[Amended 5-10-2021]
In the interests of clarity and brevity, the following terms
shall, unless otherwise stated, have the meaning herein indicated
for all purposes of these regulations. Words used in the present tense
shall include the future tense. When the context so requires, words
in the masculine, feminine, or neuter gender shall include any gender,
and words in the singular or plural shall include both singular and
plural numbers. The captions set forth in these regulations are for
convenience and reference only and shall not be deemed to define or
limit the provisions hereof or to affect in any way their construction
or application.
ABANDONMENT
The discontinued use of any structure or land for a period
of three years. A structure shall be considered abandoned if it is
fully or partial demolished. The use of a structure or land shall
be considered abandoned if the activity or operation ceases.
ABUTTING
Separated by no intervening private property; properties
separated by a public or private street shall be deemed to be abutting.
ACCESS POINT
Any public/private roadway/driveway established for the purpose
of entry to the development or residences.
ACCESSORY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
A non-attached building or structure, in addition to the
principal building, which is clearly subordinate to, and customarily
incidental to, and located upon the same lot as, the principal building
or on a contiguous lot under the same ownership. Any accessory building
physically attached to a principal building shall be deemed to be
a part of such principal building in applying the bulk regulations
to such building.
ACCESSORY USE
A use, in addition to the principal use, which is clearly
subordinate to, and customarily incidental to, and located upon the
same lot as, the principal use or on a contiguous lot under the same
ownership.
ACCESSWAY
An area that extends from the road or street to an interior
lot.
AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURES (NON-PERMANENT)
Buildings and structures used in connection with agriculture
such as hoop houses, high tunnels, run-in sheds, birthing sheds, pump
houses, and similar buildings or structures that are easily moved
and not permanently mounted to the ground.
AGRICULTURE
The cultivation of land, including planting and harvesting
of crops, tillage, horticulture, forestry, raising and management
of livestock and anything else included in the definition of "agriculture"
under § 1-1(q) of the Connecticut General Statutes, and
the storing, processing and sale of agricultural and horticultural
products and commodities as defined under § 1-1(q) of the
Connecticut General Statutes, as incidental to agricultural operations.
ALTERATION
Any human-induced action which impacts the existing condition
of the land or structures.
ANTENNA
An exterior or interior device used to transmit and/or receive
electromagnetic waves.
APPLICANT
A person who applies for any permit to do anything governed
by these regulations and who has legal standing to apply for a permit
or approval on the specific property.
AS-BUILT
A drawing in an acceptable GIS format, certified by a Connecticut-licensed
engineer, which represents the true size and location of what is being
measured or has already been built in the field.
BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
A bank and trust company, savings bank or savings and loan
association chartered or organized under the laws of the State of
Connecticut.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
A dwelling that provides sleeping units and meals for transient
guests and that is managed and occupied by the owner of the property.
The definition of "bed-and-breakfast" shall exclude a hotel and a
short-term rental.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Methods, measures or practices selected by an agency to meet
its nonpoint source control needs. Best management practices (BMPs)
include but are not limited to structural and nonstructural controls
and operation and maintenance procedures.
BOUNDARY LINE
A lot line or property line that legally separates two adjoining
lots or parcels of land.
BUFFER, BUFFER AREA or BUFFER STRIP
A strip of land free of any building, structure or use other
than natural woody growths, landscaping, fencing or screening designed
to shield or block noise, lights or other disturbances.
BUILDABLE AREA
The contiguous area of a lot exclusive of wetland soils,
visible ledge, and slopes greater than 20% and containing a rectangle
with minimum dimensions of 100 feet by 125 feet.
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls
and intended for shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals
or materials.
BUILDING CODE
The provisions of Chapter 541 of the Connecticut General
Statutes and any state and local regulations adopted pursuant thereto
and in force in the Town of Ashford, as the same may be amended from
time to time.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The total percentage of a parcel covered by buildings or
structures as measured along the outside wall at ground level.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance measured from the mean level of the
ground (finished grade) surrounding the building to the highest point
of the roof.
BUILDING LINE
The line along the front of a building that is parallel to
the street at a distance equal to or greater than the required front
yard setback, as legally established by the Town.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The Building Official, also known as the "Building Inspector,"
of the Town of Ashford.
