No lot or building, or part thereof, shall hereafter be used,
and no building or part thereof, or sign or other structure, shall
be constructed, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, moved or altered
except in conformity with these Regulations. No lot shall have an
area, width or a front, side or rear yard, less than that set forth
in the applicable paragraph hereof, except as otherwise specifically
provided in these Regulations. No building or buildings shall occupy
in the aggregate a greater percentage of lot area, nor be greater
in height, than as set forth in the applicable paragraph hereof, except
as otherwise specifically provided in these Regulations. The Building
Inspector shall issue no permit for the construction, alteration,
reconstruction, or removal to a new foundation of any building except
upon receipt from the Planning and Zoning Administrator of a zoning
compliance report that said proposed work is in conformance with these
Regulations.
3.1.1.1
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to a) assure that development
within the coastal area of Stratford is accomplished in a manner which
is consistent with the goals and policies of the Connecticut Coastal
Area Management Act[1] and with the goals and policies of the Town of Stratford
Zoning Commission and b) promote and encourage public access to and
use of the waters of Long Island Sound, Housatonic River and other
similar marine and tidal waters as identified in Chapter 444 of the
Connecticut General Statutes.
[1]
Editor's Note: See C.G.S. § 22a-90 et seq.
3.1.1.2
Review procedures and application requirements. All buildings, uses,
and structures fully or partially within the coastal boundary as defined
by Section 22a-94 of the Connecticut General Statutes shall be subject
to the coastal site plan review requirements and procedures in Sections
22a-105 through 22a-109 of the Connecticut General Statutes. On sites
with full or partial frontage on coastal, tidal or navigable waters
priority shall be given to all buildings, uses and structures that
are water-dependent as defined in Section 22a-93(16) of Connecticut
General Statutes. Except as exempted in Section 3.1.1.4 below, all
applications for certificates of zoning compliance, special cases,
variances, subdivision or resubdivisions, municipal projects or planned
unit developments within the coastal boundary shall file with the
appropriate board or commission a coastal site plan application on
such form as prescribed by the board or commission. Such application
shall include, but not limited to, the following requirements: pursuant
to Sections 22a-105 and 22a-106 Connecticut General Statutes and in
accordance with these Regulations where applicable:
(1)
A plan showing the location and spatial relationship of coastal
resources on and contiguous to the site.
(2)
A description of the entire project with appropriate plans,
indicating project location, design, timing and methods of construction.
(3)
An assessment of the capability of the resources to accommodate
the proposed use.
(4)
An assessment of the suitability of the project for the proposed
site.
(5)
An assessment of project consistency with the goals and policies
of the Connecticut Coastal Management Act.
(6)
An evaluation of the potential beneficial and adverse impacts
of the project on coastal resources and the future water-dependent
use of the site.
(7)
A description of proposed methods to mitigate adverse effects
on coastal resources.
3.1.1.3
Water-dependent uses/public
access requirements.
1.
All uses bordering on the waterfront or marine and tidal areas
except exempted uses as provided for in Section 3.1.1.4 shall provide
the following minimum standards in addition to other requirements
as may be required by the Coastal Area Management Act.[2] The Zoning Commission, after further review, shall exempt
other minor uses such as single-family residential, excluding residential
subdivisions, from having to provide the following minimum standards.
It is further required that all public amenities be properly marked
on the property to increase public awareness and shall be improved
where applicable with such features as benches, picnic tables, lighting
and landscaping. All public amenities must be designed and constructed
to minimize adverse impacts to coastal resources on and adjacent to
the site.
A)
View lane. Provision must be made on the property for a maximum
view of the water from the nearest public street. The view, at a minimum,
shall be a straight line uninterrupted, rectangular view lane whose
width is not less than 20% of the lineal road or river frontage, whichever
is greater. There shall be no building or other permanent obstruction
in said view lanes including fences, shrubbery, trees or other landscaping
features higher than four feet.
B)
Pedestrian access easement. This easement shall be located as
close to the high tide line as is feasible and designed so that it
retains an unobstructed view of the marine frontage to permit public
viewing and shall be a minimum of 20 feet wide. The easement shall
extend the entire length of the water or marine frontage unless it
can be demonstrated to the Zoning Commission that areas of the public
walkway would clearly pose unacceptable coastal resource impacts or
public health and safety hazards. It shall be improved as a public
walkway and shall be connected to a public street or public parking
area by a public right-of-way having a minimum width of 10 feet.
C)
Vehicular access easement and additional public parking. This
easement shall be of a width and size suitable to provide safe public
ingress and egress to and from the property and shall be located as
close to the marine frontage as is feasible. The number and location
of public parking spaces shall bear a direct relationship to the anticipated
use of the public amenities; however, in no instance shall the amount
of public parking be less than one space for every 2,500 square feet
of the area providing the amenities excluding vehicular easements.
[2]
Editor's Note: See C.G.S. § 22a-90 et seq.
2.
Water-dependent uses shall be those uses defined in Chapter
444 of the Connecticut General Statutes, except that a water-dependent
use that is water-dependent by virtue of providing "general public
access to marine and tidal waters" only shall also provide two or
more of the following amenities for general public use. For projects
involving mixed (water-dependent and non-water-dependent) uses, the
water-dependent use, such as a marina, may be used to satisfy one
of these two required amenities. The use of public access and public
amenities may be considered in lieu of a water-dependent use on a
site if, and only if, it can successfully be demonstrated that a given
site is not suited to a water-dependent use. It must be further demonstrated
that the level or size of the amenities are in just proportion to
the size of the property or to the intensity of uses existing and/or
proposed on the property. It is important to note that some of the
following amenities would likely involve work seaward of the high
tide line requiring state and federal permits prior to construction.
In this instance all applicants are urged to obtain state and federal
permission prior to applying to the Zoning Commission. If in-water
amenities are selected without prior state and federal permits, applicants
shall also present an alternative plan incorporating landward public
amenities not requiring state and federal permits.
A)
Open space easement for public park. The open space easement
shall be a minimum of 10% of the lot area in addition to the minimum
requirement for the district. The open space area shall be generally
contiguous usable land that is unimproved, adequately landscaped and
be of a shape that is conducive to passive public park use.
B)
Conservation easement for natural preservation. In cases where
10% or more of the entire parcel consists of the following sensitive
coastal resources as defined by Section 22a-93(7) of the Connecticut
General Statutes; tidal wetlands, coastal bluffs and escarpments,
beach and dune systems, the applicant may provide a conservation easement
over all of the sensitive coastal resource area to preserve and maintain
it for future passive use and public enjoyment.
