37 Temporary use permits permitted in any zone.

Activities such as carnivals, fairs, demonstrations, performances, concerts, fund-raising events or similar temporary activities by public and private nonprofit organizations may be permitted by the Zoning Officer for a period not to exceed three days' duration. If the Zoning Officer feels that there is a reasonable question that the use will have or cause significant negative impacts because of traffic, noise, excessive glare or similar detrimental effects, he/she shall not issue the temporary permit and shall refer the matter to the Commission which shall review the circumstances of the request and approve, disapprove, or approve with limitations or modifications of the proposed activity.

§ 315-38 Prohibited uses.

Any use not listed as permitted by these regulations is deemed to be prohibited (see § 315-3 of these regulations). Nevertheless, due to their uniquely objectionable characteristics, certain uses are identified in this section for specific prohibition in any zone, as principal or accessory uses, and no use category set forth in these regulations shall be deemed to include any use set forth herein. No land, premises, building or structure in any zone shall be used for any of the following uses:

(1)

Amusement parks.

(2)

Animal by-product rendering.

(3)

Blast furnaces or smelting of copper, iron, lead, tin or zinc.

(4)

Bulk or wholesale storage of gasoline, fuel oil, and other petroleum products above ground, excluding such storage for on-site consumption or otherwise accessory to the principal use of the property.

(5)

Chemical manufacturing.

(6)

Commercial kennel.

(7)

Drive-in theaters.

(8)

Drive-through facilities associated with any use other than a bank and pharmacy.

(9)

Dry-cleaning facilities using chemicals on site.

(10)

Fertilizer manufacture.

(11)

Flea markets.

(12)

Heliports.

(13)

Itinerant peddling, sales or promotions conducted from vehicles or from any other mobile or portable facility, excluding vendors legally operating within a public highway right-of-way.

(14)

Junkyards and storage of junk, including any place in or on which is stored or deposited old material, glass, paper, metal, cordage, scrap or other waste or secondhand or unused substances, including any material which has been or was intended to be a part of any fabricated object, or of any vehicle or of any form of conveyance of any kind or description. Includes motor vehicle junk business and motor vehicle junkyard as defined by CGS.

(15)

Manufacture or storage of explosives.

(16)

Manufacturing uses involving the primary production of raw materials such as asphalt, rubber (natural and synthetic), cement, charcoal, charcoal fuel briquetting, lime, gypsum, or plaster of paris; aniline dyes, ammonia, carbide, caustic soda, cellulose, chlorine, carbon black, bone black, creosote, hydrogen, oxygen, soap, paper, industrial alcohol; carbolic, phosphoric, hydrochloric, nitric, picric, or sulfuric acid; and linoleum, oil cloth, matches, paint, varnishes, turpentine and other solvents.

(17)

Commercial mining or quarrying operations, including removal of sand, and gravel operations.

(18)

Natural, propane, or other gas manufacture by other than a public utility, and natural, propane, or other gas storage as a principal use, except that the storage for distributing purposes and the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas may be permitted by the Zoning Board of Appeals provided that there is compliance with all requirements of CGS Chapter 541, Part II, and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, as the same may be amended from time to time. This provision shall not be construed to prevent the storage for use on the premises of liquefied petroleum gas when installed and used in accordance with applicable Connecticut State laws.

(19)

Outdoor activities dealing with the racing of motorized vehicles, i.e., cars, snowmobiles, go-carts, motorcycles, etc.

(20)

Refining and recovery of products from fish, bones, fat and other animal refuse or offal.

(21)

Solid waste facilities (other than for municipal use) as defined by Connecticut General Statutes.

(22)

Tattoo parlors.

(23)

Truck storage yards.

(24)

Valet parking, car rental, and taxi service facilities.

(25)

Wind farms.

(26)

Similar uses to Subsection A(1) through (25) above which are dangerous by reason of fire or explosion or injurious, noxious, or detrimental to the neighborhood because of emission of dust, fumes, odor, smoke, wastes, noise, vibrations, light, traffic or because of other objectionable features.

(27)

The rental of separate quarters within a single-family house.

[Amended 9-10-2007]

(28)

The burial of stumps, logs, branches or other construction debris such as scrap lumber, metal, concrete, asphalt or other discarded material.

[Amended 10-9-2009]

(29)

The placement of membrane structures (see Article II, Definitions) in residential zoning districts as an accessory use to a residence.