BUILDING PERMIT
A permit which must be obtained from the Building Official
before construction of any building may start.
BULK
The size and shape of buildings, structures and use areas
and the physical relationships of their exterior walls or spatial
limits with lot lines and other buildings, structures and uses, or
with the other walls of the same building, or other portions of the
same structure or use.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
A certificate granting the right to occupy or use a building,
structure or land and attesting to the applicant's having met all
the requirements of these regulations and other applicable laws. The
Building Official may issue such certificate only after a final inspection.
CERTIFICATE OF ZONING COMPLIANCE
A certificate granting the right to occupy or use a building,
structure or land and attesting to the applicant's having met all
the requirements of these regulations. This certificate may be used
where a certificate of occupancy is not used or may not be appropriate.
CHANGE OF USE
Any proposed use which substantially differs from the existing
use of a building, structure or lot by having different zoning requirements
or is otherwise categorized differently in these regulations.
CIVIC BUILDING
A building operated by nonprofit organizations dedicated
to arts, culture, education, or recreation, government, transit, and
municipal parking, or for use operated by the Town.
CLUB
An association of persons for some common purpose, but not
including groups organized primarily to render a service that is customarily
carried on as a business.
CLUSTER SUBDIVISION
A special permit granted by the Commission, after holding
a public hearing, which allows a subdivision with reduced lot sizes
and reduced minimum required lot frontage if all the requirements
and standards of the cluster subdivision permit are met by the applicant.
In addition, the applicant must meet the all the requirements of the
Subdivision Regulations.
CO-LOCATION
Locating wireless communication facilities from more than
one provider on a single tower.
COLLEGES; UNIVERSITIES; BUSINESS COLLEGES; TECHNICAL OR TRADE
SCHOOLS
A use including sub-uses such as classrooms, dormitories,
student housing, eating facilities, research laboratories, athletic
facilities, libraries, faculty and other offices, museums, auditoria
and other facilities of public assembly, parking, and other similar
uses.
COMMERCIAL USE
An activity involving the production, preparation or sale
of goods or services.
COMMISSION
The Ashford Planning and Zoning Commission.
COMMUNITY RESIDENCE
A residential dwelling that houses those in need of special
services as regulated by Connecticut General Statutes and licensed
by the Department of Public Health. Local zoning issues shall be regulated
by Connecticut General Statutes § 8-3e.
CONNECTICUT-GROWN
Farm products grown or produced in Connecticut as noted under
§ 22-38 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended.
CONTAINED RECTANGLE
A rectangle 100 feet by 125 feet fully contained within the
buildable area.
CONVENTIONAL SUBDIVISION
A residential or commercial subdivision of a parcel of land
that meets all the requirements and standards of the Subdivision Regulations
of the Town of Ashford.
DARK SKY
Night sky with no or minimal light pollution with visible
stars.
DATE OF RECEIPT
The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting of such
Commission immediately following the date of submission of the application,
request or appeal, or 35 days from the date of application, request
or appeal, whichever is sooner as cited in § 8-7d of the
Connecticut General Statutes.
DENSITY
A ratio of dwelling units or commercial structures to lot
area, usually expressed in terms of dwellings/structures per acre
or square feet of land area per dwelling unit/commercial structure.
DEVELOPMENT
All buildings, structures, uses or other alterations or modifications
of the natural landscape occurring above or below ground or water
on a particular lot.
DISTURBED AREA
An area where the ground cover is altered, destroyed or removed
leaving land subject to accelerated erosion.
DRIVEWAY
A private way that affords, or is intended to afford, vehicular
access from a public or private street to the principal structure
on a lot or parcel of land.
DWELLING
Any building designed and/or used for human habitation on
a closed, solid foundation, using permanent weatherproof exterior
materials, constructed with ceilings and walls finished on the interior
with lath and plaster or some comparable material; with facilities
which are used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking
and eating; connected to a safe water supply with adequate sanitary
sewage disposal facilities; and equipped with at least one furnace
or other customary form of heating apparatus.
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms in a residential building which are arranged,
designed, used or intended for use by one or more persons living together
and maintaining a common household, including a lawful cooking space
and sanitary facilities reserved solely for use by the occupants of
said dwelling unit.