C)
Canoe and/or boat ramp. The ramp shall be of such size as to
accommodate general public use and shall be connected to a public
street by a public right-of-way. The ramp must be constructed of a
durable surface to the mean low water mark and constructed at a grade
as to accommodate easy launching and removal from the water.
D)
Fishing pier/public viewing walkway. The pier shall be so located
as to provide reasonable fishing opportunities, be of a size and length
as to accommodate general public use and be connected to a public
street or public parking area by a public right-of-way. The viewing
walkway shall extend from the public pedestrian walkway into the water
or marine area a reasonable distance so as to maximize the water and
marine views.
E)
Public docking facilities. The number of docks available to
the public for transient boaters, short term tie-up and/or public
safety use by the Town shall not be less than one boat slip for each
10,000 square feet of proposed non-water-dependent commercial floor
space shall not be less than one boat slip for each 10 residential
units or be less than 10% of the total number of boat slips, whichever
is the greater number.
F)
Upland winter boat storage. The area of boat storage shall bear
a direct relationship to the size of the property, the intensity of
the proposed use and shall be connected to a public street by a public
right-of-way.
G)
Boat rentals. The number of boat rentals shall bear a direct
relationship to the intensity of existing or proposed uses.
3.1.1.4
Exemptions.
1)
Gardening, grazing and the harvesting of crops.
2)
Minor additions to or modifications of existing buildings or
detached accessory buildings, such as garages and utility sheds, provided
that any addition shall not be more than 10% but not to exceed 5,000
square feet of the existing building area and further provided that
such buildings or additions not be located within 100 feet of the
coastal resource areas as defined in Subsection 5) of this section.
3)
Construction of new or modification of existing structures incidental
to the enjoyment and maintenance of residential property including
but not limited to walks, terraces, driveways, swimming pools, tennis
courts and detached accessory buildings.
4)
Construction of new or modification of existing on premise fences,
walls, pedestrian walks and terraces, underground utility connections,
and such other minor structures as will not substantially alter the
natural character of coastal resources as defined by Section 22a-93(7)
of the Connecticut General Statutes or restrict access along the public
beach.
5)
Construction of an individual single-family residential structure
except in or within 100 feet of the following coastal resource areas
as defined by Section 22a-93(7) of the Connecticut General Statutes,
tidal wetlands, coastal bluffs and escarpments, beaches and dunes.
6)
Activities conducted for the specific purpose of conserving
or preserving soil, vegetation, water, fish, shellfish, wildlife and
other coastal land and water resources.
7)
Interior modifications to buildings.
8)
Minor changes in use of a building, structure, or property except
those changes occurring on property adjacent to or abutting coastal
waters.
3.1.1.5
Commission/Board action.
1.
In addition to reviewing Coastal Site Plans for compliance with
any other applicable standards, requirements or criteria set forth
by these Regulations, the Board or Commission with jurisdiction shall
review coastal site plans for compliance with the following criteria
established in Section 22a-106 of the Connecticut General Statutes:
(a)
Consistency of the proposed activity with the applicable coastal
policies in Section 22a-92 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(b)
The acceptability of potential adverse impacts of the proposed
activity on coastal resources as defined in Section 22a-93(15) of
the Connecticut General Statutes.
(c)
The acceptability of potential adverse impacts of the proposed
activity on future water-dependent development opportunities as defined
in Section 22a-93(17) of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(d)
The adequacy of any measures taken to mitigate the adverse impacts
of the proposed activity on coastal resources and future water-dependent
development opportunities.
2.
The Commission or Board shall reserve the right to schedule
and hold a public hearing on any Coastal Site Plan Application. [Effective
6-19-1991]
3.1.2.1
Title. These Regulations may be cited as "The Erosion and Sediment
Control Regulations of the Town of Stratford, Connecticut," and are
adopted for the purpose of conforming with and adhering to the requirements
and public policy as set forth in Public Act 83-388.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See C.G.S. § 22a-325 et seq.
3.1.2.2
CERTIFICATION
COMMISSION
CONSTRUCTION WASTES
COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
DEVELOPMENT
DISTURBED AREA
EROSION
GRADING
INSPECTION
SEDIMENT
SOIL
SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN
Definitions.
A signed, written approval by the Stratford Planning or Zoning
Commission that a soil erosion and sediment control plan complies
with the applicable requirements of these Regulations.
The Planning or Zoning Commission of the Town of Stratford,
depending on the type of petition under review.
Any construction debris, by-products or residue that may
cause adverse impacts to water quality including but not limited to
the following: discarded building materials, concrete truck washouts,
asphalt fragments, chemicals, litter, sanitary wastes and property
clearing and grubbing wastes including stumps.
The Fairfield County Soil and Water Conservation District
established under Subsection (2) of Section 22a-315 of the General
Statutes.
Any construction or grading activities to improved or unimproved
real estate.
An area where the ground cover is destroyed or removed leaving
the land subject to accelerated erosion.
The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by
water, wind, ice or gravity.
Any excavating, grubbing, filling (including hydraulic fill)
or stockpiling of earth materials or any combination thereof, including
the land in its excavated or filled condition.
The periodic review of sediment and erosion control measures
shown on the certified plan.
Solid material, either mineral or organic, that is in suspension,
is transported, or has been moved from its site of origin by erosion.
Any unconsolidated mineral or organic material of any origin.
A scheme that minimizes soil erosion and sedimentation resulting
from development and includes, but is not limited to, a map and narrative.
3.1.2.3
Activities requiring a certified
erosion and sediment control plan.
1)
A soil erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted with
any application for development when the disturbed area of such development
is cumulatively more than 1/2 acre.
3.1.2.4
Exemptions.
1)
A single-family dwelling that is not a part of a subdivision of land
shall be exempt from these Regulations if the disturbed area of such
development is cumulatively less than one acre, however, the developer
shall protect the nearest downstream catchbasin from receiving sediment
during the period of disturbance and shall sweep the street of dirt
and debris to prevent sediment from being transported downstream.
3.1.2.5
Erosion and sediment control plan.
1)
To be eligible for certification, a soil erosion and sediment
control plan shall contain proper provisions to adequately control
accelerated erosion and sedimentation and reduce the danger from stormwater
runoff on the proposed site based on the best available technology.
