Town of Ashford, CT Zoning Districts

The Official Zoning Map shall be at a scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet and identified by the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and shall bear the date of the most recent Zoning Map amendment.

When, in accordance with the provisions of these regulations, changes are made in district boundaries or other matter portrayed on the Official Zoning Map, such changes shall be made on the Official Zoning Map together with an entry on the Official Zoning Map as follows: "As amended to (date)." (Such date shall be that of the most recent amendment.) The Official Zoning Map shall be filed in the office of the Town Clerk and an updated copy shall be displayed in the Ashford Town Land Use Office.

Where the boundary between districts is shown following a street, watercourse, railroad or utility right-of-way, the boundary shall be the center line thereof, unless otherwise indicated. Where the boundary is shown approximately in the location of boundary lines or lot lines, then the boundary line or lot line shall be the district boundary line. Where the boundary does not follow a street, watercourse, railroad or utility right-of-way, boundary line or lot line, the district boundary line shall be determined using the scale on the Official Zoning Map.

Where a district boundary divides a lot in one ownership into a residential and a nonresidential district or into two nonresidential districts, the area and frontage requirements for that lot shall comply with those that are more restrictive as set forth for such districts. All other building requirements shall correspond with those of the particular district in which a use, structure or building is established or constructed.

Where the location of a district boundary line is uncertain, the Commission shall interpret the district boundary line.

§ 300-17 Residential - Agricultural Zone (RA).

Purpose.

The purpose of the Residential - Agricultural Zone is to allow residential and complementary nonresidential development consistent with the rural character of the Town that is reflected in its forests, farm fields, historic buildings, and unique landscapes.

The further purpose of the Residential - Agricultural Zone is to promote the economic viability and operational sustainability of agricultural business in the Town of Ashford as outlined in the Ashford Plan of Conservation and Development. Specifically, these regulations are intended to:

Address food and fiber needs;

Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;

Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;

Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and

Maintain an agricultural-friendly community.

Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in the Residential - Agricultural Zone in accordance with the requirements found in Article V:

Single-family dwelling.

Two-family dwelling.

Agriculture, exclusive of farmers' markets and farm stores.

Farm stands 200 square feet or less in compliance with § 300-17J.

Community residence.

Accessory structures and uses customarily incidental to and associated with the above permitted uses.

In-law apartments.

Boarding, rooming or lodging quarters.

Amateur radio towers and antennas, provided the height of tower shall not exceed 199 feet.

Outdoor wood-burning furnace in accordance with Connecticut law.

Home occupations in compliance with § 300-17I.

Agricultural waste storage associated with a farm operation.

(g)

Family child-care home or group child-care home, as defined by C.G.S. § 19a-77, which is licensed and complies with the standards set forth by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.

[Added 12-11-2023]

Special permit uses. A special permit may be issued for the following uses in the Residential - Agricultural Zone pursuant to § 300-23 of these regulations:

[Amended 5-10-2021]

Group and child day-care centers as a primary use which provide care for 12 or more persons.

[Amended 12-11-2023]

Farmers' markets.

Farm stores.

Farm stands over 200 square feet, in accordance with § 300-17J.

Single-family homes on interior lots in accordance with § 300-17F.

Earth removal and filling in accordance with Article VI.

Cemeteries.

Interior lots.

Places of worship, education (including boarding of students), and philanthropy, excluding hospitals and correctional institutions.

Golf clubs or sporting clubs.

(11)

Bed-and-breakfast establishments providing lodging to transient guests under management and operation of the occupants of the dwelling. A bed-and-breakfast inn may include the provision of meals for overnight guests only.

(12)

Boarding, rooming or lodging quarters (limited to no more than two persons for compensation).

(13)

Wireless telecommunication sites.

(14)

Avocational and commercial dog kennels and veterinary hospitals.

(15)

Eateries on a farm.

(16)

Farm wineries, distilleries and breweries.

(17)

Accessory structures and uses customarily incidental to and associated with the above special permit uses.