EASEMENT
A non-possessory interest in land. The owner of an easement
has a right to use the land of another for a special purpose, as distinguished
from a right to possess that land.
EATERY
An establishment located on a farm where patrons consume
food prepared on the premises and is subordinate to the farming use.
ENLARGEMENT or TO ENLARGE
Any addition to the floor area of an existing building, an
increase in the size of any other structure, or an increase in that
portion of a tract of land occupied by an existing use. "To enlarge"
is to make an enlargement.
EROSION
The process whereby the soil and rock are worn away by the
action of water, wind, rain, or ice activity.
EXCAVATION
The digging out, extraction, regrading, or removal of earth,
whether exposed or covered by water, so as to alter its contour.
EXTEND or TO MAKE AN EXTENSION
An increase or amplification, as distinguished from establishment
or inception. "Extension" shall be deemed to include the expansion
in the seasons or periods of use of a nonconforming seasonal use,
or of a seasonal dwelling on a nonconforming lot, and any increase
in the normal days or hours of operation, or any increase in the scope
of services offered, of any nonconforming, nonresidential use of land,
buildings, or structures.
FALL ZONE
The area within a circle described about the base of a tower
with a radius equal to the height of the tower plus any antennas that
may protrude above the tower.
FAMILY
Any number of individuals related by blood, marriage, civil
union, or adoption living together as a single housekeeping unit,
or a group of not more than four persons, not so related by blood,
marriage, civil union or adoption, living together as a single housekeeping
unit.
FARM
The term "farm" includes farm buildings, and accessory buildings
thereto, nurseries, orchards, ranges, greenhouses, hoop houses and
other temporary structures or other structures used primarily for
the raising and, as an incident to ordinary farming operations, the
sale of agricultural or horticultural commodities. As noted under
§ 1-1(q) of the Connecticut General Statutes.
FARM BREWERY
Any building, use, or structure that is located on a farm
in which beer is manufactured and sold as noted under Connecticut
Public Act 17-160.
FARM DISTILLERY
Any building, use, or structure that is located on a farm
in which distilled spirits or alcohol is manufactured and sold as
noted under Connecticut Public Act 17-232.
FARM EQUIPMENT AND GARDEN CENTERS
An establishment primarily engaged in retailing to the general
public:
A.
Trees, shrubs, other plants, seeds, bulbs, mulches, soil conditioners,
fertilizers, pesticides, garden tools, landscaping materials and other
garden supplies; and
B.
Animal feeds, fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, pesticides,
seeds and other farm supplies.
FARM STAND
A movable structure located on a farm site in the Town, used
by a farm for the temporary, seasonal sale of raw and/or processed
agricultural products.
FARM STORE
A permanent structure located on a farm site that is used
by a farm for the sale of raw and/or processed agricultural products.
FARM WINERY
Any building, use, or structure that is located on a farm
in which wine is manufactured or sold as noted under Connecticut Public
Act 08-187.
FARMERS' MARKET
In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 22-6r
as amended, a cooperative or nonprofit enterprise or association that
consistently occupies a given site throughout the season or that occupies
a given site for any given day or event and that operates principally
as a common marketplace for a group of farmers, at least two of whom
are selling Connecticut-grown fresh produce, to sell Connecticut-grown
farm products in conformance with the applicable regulations of Connecticut
state agencies and where the farm products sold are produced by the
participating farmers with the sole intent and purpose of generating
a portion of household income.
FENCE
A structure designed of any material or combination of materials
erected to enclose, separate, screen or buffer areas of land.
FILLING
The process of depositing clean fill such as soil, sand,
gravel, rock or clay.
FITNESS, DANCE, OR SPORT TRAINING FACILITIES
A place or building where passive or active exercises and
related activities are performed for the purpose of physical fitness,
improved circulation or flexibility, and/or weight control. A fitness
center may also include incidental accessory uses such as child care
for patrons, professional physical therapy services, and incidental
food and beverage sales.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
The official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration
has delineated both the areas of special flood hazard and the risk
premium zones applicable to the community.
FLOOD or FLOODING
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of inland
or tidal waters and/or the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff
of surface waters from any source.
A.