Such principles, methods, practices necessary for certification are
found in the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment
Control as amended. Alternative principles, methods and practices
may be used with prior approval of the appropriate commission.
2)
Said plan shall contain, but not be limited to:
A.
A narrative describing:
1a)
The development.
2b)
The schedule for grading
and construction activities including:
3c)
The design criteria for
proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater
management facilities;
4d)
The construction details
for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater
management facilities;
5e)
The installation and/or
application procedures for proposed soil erosion and sediment control
measures and stormwater management facilities;
6f)
The operations and maintenance
program for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and
stormwater management facilities;
7g
The provisions for controlling
construction wastes.
B.
A site plan map at a sufficient scale to show:
1a)
The location of the proposed
development and adjacent properties;
2b)
The existing and proposed
topography including soil types, wetlands, watercourses and water
bodies;
3c)
The existing structures
on the project site, if any;
4d)
The proposed area alterations
including cleared, excavated, filled or graded areas and proposed
structures, utilities, roads, the location of all construction wastes
and, if applicable, new property lines.
5e)
The locations of and
design details for all proposed soil erosion and sediment control
measures and stormwater management facilities;
6f)
The sequence of grading
and construction activities;
7g)
The sequence for installation
and/or application of soil erosion and sediment control measures;
8h)
The sequence for final
stabilization of the development site.
C.
Any other information deemed necessary and appropriate by the
applicant or requested by the pertinent commission or the Planning
and Zoning Administrator.
3.1.2.6
Minimum acceptable standards.
1)
Plans for soil erosion and sediment control shall be developed
in accordance with these Regulations using the principles as outlined
in the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control,
as amended. Soil erosion and sediment control plans shall result in
a development that: minimizes erosion and sedimentation during construction,
is stabilized and protected from erosion when completed, and does
not cause off-site erosion and/or sedimentation.
2)
The minimum standards for individual measures are those in the
Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, as amended.
The Planning or Zoning Commission may grant exceptions when specifically
requested by the applicant if technically sound reasons are presented.
3)
The appropriate method from the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil
Erosion and Sediment Control, as amended, shall be used in determining
peak flow rates and volumes of runoff unless an alternative method
is approved by the Planning or Zoning Commission.
3.1.2.7
Issuance or denial of certification.
1)
The Planning or Zoning Commission shall either certify that
the soil erosion and sediment control plan, as filed, complies with
the requirements and objectives of these Regulations or deny certification
when the development proposal does not comply with these Regulations.
2)
Nothing in these Regulations shall be construed as extending
the time limits for approval of any application under Chapters 124,
124A or 126 of the General Statutes.
3)
Prior to certification, any plan submitted to the Planning or
Zoning Commission may be reviewed by the Fairfield County Soil and
Water Conservation District which may make recommendations concerning
such plan, provided such review shall be completed within 30 days
of the receipt of such plan.
4)
The Planning or Zoning Commission may forward a copy of the
development proposal to the Stratford Conservation Commission, other
Town of Stratford department, commission or agency, or any consultant
for review and/or comment.
3.1.2.8
Conditions relating to soil erosion
and sediment control.
1)
The estimated costs of measures required to control soil erosion
and sedimentation, as specified in the certified plan, that are a
condition of certification of any site plan, if such site plan is
submitted for review by the Planning or Zoning Commission, may be
required to be covered in a performance bond or other assurance acceptable
to the Commission in accordance with the provisions specified in the
appropriate sections of the zoning and subdivision regulations of
the Town of Stratford, as amended.
2)
Site development shall not begin unless the soil erosion and
sediment control plan is certified and those control measures and
facilities in the plan schedule for installation prior to site development
are installed and functional.
3)
Planned soil erosion and sediment control measures and facilities
shall be installed as scheduled according to the certified plan.
4)
All control measures and facilities shall be maintained in effective
condition to ensure the compliance of the certified plan. Maintenance
shall be performed in accordance with the Connecticut Guidelines for
Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, as amended. If additional maintenance
is required to protect surface waters or wetlands from pollution,
the SESC Plan shall include a description of the procedures required
to maintain in good and effective operating condition all erosion
and sediment control measures identified in the plan.
3.1.2.9
Inspection.
1.
Inspection
shall be made by the Planning or Zoning Commission or the Planning
and Zoning Administrator, or the Zoning Enforcement Officer, or its,
his or their designated agent, during development to ensure compliance
with the certified plan and that control measures and facilities are
properly performed or installed and maintained. The Commission may
require the permittee to verify through progress report that soil
erosion and sediment control measures and facilities have been performed
or installed according to the certified plan and are being operated
and maintained. It shall be the responsibility of the permittee to
provide proper notification for inspection of control measures and
facilities that are required prior to proceeding with any development
work which is affected by the installation of these measures. Failure
to provide this notification shall nullify any approvals given by
the Commission on the project site. [Effective 8-30-1985]
No lot shall be diminished, nor shall any yard, court, or any
other open space be reduced except in conformity with these Regulations.
No building shall be built on any lot unless such lot has a
frontage of at least 50 feet upon a street built in accordance with
"An Ordinance Providing For the Manner of Acceptance of New Streets,
Boulevards, Highways or Public Ways and Establishing Certain Specifications
Therefore, in the Town of Stratford, Conn."[1] or upon a street formally accepted by the Town Council
as a Town road or a performance bond acceptable to the Planning Commission
has been posted therefor and except as provided in Section 3.3.1 of
these Regulations.
3.3.1
Rear
Lots. Rear lots, as defined in Section 1.24.2 are exempt from the
fifty-foot frontage requirement as long as all other standards of
Section 3.3 are complied with as well as the following additional
standards:
1.
Rear lots are permitted only in an RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4 or RM-1
District.
2.
Only a single-family residence is permitted on a rear lot. No multifamily
residences or duplexes are permitted even within an RM-1 District.
4.
A rectangle meeting the minimum lot width and lot depth of the applicable
zoning district must fit within the rear lot.
5.
The minimum front, side and rear yard setback requirements shall
be 1 1/2 times the requirement of the applicable zoning district.
6.
Each rear lot shall have access to a street by means of an unobstructed
accessway held in the same fee ownership as the rear lot. The area
of the accessway shall not be included in the minimum required lot
area.
7.
The access way shall be a minimum of 25 feet in width for the entire
segment for those under 300 feet in length and 30 feet in width for
those over 300 feet in length. The length of the accessway shall extend
to the rear lot's front property line but in no event shall it be
less than the minimum required lot depth. Within the lines of said
accessway there shall be constructed a paved driveway of sufficient
thickness to support fire apparatus to Fire Department specifications.