[Amended 10-9-2009]

The Zoning Board of Appeals is prohibited from granting any variance establishing, enlarging or extending any use that is otherwise prohibited in the zone in which the property lies.

§ 315-39 Height and Area Schedule.

The Height and Area Schedule is included as an attachment to this chapter.

§ 315-40 Housing Opportunity District (HOD).

Purpose. The purpose of the Housing Opportunity District (HOD) is to permit and regulate the development of multifamily housing within a community that is well planned and contains homes that are financially accessible to moderate- and low-income households. This section is adopted pursuant to CGS § 8-2 as amended by Public Act 91-392, to encourage multifamily dwellings and promote housing choice and economic diversity, including housing for low- and moderate-income households, and is in conformance with the standards of CGS § 8-30g. Should any provision of this HOD regulation conflict with other provisions of the Suffield Zoning Regulations, the provisions of this section shall control.

Definitions. The following definitions are applicable to the HOD regulation:

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT (HOD DEVELOPMENT)

A housing development in which, for at least 40 years after the initial occupancy of units within the proposed development:

(1)

Not less than 15% of the dwelling units will be conveyed by deeds or leased pursuant to documents containing covenants or restrictions which shall require that such dwelling units be sold or leased at or below prices which will preserve the units as affordable housing, as defined in CGS § 8-30g, for persons or families whose income is less than or equal to 80% of the area median income for the Hartford PMSA or the statewide median income, whichever is less, as determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; and

(2)

Not less than 15% of the dwelling units shall be conveyed or leased in the same manner to persons or families whose income is less than or equal to 60% of the area median income or the statewide median income, whichever is less.

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY UNIT

A residential unit for which the sale or resale price, and unit lease price, is restricted in accordance with these regulations and the affordability plan required to be filed per Subsection M(2) below.

Permitted uses. The following uses shall be permitted uses within an HOD, subject to site plan approval by the Commission, in accordance with § 315-116B, except for § 315-116B(3)(e) and (s), and as otherwise set forth in Subsection L below:

(1)

Multifamily dwellings consisting of no more than 30 dwelling units per building.

(2)

On-site active and passive recreational and social uses as shown on the approved site plan, including any community buildings and clubhouses, swimming pools, athletic fields, walking trails, bicycle routes, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas and other similar recreational facilities.

Permitted accessory buildings, structures and uses.

(1)

Uses or structures accessory to the above uses, including temporary construction facilities, trailers and sales offices, and as accessory uses otherwise permitted.

(2)

Use of a residence for personal business purposes to the extent permitted by, and subject to the procedures, limitations, and conditions of these Zoning Regulations.

Parcels eligible for rezoning to HOD. No parcel (or parcels) of land shall be rezoned to HOD unless, after combining the parcels into one development parcel for the purpose of constructing an HOD development, it satisfies the following criteria:

(1)

The parcel shall consist of at least 25 acres.

(2)

The parcel shall have not less than 200 feet of frontage on a public street.

(3)

The parcel shall be served by public water and sewer.

Area and bulk requirements. Zoning standards and requirements for the HOD development site are as follows:

(1)

Maximum density per gross acre: seven dwelling units.

(2)

Parking space requirement: 1.5 parking spaces per unit.

(3)

Minimum building setback from existing public street: 100 feet.

(4)

Minimum building setback from proposed private road(s): no minimum.

(5)

Minimum building setback from property boundary HOD development: 50 feet. Note: Bus stops and/or landscape wall treatments are allowed in front, side and rear yards, or setback areas. Privacy fences are allowed inside the rear yards.

[Amended 1-4-2019]

(6)

Minimum parking area setback. Note: Bus stops and/or landscape wall treatments are allowed in front, side and rear yards, or setback areas. Privacy fences are allowed inside and rear yards.

(a)

Front yard: 50 feet.

(b)

Side yard and rear yard: 25 feet.

(7)

Maximum lot coverage: 35%.

(8)

Maximum building height: 50 feet.

(9)

Total minimum open space: 20% of HOD development site with no requirement for active recreation use.

Landscaping requirements. The landscaping plan for an HOD development shall be prepared by a Connecticut licensed landscape architect and shall provide, at a minimum, for the following:

(1)

A landscaped or natural perimeter buffer of not less than 20 feet in width between any proposed building and abutting residentially zoned properties or a six-foot-high privacy fence, except where HOD development roads access existing streets and highways.