YEAR FLOODD — A flood of such magnitude which occurs on the average once in any 100-year period, or which has a one-in-one-hundred chance of occurring in any year.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS
The total floor area contained within a building, outdoor
storage area or outdoor display area, whether covered or not, as measured
to the outside surface of the exterior walls or outside perimeter
of the display or storage area. "Floor area, gross" shall not include:
A.
Cellar crawl space, except that any such space used for a nonresidential
use shall be included for the purpose of calculating the required
off-street parking spaces for such use;
B.
Elevator shafts and stairwells, accessory water tanks and cooling
towers; and
C.
Patios, terraces, unroofed open porches/decks, and outside uncovered
steps.
FLOOR AREA, LIVABLE
That portion of the gross floor area of a dwelling which
is adequately provided with heat, light and ventilation so as to be
suitable for residential use and occupancy. "Floor area, livable"
shall include finished basement or attic spaces and enclosed porches
but shall exclude garage space; cellar space; terraces/patios, unroofed
open porches, steps, and similar unenclosed or unfinished spaces;
and stairways and halls serving more than one dwelling unit.
FOOTPRINT
The total horizontal cross area as would be shown on the
plan view of the first floor of a residence, excluding porches and
garages.
GOLF CLUBS or SPORTING CLUBS
Land area and buildings containing golf courses, recreational
facilities, a clubhouse, and other customary accessory uses, either
open to the public or open only to members and their guests.
GRADING
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.
GROUP AND CHILD DAY-CARE CENTERS
A facility offering day-care services as defined by Connecticut
General Statutes § 19a-77 and regulated under §§ 19a-79
through 19a-87f.
GUIDELINES FOR SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL
A document (DEEP Bulletin 34, ISBN 0-942085-10-8) prepared
and amended by the Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation
in cooperation with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OR WASTE
Any substance or combination of substances which, because
of quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics,
poses a significant present or potential hazard to water supplies
or to human health if disposed of or released into or on any land
or water in the Town of Ashford. The list of hazardous materials and
waste is maintained by the State Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection (DEEP) and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA).
HEIGHT OF A TOWER
The vertical distance measured in feet from the average existing
level of the ground surrounding the tower, or structure a tower is
mounted on, to the topmost point of the tower, including any antenna
or other appurtenances. The existing elevation shall mean the actual
or approved elevations of the property at the time of application.
HOME OCCUPATION
Accessory use conducted for compensation by the occupant(s)
of a residential dwelling and wholly within such dwelling which complies
with the provisions of these regulations.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
The total area of a parcel covered by materials that prevent
the infiltration of surface water into the ground beneath.
INTERIOR LOT
A parcel with an accessway fronting on a street with the
buildable area located at the back.
JUNKYARD
Parcel, with or without buildings, used, either as a principal
or accessory use, or occupied by the outdoor storage of used or discarded
materials such as wastepaper, rags, scrap metal, building materials,
house furnishings, machinery, vehicles, or parts thereof, with or
without dismantling, processing salvage, sale or other use or disposition
of the same. A deposit or the outdoor storage on a lot of two or more
wrecked or unregistered vehicles, or vehicles otherwise not in a condition
for legal use on public highways, or parts of two or more such vehicles,
shall be deemed a junkyard.
KENNEL, AVOCATIONAL/COMMERCIAL
A place, open or enclosed, in which a total of three or more
pets, limited to dogs, are kept for breeding, boarding, grooming,
or medical attention.
LIGHTING BLOOM
The lighting from below of dust particles or moisture in
the atmosphere causing a glow in the sky when viewed from a distance.
LIGHTING GLARE
Excessive brightness in the field of view that is sufficiently
greater than that to which the eyes are adapted, to cause annoyance
or loss in visual performance and visibility, so as to jeopardize
health, safety or welfare.
LIGHTING SHIELDING
A luminaire from which no direct glare is visible at normal
viewing angles by virtue of its being properly aimed, oriented, and
located and properly fitted with such devices as shields, barn boors,
baffles, louvers, skirts or visors.
LINE OF SIGHT
The maximum unobstructed distance at which it is possible
to reasonably visually distinguish and recognize individuals.
LOADING AREA
An area off the street, on the same lot with a building,
for the temporary parking of trucks or other motor vehicles while
materials or merchandise is loaded or unloaded, to be taken to or
from the building.