Driveways under 300 feet in length shall be a minimum of 12 feet in
width and driveways over 300 feet in length shall be a minimum of
16 feet in width.
8.
The maximum number of adjoining accessways shall not exceed two.
9.
At no point shall the thirty-foot accessway exceed a vertical rise
of 15%.
10.
A full fire detection system shall be installed to the Fire
Department specifications, and all rear lots must be serviced by all
utilities available.
11.
A standard type of sign shall be placed at the road indicating
the numeric address.
Where a district boundary line, as appearing on the zoning map,
divides a lot in single ownership at the time of the enactment of
these Regulations, the requirements for the district in which the
greatest portion of the lot lies shall be extended to the balance
of the lot, provided that such extension will not include any part
of such lot more than 35 feet beyond the district boundary line, and
provided further that this provision shall not apply to a through
lot. In the case of a through lot, the restriction of the district
applying to the adjoining lots which front on the same street as the
proposed use of the lot shall apply, a through lot being a lot that
runs from street to street.
Except as specifically provided herein, no part of any yard
or other open space required about any building may be included as
part of a yard or other open space required for any other building.
Nothing in these Regulations shall prohibit the projection not
more than two feet into a required open space of pilasters, columns,
belt courses, sills, cornices, or other similar architectural features,
nor the planting or landscaping of such open spaces except as provided
in Section 3.7 hereof.
Nothing in these Regulations shall prohibit the projection of
features, such as ramps, lifts and other building access improvements
to accommodate provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)[1] and are exempt from the required setbacks. In addition,
the Zoning Enforcement Officer reserves the right to refer any proposed
modification to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a public hearing,
if they feel a proposed modification does not meet the intent of this
regulation. If the proposed building access modification does not
comply with the provisions of the ADA, it shall adhere to all setbacks
outlined herein.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
No fence, sign, wall, hedge, grading, shrubbery, or other obstruction
to vision in excess of three feet above top of curb shall be placed
or allowed to grow or exist at street intersections within the area
formed by a line joining points on each front lot line 20 feet from
the intersection of the street lines.
In the case of lots fronting on streets containing less than
60 feet in right-of-way width, the required front yard shall be increased
by 1/2 the difference between 60 feet and the actual width of the
street right-of-way except on streets where dwellings exist, in which
case the required setback shall conform to the average of the setbacks
of the existing dwellings within 200 feet in either direction along
the street line but not required to exceed the minimum setback for
the district in which located.
In the case of that portion of a lot in a district other than
a residence district, where contiguous to a railroad right-of-way
no side or rear yard shall be required.
The use of land for access to and for parking in connection
with a use shall be considered to be accessory to and part of such
use, except that this provision shall not prohibit access across a
commercial district to a use lying in a industrial district.
1.
Detached accessory buildings not more than 12 feet in height and
not used for human habitation or for the housing of animals may be
located within the required rear yard, and in so much of the required
side yard as lies not less than 75 feet from any street line except
in RS-3 and RS-4 district in which it shall not be less than 65 feet
for interior lots, provided that they are not less than three feet
from any side or rear lot line and provided further that they occupy
in the aggregate not more than 20% of the area of the required rear
yard. On a corner lot, a garage may be faced to either street provided
the front yard requirement for the district is observed to both streets
and the minimum side yard requirement is not less than three feet
from either side lot line. By agreement of the owners of adjacent
lots, duly recorded in the land records of the Town of Stratford,
accessory buildings, with the same limitation of use, height and area,
may be located in the required rear yard on the lot line provided
that the party or other walls on the lot line are of masonry construction.
A garage not more than 12 feet high and attached to a dwelling may
extend into a required side yard not more than one-half the width
of such required side yard, provided the other side yard, meets the
maximum requirements for the district in which it is located.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: So in original.
2.
Pursuant to Section 1.1, the size of any buildings or structures
on environmentally contaminated property shall not exceed that which
is necessary, as determined by the appropriate federal, state or local
agency having jurisdiction over such matters, to protect and preserve
the health and safety of the public, be adequately landscaped, and
be built in such a manner and design that is consistent with the existing
streetscape and architecture of neighboring properties.
3.
Any agency proposing to construct such a building or structure, or
the owner of the parcel on which the building or structure is to be
constructed, shall file information and a plan with the Zoning Administrator.
The plan shall include information and a drawing(s) of the building/structure
for review of the following:
A.
The accessory structure shall meet the yard setbacks of the
zone in which it is located.
B.
The structure shall provide enclosed space for equipment, chemicals
and control systems.
C.
The location of vehicular access and parking for service vehicles
associated with the building or structure shall be shown on a site
plan.
D.
Where possible, the structure should be serviced from roads
or driveways within the parcel and not a separate driveway from a
public street.
E.
The structure shall be designed to prevent entry by unauthorized
personnel.
F.
All utilities serving the building shall be placed underground.
G.
Architectural plans or renderings of the proposed building or
structures showing the floor plan, the facade, and exterior elevations
of the building shall be provided.
H.
If the buildings are temporary, as determined by the appropriate
environmental agency, they shall be removed once they are no longer
required for site remediation purposes. If the buildings are for long-term
use or permanent, the architectural treatment shall be commensurate
with their expected duration by the use of natural materials such
as brick, clapboard, shingles, slate, etc. Artificial materials such
as metals, vinyl and concrete are discouraged.
4.
The plans shall be subject to Site Plan Review by the Zoning Commission
who may require changes to the facade, site layout, design, or size
of the facility. [Effective 7-17-1996]
A.
No dwelling shall be erected, moved or altered structurally unless
the finished floor area devoted to living space is 1,000 square feet
or more. In the RS-1 and RS-2 District the minimum floor area devoted
to living space on the first floor shall be 1,000 square feet. In
RS-4 and RM-1 the minimum on the first floor shall be 700 square feet.
Where any required living space is located above the first floor it
shall be accessible by a permanent stairway.
B.
In the case of dwellings for more than one family, the floor area
devoted to living space in each family unit shall be not less than
200 square feet for the first room and an additional 120 square feet
for each additional living room or bedroom in such unit. One hundred
square feet may be deducted from the required first-floor living area
of a dwelling, but not from the total living area, for each car space,
not to exceed two, in a garage facing a street and attached to the
dwelling by enclosure within the same walls or by a covered breezeway.
