A.
These Zoning Regulations for the Town of Ashford are and have been
adopted in accordance with and for the purposes set forth in Chapter
124 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended. Pursuant to Chapter
124, there is established a Planning and Zoning Commission, hereafter
known as the "Commission."
B.
In accordance with Chapter 124 of the General Statutes of the State
of Connecticut, as amended, the Commission shall have the power:
C.
Once established, the regulations, restrictions and boundaries set
forth in the Zoning Regulations may, from time to time, be amended,
supplemented or repealed by the Commission in accordance with the
General Statutes either on the initiative of the Commission or by
petition from property owners, interested parties, or residents of
the Town of Ashford.
D.
The provisions of these regulations shall be administered and enforced
by the Ashford Planning and Zoning Commission or its duly authorized
agent as provided under these regulations.
The Town of Ashford is geographically located in an area known
as "The Last Green Valley" and also "The Quiet Corner" of Connecticut.
This area is scenic and peaceful, with clean water, clean air and
dark skies. It contains some of the largest areas of unfragmented
wildlife habitat in the region. Its natural environment supports rural
economic activities, including farms and orchards, the forest products
industry and tourism. The Commission's goal is to conserve these desirable
features for future generations while also respecting landowners'
development rights. With these goals in mind, the Zoning Regulations
and districts or boundaries are established for the following purposes:
A.
To protect and promote the public health, safety, welfare, and property
values from fire, panic, flood, environmental damage and other dangers;
B.
To lessen congestion in the streets and prevent the overcrowding
of land;
C.
To provide adequate light, air and water;
D.
To avoid undue concentration of population;
E.
To facilitate adequate provisions for transportation, water, sewerage,
schools, parks and other public requirements;
F.
To preserve and protect the unique character of the Town of Ashford
by protecting sites and features of historic, natural and archaeological
significance;
G.
To conserve and protect existing and potential surface water and
groundwater drinking supplies and other valuable natural resources,
including preserving Ashford's dark sky;
H.
To prevent unnecessary soil erosion and sedimentation;
I.
To provide adequate housing opportunities for all citizens of Ashford
consistent with soil types, terrain, infrastructure capacity, and
the rural character of the Town; and
J.
To further the vision, goals and objectives of the Ashford Plan of
Conservation and Development, as amended from time to time.
The Ashford Plan of Conservation and Development represents
the Town's blueprint for future development and is a statement of
the Town's policy regarding a range of issues important to the Town.
Persons using these regulations should, as the Commission does in
its application of the regulations, understand the vision, goals,
and objectives of the Plan of Conservation and Development.