LOT
A parcel of land occupied or capable of being occupied by
a principal building or, where permitted, a group of buildings and
the accessory buildings or uses customarily incidental to it, including
such open spaces as are required by these regulations. The term "lot"
includes the term "parcel," but the term "parcel" does not include
the term "lot."
LOT AREA
The total area within the lot lines of a lot, excluding any
street rights-of-way.
LOT COVERAGE
The total area of all structures and impervious surfaces
on a lot.
LOT FRONTAGE; LOT FRONTAGE LINE
The length of the shortest straight line between side lot
lines and located entirely within the lot and passing through any
point(s) of the front lot line. In the case of an interior lot, the
lot frontage shall be measured at that point closest to the street
from which the lot derives its principal access. In the case of a
corner lot, the lot must have full frontage along at least one street.
LOT LINE, FRONT
That lot line being along the street which that lot abuts.
In the case of rear lot, that lot line being closest to the street
from which the lot derives its principal access.
LOT LINE, REAR
The lot line which is generally opposite the front lot line,
or, if the lot comes to a point at the rear, the rear lot line shall
be deemed to be a line parallel to the front lot line not less than
10 feet long lying wholly within the lot and farthest from the front
lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE
Any lot line not a front lot line or a rear lot line extending
directly or indirectly from the front lot line.
LOT OF RECORD
A lot for which a deed has been recorded in the office of
the Town Clerk, which lot met the requirements of these regulations
and of the Subdivision Regulations, as the same were in force at the
time of such recording, or a parcel of land under unified ownership
and separately described on the Land Records prior to the adoption
of such regulations.
LOT, CORNER
A lot of which two adjacent sides face a street or streets
so that the interior angle of the intersection is less than 135°,
provided that the corner of any such intersection is not rounded by
a curve having an inside radius greater than 50 feet.
MANUFACTURING
The making, processing, assembling or fabrication of materials,
goods, and wares by manual labor or machinery.
MEETING AND CONFERENCE CENTERS
A commercial facility used for assemblies or meetings of
the members or representatives of groups, including exhibition space.
This term does not include banquet halls, clubs, or lodges.
MOTELS, HOTELS and INNS
A building or group of buildings providing transient lodging
with parking conveniently located to each unit, which may also include
incidental uses such as meeting rooms, restaurants, and recreational
facilities.
NONCONFORMING BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
A building or structure legally existing immediately prior
to the effective date of these regulations, which met all requirements
of the Zoning Regulations then in force, if any there were, on said
effective date, but does not meet the current requirements of these
regulations; or a building or structure legally existing on the effective
date of any amendment hereto which caused such building or structure
to cease to meet the requirements of these regulations.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot of record which does not meet the requirements of Article
IV of these regulations for the district in which it is located.
NONCONFORMING USE
The use of land, buildings, or premises which is not a use
permitted by these regulations for the zone in which such use is occurring
but which was legally existing and conformed to all requirements of
the regulations then in force, if any, on the effective date of these
regulations or on the effective date of any amendment hereto which
caused the use to cease to meet the requirements of these regulations.
OFFICE
A room, group of rooms or a building used primarily for conducting
the affairs of a business, profession, service, industry or government.
OPEN SPACE
An unoccupied space open to the sky on the same lot as the
subject building or structure.
OUTDOOR CAFE
A place that is a direct extension of a permitted restaurant
for the consumption of food or drink at a table that is not located
within a structure, which table is made available for use in conjunction
with a restaurant or other food service business.
PARCEL
Any contiguous piece of land, including one or more contiguous
lots of record, unified under the same ownership, whether or not every
said piece of land was acquired at the same time; excluding, however,
any parcel which is a lot, as that term is defined in these regulations.
PARKING AREA
Any public or private land area designed and used for parking
motor vehicles, including parking lots, garages, private driveways
and legally designated areas of public streets.
PARKING LOT
An area designed or intended for the temporary parking of
a motor vehicle, not including aisles and driveways giving access
thereto, located in other than a public street or other public way
and having a permanent means of access to a public street without
requiring passage through another parking area.