[Effective 3-8-1985]
A)
No new building construction increasing building area including minor
additions to existing buildings or detached accessory buildings, such
as garages and sheds, and no pools, tennis courts, driveways, paved
parking areas, terraces, or other impervious surfaces shall be permitted
within 50 feet of the mean high water line of any water body or watercourse
or within 50 feet of any freshwater inland wetland as defined in Chapter
440 of the Connecticut General Statutes except for direct water-dependent/public
access structures and uses as defined by the Connecticut Coastal Management
Act[1] and when consistent with coastal management policies therewith.
Any activity within 50 feet of an inland wetland or inland watercourse,
for the purposes of environmental impact mitigation or restoration
activities including, but not limited to, stormwater treatment, habitat
management, riparian zone restoration or wetland restorations, shall
not be required to obtain a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Alterations of existing contours are subject to administrative approval
by the Zoning Commission.
[1]
Editor's Note: See C.G.S. § 22a-90 et seq.
B)
The provision of this section as they relate to inland wetlands and
watercourses as defined in Chapter 440 of the Connecticut General
Statutes shall not apply to any property which is the subject of an
application for special case under Section 20 of these Regulations,
provided that an application for said proposed use has been submitted
to the Stratford Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission and said
application has been approved by that Commission, and provided further
that a public hearing had been held by the Inland Wetland and Watercourses
Commission on any such application.
C)
No new building construction increasing building area including minor
additions to existing buildings or detached accessory buildings, such
as garages and sheds, and no pools, tennis courts, driveways, paved
parking areas, terraces, or other impervious surfaces shall be permitted
within 75 feet of the following coastal resources as defined by Section
22a-93(7) of the Connecticut General Statutes: tidal wetlands, coastal
bluffs and escarpments, beach and dune systems, except for direct
water-dependent/public access structures and uses as defined by the
Connecticut Coastal Management Act and when consistent with coastal
management policies therewith. Alterations of existing contours are
subject to Administrative Approval by the Zoning Commission.
D)
All building elevations shall conform to the national flood damage
prevention ordinance.
[Amended 4-17-1991]
A)
No new, altered, moved or rebuilt structure shall be occupied for
any use except in conformance with these Regulations and after a certificate
of occupancy shall have been issued by the Building Inspector as provided
in Section 206 of the Building Code.
B)
When any nonconforming use is discontinued, the Building Inspector
shall issue no certificate of occupancy for any other nonconforming
use until it shall have been approved by the Zoning Commission as
provided for in Section 20 and a favorable zoning compliance report
issued therefor.
No building of any type shall be moved from one foundation to
another within the Town of Stratford unless the building in the new
location meet all the requirements of these Regulations and a permit
for such removal shall have been issued by the Building Inspector
following receipt from the Planning and Zoning Administrator of a
favorable zoning compliance report, and if a public street is to be
traversed the route is approved in writing by the Chief of Police
of the Town of Stratford. The Building Inspector shall require a written
application containing a statement of the present location, the new
location, a plot plan showing the location of the building on the
new foundation, and plans and specifications for any proposed improvements
to the building.
Swimming pools may be installed in any district only as accessory
to a dwelling for the private use of the owners or occupants of such
dwelling and their families and guests and only on the conditions
provided herein:
(a)
Such pool is installed in the rear yard of the premises or in
that portion of the side yard that lies not less than 50 feet from
any street line.
(b)
Such pool shall not be erected closer than 10 feet from the
rear and side property lines of the premises, and any part of the
structure including decks, filters, slides, heaters, tanks, etc. shall
not be erected closer than five feet from the rear and side property
lines of the premises, or in the case of a corner lot, closer than
25 feet from any street line.
(c)
A zoning and building permit is required for any swimming pool
as defined in the State of Connecticut Building Code.
(d)
Fencing or other safety barriers or devices are as required
in the State of Connecticut Building Code.
(e)
Swimming pool wastewater shall not be drained into a street,
storm sewer or onto adjoining property. In the event pool wastewater
creates an adverse situation onto adjoining property, a water retention
system may need to be installed.
(f)
Any exterior lighting shall be directed so as to prevent objectionable
glare across the property lines.
(g)
All swimming pools other than those specified in these Regulations
shall be heard by the Zoning Commission as a special case under Section
20.
For the first 25 feet from the front property line on any street
a fence shall not exceed four feet in height. The yard requirements
of these Regulations shall not be deemed to prohibit any retaining
wall nor to prohibit any fence or wall provided that no fence or wall
shall exceed six feet in height above the finished grade for rear
and side yards or as provided in Section 10.2.1.4 of these Regulations.
All fences shall be erected with the finished side, (i.e., the side
opposite from the horizontal supports to which it is applied) facing
the adjacent property or the street. Barbed wire, razor wire or other
similar types of fencing are specifically prohibited in all districts
unless erected in conjunction with a bona fide farm or unless permission
is specifically granted by the Zoning Commission. Prior to the installation
of a fence, a zoning permit must be obtained with a fee for such permit
in an amount prescribed by the Zoning Commission to insure compliance
with all fence regulations. [Effective 3-30-2011]
Suitable residential buildings located on lots fronting on Main
Street from Paradise Green to Stratford Avenue may be changed to office
use without a zone change or an owner-occupancy requirement provided
the residential character of the building is retained and, where appropriate,
improved, subject to the approval of the Zoning Commission as a special
case under Section 20 of the Zoning Regulations. Site plan review
shall be required for any of the uses permitted on Main Street with
the exception of one- and two-family dwellings. [Effective 8-19-1981]
The Board of Zoning Appeals shall have all the powers and duties
prescribed by the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut. However,
it shall not have power to grant variances relating to use of land
and buildings or other structures, in districts in which such uses
are not otherwise allowed. [Effective 12-15-1987]
3.21.1
Definition. A satellite television antenna is a dish shaped antenna
designed to receive television broadcasts relayed by microwave signals
from earth orbiting communications satellites.
3.21.2
Requirements.
No satellite television antenna shall be erected, constructed,
maintained or operated unless:
(a)
All satellite television antennas more than 36 inches in diameter
located in any district must be heard as a special case under Section
20 of the Zoning Regulations.
(b)
Such antenna must comply with the side yard and rear yard requirements
for a principal building. Installation within the required front yard
setback shall be prohibited.
(c)
The maximum overall height of an antenna shall be 15 feet from
existing grade level for ground-mounted antenna.
(d)
The maximum diameter of such antenna shall be 10 feet.