(2)

Landscaping in vicinity of parking areas shall include the use of shade trees and ornamentals for visual appeal, and the use of evergreens, where practical, to screen parking areas and buildings, to the extent reasonably possible, from adjacent residentially zoned properties.

(3)

All walkways within the HOD development shall be a minimum of three feet in width.

Parking requirements. Within an HOD, the off-street parking requirements are as follows:

(1)

One and five-tenths parking spaces per dwelling unit.

(2)

Tandem parking spaces for ownership units are allowed and count towards the parking requirement for the entire HOD development.

Signage.

(1)

Signage within an HOD development shall be sufficient to safely direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic within the HOD site.

(2)

The site plan shall depict the location of all proposed signage at the entrance to the HOD development. Any entrance sign shall be no more than 25 square feet in area per side and may be located within 10 feet of the street line of the existing public street.

(3)

No sign permit is required to the extent that proposed signage location and information on type and size for the HOD development is depicted on the site plan.

(4)

The signage requirements at § 315-87 and for the PDA District at § 315-91C apply except as otherwise indicated above.

Lighting. An HOD development site plan shall provide, with illustrative detail, for exterior streetlighting fixtures as may be required for the safety of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Utilities.

(1)

All utility lines shall be located in conformance with applicable Town specifications.

(2)

No certificate of zoning compliance shall be issued for any dwelling unit until such unit has been connected to all required utilities.

Procedure. An HOD development requires a change of zone for the HOD site, amendment of the Official Zoning Map, and site plan approval pursuant to § 315-116B, excluding the requirements of § 315-116B(3)(e) and (s). If these applications are submitted together with the request to adopt or amend this HOD regulation, the Commission shall hold a public hearing to consider all applications simultaneously and shall decide the submitted applications as one comprehensive proposal and give notice of its decision as required by law.

Additional submission requirements. In addition to the documents required to be submitted pursuant to § 315-116B of the Zoning Regulations for site plan approval as qualified in Subsection L above, the following items shall be provided as part of the HOD development application:

(1)

Traffic study prepared by a licensed engineer.

(2)

An affordability plan as required by CGS § 8-30g(b)(1) explaining the administration of affordability restrictions and covenants.

Additional standards for administration and preservation of price restrictions for housing opportunity units.

(1)

Construction quality and location of units. Housing opportunity units shall be of a construction quality that is comparable to market-rate units within the HOD development and shall be dispersed throughout the development.

(2)

Pro-rata construction. If the HOD development is to be built in phases, the housing opportunity units shall be built on a pro rata basis as construction proceeds.

(3)

Monthly payment. Calculation of the maximum monthly payment for a housing opportunity unit, so as to satisfy CGS § 8-30g, shall utilize the median income data as published by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for an ownership or leased unit in effect on the day a bond for deed, similar contract of conveyance, or lease is accepted by the seller or lessee.

(4)

Maximum monthly payment. The maximum payment that the occupant for a housing opportunity unit shall pay shall not be greater than the amount that will preserve such unit as "affordable housing" as that term is defined in CGS § 8-30g.

(5)

Principal residence. Housing opportunity units shall be occupied only as a purchaser's or lessee's principal residence except as provided herein.

(6)

Notice of availability. At the same time that the market-rate units in an HOD development are first advertised to the general public, notice of availability of the housing opportunity units shall be provided by advertising such availability in accord with the state regulations for affirmative fair housing marketing programs and by providing notice to the Commission and the local Housing Authority. All notices shall comply with the federal Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq., and the Connecticut Fair Housing Act, CGS § 46a-64b and 46a-64c.

(7)

Forty-year period. The forty-year affordability period shall be calculated separately for each housing opportunity unit in an HOD development, and the period shall begin on the date of initial leasing or conveyance of said unit.

Enforcement. A violation of the regulations contained in this section shall not result in a forfeiture or reversion of title, but the Commission shall otherwise retain all enforcement powers granted by the Connecticut General Statutes, including the authority under CGS § 8-12 to issue notices of violation, to impose fines, and to seek injunctive relief.

Subdivision. The HOD development site may be subdivided subsequent to approval of the HOD development site plan. The resultant parcels may be owned by separate and distinct persons or entities. Such subsequent subdivision or resubdivision shall not require compliance with the HOD development design standards or affordability requirements for each proposed parcel, as long as the entire HOD development site remains in compliance with the approved site plan and affordability requirements. Cross easements and provisions for access to and use of any common recreational amenities on the HOD development site shall be required, as appropriate, to maintain access for all residents of HOD development across the HOD site.