PERSON
An individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association,
club, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, syndicate, or other entity
or combination thereof.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
An establishment, the principal purpose of which is religious
worship and for which the main building or other structure contains
the sanctuary or principal place of worship. A church may include
accessory uses in the main building or in separate buildings or structures,
including Sunday school rooms and religious education classrooms,
assembly rooms, a common kitchen, a library room or reading room,
recreation hall and living quarters/dormitories on site for staff
and/or students of religious study.
PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Document or documents adopted by the Commission under the
authority of Connecticut General Statutes § 8-23, as the
same may be amended from to time.
PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT/POD
Any container designed for the storage of construction or
personal property that is typically rented to owners or occupants
of property for their temporary use and which is customarily delivered
and removed by truck.
PREMISES
A lot, parcel or tract of land together with the buildings
and structures thereon.
PRINCIPAL USE
The primary purpose or function for which a premises is used,
designed, or intended to be used.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle, 400 square feet or less, designed to be used primarily
as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or
seasonal use that either has its own motor power or is mounted on
or towed by another vehicle, including camping trailers, fifth-wheel
trailers, motor homes, travel trailers and truck campers.
REPAIR SHOP
A business establishment that specializes in the repair of
various items with the exclusion of any automotive-oriented repairs.
RESEARCH FACILITY
A facility in which scientific or developmental research
is performed.
RESTAURANT
A space in a suitable and permanent building kept, used,
maintained, advertised and held out to the public to be a place where
hot meals are regularly served. If alcohol is to be served, it shall
be accessory to the primary function of serving food, and the restaurant
shall operate under a restaurant liquor permit as provided in § 30-22
of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended and comply with all
Liquor Control Commission regulations appertaining thereto unless
another liquor permit type is deemed appropriate by the Commission.
RETAIL USE
An establishment engaged in the sale of goods or merchandise
to the general public located primarily within a building, but which
may include outdoor display on walkways within shopping centers, or
on public sidewalks as permitted by the Commission.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
The actual property which is dedicated or reserved for street
and access and for other public purposes such as public utilities,
bicycle paths, and pedestrian walkways.
RURAL BUSINESS
Uses conducted for compensation by the occupant of a residential
building or lot wholly or partially outside the home or within an
accessory building.
SCHOOL
An institution, licensed by the State of Connecticut, whose
primary function is the instruction of academic subjects to adults
or children, and the word "school" shall not be deemed to include
an institution which is primarily a summer or winter camp, whose main
function is enjoyment of physical activities with or without instruction,
or any other institution which has a primary function of providing
recreational facilities.
SCREENING
Natural or man-made materials used to prevent a structure
or land use from being visible from a road or from adjacent property.
SETBACK
The required distance between the lot line and nearest building,
accessory building, or structure.
SHOPPING CENTER
A grouping of retail business and service uses on a single
development site with common parking facilities.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL
A residential dwelling unit, portion of a dwelling unit or
room within a residential dwelling unit rented by transient guests
for a period less than 28 consecutive days.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL, HOSTED
A residential dwelling unit occupied by the owner of record
as their primary place of residence that is offered, on occasion,
as an accommodation for transient guests while the owner is on site.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL, UNHOSTED
A residential dwelling unit not occupied by the owner of
record at the time of the rental and is represented by a designated
agent within two hours of the rental property, that is offered as
an accommodation for transient guests no more than three times during
any six-month period.
SIGN
Any structure, or part thereof, or any device attached to
a building or structure or painted or represented thereon which displays
or includes letters, words, symbols, trademarks or any other graphic
representation which is in the nature of an announcement, direction,
advertisement or other device used to attract the attention of the
public for commercial purposes or otherwise; similarly, any natural
object, such as a tree, stone, or the earth itself, which is painted
or arranged so as to represent or display any of the aforesaid graphic
representations; any building feature, including roof or other special
illumination, special colors or effects, or building or roof lines,
which serves to identify the use or occupancy of any building or site
through a recognized motif or symbol.
A.
OFF-PREMISES DIRECTIONAL SIGNA sign which directs attention to a person, business, profession, product, home occupation, or activity not conducted on the same lot.
B.
FLAGA sign consisting of a piece of fabric or other flexible material attached to a flagpole, except as otherwise authorized. A flag representing the official symbol of a national, state or local government is not a sign for the purposes of these regulations.