(e)
Adequate landscaping and visual screening shall be provided
as required of antenna installations.
(f)
Roof mounted antennas more than 36 inches in diameter shall
be prohibited.
(g)
Only one such antenna shall be permitted on any lot.
(h)
Such antenna shall not be connected to receivers which are not
located on the same lot as the antenna and must be for private noncommercial
use only.
(i)
A building permit shall be required and any installation shall
conform to the applicable building code and electrical code regulations
and requirements.
(j)
All installations shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications, be of a noncombustible, nonreflective mesh-type corrosive-resistant
material, be erected in a secure, wind-resistant manner and be maintained
in a condition equal to that at the time of installation.
(k)
If an obstruction on adjoining property is placed so as to interfere
with the reception at the antenna, prior to relocation, or any alteration,
approval of the Zoning Commission must be obtained.
(l)
No form of advertising or identification shall be allowed on
any antenna or framework, other than the manufacturer's identification
plate, which shall not be larger than six inches by six inches. [Effective
1-5-1985]
A)
By June 1, 1991, the Planning and Zoning Administrator shall establish
a list of seasonal dwellings then in existence in the Town of Stratford.
Before making a decision on a dwelling's status for seasonal or year-round
use, the Planning and Zoning Administrator shall review the information
contained in the records of the Building Official and Tax Assessor.
Available information regarding the dwelling's age, structural components
and previous use, conformity with current zoning regulations, copies
of local permits and any previous correspondence and Town agency actions
shall be considered. Whenever the above information presents an unclear
situation, the Planning and Zoning Administrator shall request additional
information from the owner or his/her agent to verify that year-round
occupancy had been established prior to the enactment of these amendments.
Such information may include:
1.
Copies of utility bills or affidavits from utility companies.
2.
School enrollment information.
3.
Voter registration information.
4.
Personal copies of local zoning or building permits; certificates
of occupancy or certificates of use and compliance, etc.
5.
Personal copies of construction contracts or other related information.
6.
Notarized affidavits from disinterested persons giving dates
of year-round occupancy. Current owners and anyone with an existing
or potential financial interest in the property shall not be considered
disinterested.
7.
Notarized affidavits from contractors stating that local permits
for construction on the subject site were obtained, and work was accomplished.
8.
Notarized affidavits from employees of the U.S. Post Office
attesting to year-round mail delivery.
9.
Other verifiable information that can show year-round use.
B)
Based on the aforementioned information, the Planning and Zoning
Administrator shall attempt to make an official judgment on the dwelling
status. If a question still remains, the Administrator may consult
with the Zoning Commission before making a determination.
A)
Seasonal dwellings may be converted for year-round use subject
to all local building, zoning, and health codes. However, in cases
where the seasonal dwelling does not conform to local zoning regulations,
an owner must also obtain special case approval from the Zoning Commission
before undertaking such a conversion. The Zoning Commission, in addition
to special case requirements of Section 20, must consider the following
factors in rendering its decision on such a conversion: the location
of such seasonal dwelling with respect to sensitive coastal resources
(including beach and dune systems, tidal wetlands, and bluffs and
escarpments); the increased risk to lives and properties from continuous
exposure to coastal storm and flood events; and the impact on the
Town's ability to provide year-round public services including emergency
vehicle (fire, police, emergency medical services) access, trash and
snow removal, and school transportation.
B)
In no instance shall the Zoning Commission be allowed to grant
approval for year-round conversion of seasonal dwellings located on
Town-owned property. [Effective 4-17-1991]
[Approved 2-8-1999]
The area covered by waterbodies, watercourses, tidal wetlands
and/or freshwater inland wetlands as defined in Chapter 440 of the
Connecticut General Statutes shall not be used in computing or complying
with lot area. For new lots being created through the subdivision
process (Section 8-26, CGS), no more than 30% of the minimum lot area
requirement may be satisfied with land which possesses a natural slope
of 25% or greater.
A)
Any use which results in the contamination of air, ground, water
or the natural environment, beyond the specific limits prescribed
below is prohibited. Any use giving off objectionable noise, dust,
vibration, light, gases or noisome or noxious fumes and odors noticeable
off the premises or other physical hazard is prohibited.
B)
When an applicant is required to submit a stormwater management plan
they shall prepare pre-development and post-development calculations
of the stormwater runoff and provide a design that demonstrates a
zero impact to the Town's storm drainage system, including natural
waterway systems. Accordingly, the applicant shall evaluate the impacts
to downstream conditions. The analysis shall include impacts from
the quantity of runoff as well as the quality of the runoff. The drainage
collection system shall be designed in accordance with the requirements
of the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual, as amended, as well
as the requirements of Town stormwater ordinances. In addition to
best management practices currently available and in the absence of
specific design criteria which may not be identified in these documents
or other requirements of the Town, the applicant shall, at a minimum,
design the stormwater collection system to retain the first inch of
runoff on site, and provide a zero increase in the peak rate of runoff
from the site for the twenty-five-year storm, with an evaluation of
the impacts from a fifty- and 100-year storm. After the evaluation
is complete, if a larger design storm is warranted as determined in
consultation with the Town Engineer, the applicant shall design the
drainage for no net increase in the runoff from the 100-year storm.
Tents/canopies may be erected in any district for the private
use of the owners or occupants of such property, their families and
guests and only on the conditions provided herein:
A)
Tents/canopies may be erected for not more than three consecutive
days.
B)
Tents/canopies may be erected on the same property not more than
two times per calendar year. (Town property such as Booth Memorial
Park is exempt as it would be utilized by the public.)
C)
Tents/canopies shall not exceed a total of 800 square feet in size
nor exceed 14 feet in height to the peak.
D)
Tents/canopies shall not be erected closer than 10 feet from all
property lines of the premises and in the case of a corner lot, closer
than 25 feet from any street line.
E)
A permit to erect a tent/canopy is required and may be obtained at
the Stratford Building Department. A plot plan drawn to scale shall
be submitted showing all buildings on the property and the proposed
location and size of the tent/canopy.
F)
Tents/canopies that are used for recreational camping purposes and
do not exceed 120 square feet in size are exempt from all requirements.