D.
ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign lighted by artificial lighting or exposed to lighting by lights directed at or in the sign.
E.
POLITICAL SIGNA sign used by a candidate for public office or to express a political point of view.
SIGN AREA
The area of a sign shall be the smallest rectangular area
which encompasses all letters, designs, symbols, logos or other sign
features exclusive of supports, unless the supports are also used
to advertise. Signs having two faces (sides) are entitled to have
up to the maximum permitted area on each face (side), provided both
sides are essentially identical.
SPECIAL PERMIT USE
Permitted uses which must meet specific conditions established
within the regulations and must receive the approval of the Commission.
STORY
That portion of a building included between the surface of
any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or, if there
is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling
next above it. A basement shall be counted as a story if its ceiling
is more than five feet above the elevation from which the height of
the building is measured.
STREET
Any way which is an existing Town or state highway or any
way shown as a proposed public highway on a recorded subdivision map
duly approved by the Planning Commission or Planning and Zoning Commission,
which subdivision or portion thereof has not expired or otherwise
been determined to be void, but excluding an alley used for a service
access only. "Street" shall be deemed to include the entire width
of the right-of-way.
STRUCTURE
Anything which is constructed or erected and the use of which
requires more or less permanent location on ground or water areas
or attachment to something having permanent location on ground or
water areas, not, however, including wheels; an edifice or a building
of any kind; any production or piece of work, artificially built up
or composed of parts and joined together in some definite manner,
including signs, vending machines, fences or walls, a wharf or dock,
an aboveground tank, or a detached solar panel or satellite dish.
A structure shall not include a flagpole or an ornamental well.
SWIMMING POOL
A water-filled structure, permanently constructed or portable,
with a depth of more than 24 inches and a water surface area of more
than 60 square feet, used for bathing or swimming. A swimming pool
is considered an accessory structure.
THEATER
An enclosed building or, in the event of a multi-screened
building, each individual screening room seating area with a capacity
of 50 persons or more used for presenting material on a screen or
stage for presentation to patrons therein.
TOWN
The Town of Ashford, Connecticut.
TRANSIENT GUEST
A person who occupies a room in a hotel or motel as well
as a bed-and-breakfast or short-term rental for a period less than
31 days.
VARIANCE
Permission to depart from the literal requirements of the
Zoning Regulations as granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Any building, including facilities for overnight care, used
for the treatment and limited temporary boarding of domestic animals
by a veterinarian. Such use shall not be construed as a home occupation
or a professional office. The term "veterinary hospital" may include
the term "kennel," but the term "kennel" does not include the term
"veterinary hospital."
WAREHOUSE/FREIGHT MOVEMENT
Uses involved in the storage and movement of large quantities
of materials or products indoors and/or outdoors, associated with
significant truck and rail traffic.
WHOLESALE SALES
Involves sales, leasing or rental of equipment or products
primarily intended for industrial, institutional or commercial businesses.
Businesses may or may not be open to the general public, but sales
to the general public may be accessory.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Licensed wireless telecommunication services, including,
but not necessarily limited to, cellular, personal communication services
(PCS), specialized mobilized radio (SMR), enhanced specialized mobilized
radio (ESMR), paging and similar services marketed to the general
public.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SITE (WTS)
A facility operated by a licensed wireless telecommunication
service provider which consists of the equipment and structures involved
in receiving and/or transmitting electromagnetic waves associated
with wireless telecommunication services.
YARD
An undeveloped area on the same lot as a building or structure,
or group of buildings or structures, which lies between the buildings
or structures and the nearest lot line, and which must remain unobstructed
and unoccupied, except as these regulations may provide otherwise.
ZEO
The Zoning Enforcement Officer duly appointed by the Planning
and Zoning Commission
ZONE
An area within which certain uses of land and buildings are
permitted, certain others are prohibited, and certain others are designated
as uses requiring a special exception or special permit from the Commission
or the Zoning Board of Appeals; yards and other open spaces are required;
and lot areas, building height limits, and other requirements are
established, all of the foregoing being identical for all property
located within the zone to which they apply.
ZONING PERMIT
A permit authorizing the use of land and/or structures on a property, issued by the Commission pursuant to §
300-22 of these regulations.