[Effective 5-17-1995]
A)
Carnivals, shows, fairs and similar special events are permitted
subject to approval of the Planning and Zoning Administrator based
on consideration of the factors set forth in this section. In lieu
of approval or disapproval, the Planning and Zoning Administrator
may refer any request for approval to the Zoning Commission for an
administrative review. The Planning and Zoning Administrator or Zoning
Commission shall approve an application under this section if it is
found that the subject of the request will not have an adverse impact
on the health, safety or welfare of the public, after consideration
of parking, length of the event, hours of operation, effect upon the
surrounding neighborhood, noise level and air pollution. These events
will not be allowed in residential districts except on property containing
schools, churches, fraternal organizations or on Town-owned property.
A site plan drawn to scale shall be submitted showing property size,
layout of rides, games and tents, parking, sanitation facilities,
lighting, etc. Tents or canopies used in conjunction with carnivals,
shows, fairs and similar events may exceed the height, size, consecutive
day and times per calendar year requirement as stated in Section 3.25
upon approval by the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
B)
Sidewalk sales.
1.
Sidewalk sales will be permitted for retail uses, up to two
in one year per retail use, each not lasting more than three days,
subject to the following conditions: a) the retailer must notify the
Planning and Zoning office in writing, seven days in advance, of its
plans to hold such a sidewalk sale with dates of operation; b) the
area to be used for such sidewalk sale shall be limited to 100 square
feet of area and the sidewalk sale operation shall not prevent safe
and free passage of pedestrians and vehicles.
2.
Sidewalk sales which exceed these parameters may be approved
by the Zoning Commission in administrative session in the same manner
as carnivals, shows and fairs, as above.
The Zoning Commission of the Town of Stratford is hereby designated
as the Zoning Commission for the Airport Zoning Ordinance.[1] The Board of Zoning Appeals of the Town of Stratford is
hereby designated as the Board of Appeals for the Airport Zoning Ordinance.
[Effective 10-23-1996]
3.28.1
Purpose and objectives. In order to accommodate the communication
needs of residents and business while protecting the public health,
safety and general welfare of the community, the Commission finds
that these Regulations are necessary in order to:
A)
Preserve the character, appearance and property values within
the Town of Stratford while allowing adequate wireless telecommunication
facilities to be developed.
B)
Protect the scenic, historic, environmental and natural resources
of the community.
C)
Lessen potential adverse effects of telecommunication facilities
by minimizing the total number and height of such facilities, maximizing
the use of existing structures in commercial or industrial districts
for such facilities and by requiring providers to share locations
where feasible.
3.28.2
Locational preferences. In order to accomplish the above objectives,
the Town establishes the following order of preference to guide the
location of preference to guide the location of wireless telecommunication
facilities with Subsection A) being the most preferred location and
Subsection F) being the least preferred location:
A)
When completely concealed within existing structures and located
in a CA, MA, MB, MC, LB, LBB, OPD, CF, WF, or CNC District.
B)
When located on existing structures such as buildings, billboards,
smokestacks, electric transmission towers, etc., and located in a
CA, MA, MB, or MC District.
C)
When located on existing structures in an LB, LBB, OPD, CF,
CNC or WF District.
D)
When located on existing government or institutional facilities
in a residential district.
E)
When located on new structures in CA, MA, MB or MC District.
F)
When located on new structures in an LB, LBB, OPD, CF, CNC or
WF District.
3.28.3
Co-location requirements. Providers are required to maximize the
use of existing or proposed wireless telecommunication facilities
through the mutual sharing of sites. All applicants for new facilities
are required to provide:
A)
Satisfactory demonstration by a qualified licensed engineer
or other individual qualified in telecommunications that the proposed
wireless telecommunication facility cannot be reasonably accommodated
on a site containing an existing wireless telecommunication facility
due to safety issues, reasons, potential interference, lack of height,
etc.
B)
Satisfactory demonstration by a qualified licensed engineer
or other individual qualified in telecommunications that the proposed
wireless telecommunication facility or the structure to which it is
attached to is designed or is able to accommodate both the applicants
antennas and comparable antennas for at least two additional users.
A notarized affidavit must be provided stating that space on the proposed
facility or structure shall be made available to future users when
technically possible.
3.28.4
Application process and requirements. Wireless telecommunication
facilities are permitted in all zoning districts except residential
districts as allowed under Section 3.28.2D) subject to the above locational
preferences and the provisions of these Regulations. Facilities proposed
under Section 3.28.2A) or B) are permitted subject to Administrative
Site Plan Review by the Zoning Commission. Facilities proposed under
Section 3.28.2C) through F) are permitted subject to special case
approval under Section 20 of the Zoning Regulations. In addition to
the standards and application requirements of a special case, if required,
as well as all other standards of these Regulations, each applicant
shall provide the following:
A)
Demonstration that adequate coverage and/or adequate capacity
is not already being provided in the Town of Stratford nor the potential
by adjusting other sites.
B)
Demonstration that all buildings and properties identified as
being a higher order of preference have been fully examined with a
final determination by a qualified licensed engineer or other individual
qualified in telecommunications that those buildings and properties
are not technologically legally feasible.
C)
Demonstration by a qualified licensed engineer or other individual
qualified in telecommunications that the proposed facility is the
minimum height, number or size to provide adequate coverage, that
the facility is structurally safe, would not cause interference and
all measures to landscape, screen, camouflage or otherwise minimize
its impact have been examined. Details on the proposed materials and
colors chosen as well as details on screening, fencing and landscaping.
D)
If primary coverage (greater than 50%) from the proposed wireless
telecommunications facility is outside Stratford, the applicant must
demonstrate that they are unable to locate, for reasons other than
financial, within the municipality which is primarily receiving service
from the proposed facility.
E)
A map depicting the extent of the provider's planned coverage
and the service area of the proposed wireless telecommunications facility.
F)
Proof that the applicant holds a bona fide license from the
FCC to provide telecommunication services to the Town of Stratford.
G)
Complete building details on the proposed wireless telecommunication
facility including accessory or equipment buildings. Detailed plans
on how the proposed antenna will be affixed to a particular building
or structure. Plans shall include at least four elevation views or
photographic simulations as seen from various off site locations.
H)
Confirmation from the FAA that the proposed facility complies
with all airport safety requirements. Towers shall not be located
with respect to air traffic such that any tower would need special
lighting or painted patterns or colors required by the Federal Aviation
Administration.
I)
Copies of all submittals pertaining to FCC licensing, environmental
impact statements, aeronautical studies and all data, assumptions
and calculations relating to service coverage and power levels.
3.28.5
Review by independent consultant.
A)
The Town shall hire an independent consultant paid for by the
applicant to conduct an independent review of the application. The
applicant shall pay the Town for this review prior to the public hearing
on this item. The consultants will work under the direction of the
Zoning Department. The consultants shall each be qualified professionals
in one of the following fields: a) telecommunications engineering,
b) structural engineering, c) monitoring of electromagnetic fields
and d) others as determined by the Zoning Office. Applications submitted
under Section 3.28.2A) or B) are exempt from this requirement.
B)
The Zoning Administrator may waive this requirement for municipal
public safety service providers (police, fire, emergency medical service).
3.28.6
Additional standards.
A)
No lights or illumination shall be permitted.
B)
No signs shall be permitted on any facility unless otherwise
permitted by these Regulations.
C)
All utilities proposed to serve a wireless telecommunication
facility shall be installed underground unless otherwise approved
by the Commission.
D)
All wireless telecommunication facilities shall comply with
FCC standards for nonionizing electromagnetic emissions and all generators
or equipment shall comply with all state and local noise regulations.
Proper documentation to prove compliance with these standards must
be submitted with each application.
E)
No wireless telecommunication facility shall be permitted on
property located within a Stratford Historic District, National Register
Historic District or on any property located on the State or National
Register of Historic Places.
F)
All accessory or equipment buildings shall be architecturally
designed to blend in with the surrounding environment, be screened
from view by suitable vegetation and/or fencing and shall meet the
minimum setback requirements of the underlying zoning district. All
buildings and/or grounds shall conform to the general style of architecture
and landscaping in the neighborhood. Each principal structure shall
be constructed on a lot containing the minimum frontage, width and
lot area required in the applicable district.
G)
If all higher preference locations have been explored and documented
to be unfeasible and a tower supporting wireless telecommunications
antennas must be constructed to provide coverage, the following additional
standards shall apply:
1)
Towers shall be located a minimum of 500 feet from any residential
dwelling unit or to a public playground or public school.
2)
Towers proposed in commercial or industrial districts shall
be set back a distance equal or greater than the height of the proposed
tower including the antenna and all other appurtenances.
3)
Towers shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from any area designated
as an inland wetland, waterbody or watercourse and a minimum of 75
feet from any area designated as a tidal wetland.
4)
Towers shall be limited to a maximum of 100 feet and shall be
a monopole design.
5)
Towers shall be camouflaged or painted as well as landscaped
so as to reduce its visual impact.
6)
A special case or variance shall not be granted to allow a tower
to be built on speculation.
3.28.7
Abandonment. A wireless telecommunication facility not in use for
six months shall be removed by the facility owner and/or the property
owner. This removal shall occur within 90 days of the end of such
six-month period.
[1]
Editor's Note: Effective 8-19-1998.
A)
A take-out restaurant, as defined in Section 1.1, shall be approved
by the Planning and Zoning Administrator and/or Zoning Enforcement
Officer, assuming that the proposed establishment complies with the
below conditions:
1.
Hours of operation: When located on a site within 100 feet to
any residentially zoned property, a take-out restaurant shall not
open prior to 6:00 a.m., nor remain open after 12:00 midnight.
2.
Refuse storage area: On-site outdoor trash receptacles shall
be provided at a rate of one trash receptacle for every nine seats
in the establishment.
3.
Drive-in and drive-thru restaurants shall be considered full
service restaurants regardless of their size, subject to all administrative
and ingress/egress requirements maintained by the Town.
B)
In lieu of approval or disapproval, the Planning and Zoning Administrator
may refer any request for approval of a take-out restaurant to the
Zoning Commission for an administrative review.
C)
Should a request be referred to the Zoning Commission for an administrative
review, the applicant shall submit 10 application packets, complete
with a project narrative and supporting materials for consideration
by the Zoning Commission. The requirement for floor plans and a site
plan showing relevant site conditions, such seating arrangement and
parking, will be required; however a survey is not necessary. Final
review and approval of any such establishment will be within the discretionary
purview of the Zoning Commission.
[Effective 10-15-2021; amended 5-24-2023, effective 6-15-2023]
For a period of 24 months commencing from October 15, 2023,
no applications will be accepted, considered or approved and no zoning
permits will be issued to permit the establishment of methadone dispensaries
and/or clinics within any zoning district within the Town of Stratford.
For the purposes of this section, "methadone dispensary and/or clinics"
shall mean any location utilized or proposed to be utilized to dispense
methadone maintenance treatment or other treatment of opiate dependency.
The expiration of this moratorium shall be October 15, 2025, unless
extended, amended or repealed by the Zoning Commission.
[Effective 12-29-2021]
Any live or recorded music or entertainment, inside or outside a commercial establishment, may be permitted subject to strict compliance with the Town of Stratford's Noise Ordinance, Chapter 142 of the Town Code, and the below criteria. Live entertainment includes any musical act (including karaoke and disc jockey), theatrical act (including standup comedy), play, revue, dance act, or song and dance act or any combination of thereof, performed by one or more persons, whether or not for a private event, whether or not there is compensation for the performance, on a premises that is open to the public or for a private event, whether or not admission is charged. This definition of "live entertainment" does not include adult entertainment or adult-oriented establishments.
1.
Any commercial establishment desiring to offer live music or entertainment
shall apply to the Office of Planning and Zoning for administrative
approval of a live music and entertainment permit. Police Department
and Health Department approval shall also be required for permit issuance.
2.
The applicant shall be provided with appropriate guidelines including a summary of applicable portions of Chapter 142 of the Town Code.
3.
The applicant shall provide the Town with at least two contact numbers,
not including the business telephone number, for use in case of any
noise complaints.
4.
Each permit shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance
and must be renewed in the case of a change of ownership.
5.
Live entertainment is limited to the lot on which the commercial
establishment is physically located and cannot impede parking or pedestrian/vehicular
traffic flow.
6.
Failure to comply with Chapter 142 or other applicable regulations shall be cause of revocation of the permit.
7.
Administrative permits will be approved by Planning and Zoning staff
and if a violation exists, staff or a commissioner may refer the applicant
to the Zoning Commission for an administrative review, at which point
the Zoning Commission may suspend or revoke the live music and entertainment
permit. All suspensions of the administrative permit will be referred
to the State of Connecticut Department of Liquor Control.
[Effective 3-17-2022;
amended 5-24-2023, effective 6-15-2023]
For a period of twenty-four months commencing June 15, 2023,
no applications will be accepted, considered or approved and no zoning
permit will be issued to permit the establishment of self-storage
facilities within the Town of Stratford.