Rural businesses, in accordance with § 300-17I of these regulations.

Agricultural waste storage not associated a farm operation.

Short-term rentals, in accordance with § 300-17D.

(18)

Campgrounds (specifically provided the campground was originally established prior to January 12, 1987), in accordance with § 300-17K.

[Added 7-12-2021]

Short-term rentals. The following conditions shall apply to all short-term rentals:

Owner/operators of a short-term rental must obtain a zoning permit from the Commission prior to offering their properties for rental. As short-term rentals are conducted on a temporary and periodic basis, no nonconforming use rights will be recognized for short-term rentals existing at the time of the passage of these regulations. The zoning permit application must include either:

In the case of lots in the RA Zone, the name of the property owner residing on the premises; or

In the case of lots outside of the RA Zone, the name and contact information of the property manager who must live or work within two hours of the site and the express written consent of the property owner for such temporary rental.

At any one time, the number of persons occupying a room or rooms in a single dwelling unit authorized for short-term room rentals shall be limited to four adults (in total) and minor children related to at least one of the adults by blood, marriage, adoption, custodianship, or guardianship, subject to a minimum square footage of usable floor area of 70 square feet for one person and 50 square feet for each additional person, including children one year of age or older.

If a short-term room rental occurs in an RA Zone, or if it occurs in any other district on a lot containing only a one-unit dwelling (and no additional dwelling units or other nonresidential uses), then the property must be the primary residence of the owner.

The first permit issued pursuant to this Subsection D shall expire within one year of issuance. After one year of compliance with all regulations pursuant to this subsection, renewed permits shall expire within two years of issuance. A permit of any time length may be revoked if the Zoning Enforcement Officer receives information in the form of complaints, documentation, photographs or witnessed noncompliance with the regulations by the permittee, including any activity or condition that interferes with an owner's/abutter's reasonable and lawful use and enjoyment of his property. Such revocation is subject to a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission. A permit issued pursuant to this subsection may be conditioned to limit the number of days during which temporary rentals may occur.

[Amended 5-10-2021]

The requirements in this subsection shall not apply to sublets or assignments of a possessory interest in the entire portion of a dwelling unit pursuant to a written lease agreement of one month or more in duration.

Accessory dwelling units and long-term room rentals are not permitted on the same lot as a short-term room rental.

Parking. Applicant shall submit a parking plan to the Commission showing at least one parking space per bedroom rented.

General standards. The following general standards shall apply to all lots, buildings, structures and uses in the Residential - Agricultural Zone except as these regulations may specifically provide otherwise. The Commission may impose additional requirements for special permitted uses depending upon the use and application. The Commission may grant exceptions to these standards, including but not limited to recommendations of a civil engineer, impact upon abutters, environmental concerns and proposed use.

Dimensional requirements.

[Amended 5-10-2021]

Land Use	Minimum Lot Size (square feet)	Minimum Buildable Area (square feet)
Single-family dwelling with or without in-law apartments	90,000	25,000
Two-family dwelling	90,000	25,000
Group day-care homes and community residences	90,000	25,000
Home occupations included in residential dwelling or within accessory structures	90,000	25,000
Agriculture	None	None
Farm stand	None	None
Farm store	None	None
Farmers' market	None	None
Cemeteries	As determined in special permit	None
Boarding, rooming, or lodging, and bed-and-breakfast	90,000 or larger as determined in special permit	25,000 or larger as determined in special permit
Places of worship, education, and philanthropy	90,000 or larger as determined in special permit	25,000 or larger as determined in special permit
Rural business - 2,500 square feet or less	90,000	25,000
Rural business - 2,501 to 5,000 square feet	90,000 or larger as determined in special permit	25,000 or larger as determined in special permit
Golf clubs or sporting clubs	As determined in special permit	As determined in special permit
Amateur radio tower	No addition lot size as long as setbacks are met	N/A
Wireless telecommunication towers	See Article VI	N/A
Outdoor wood-burning furnace	See state regulations	N/A

Frontage and setback requirements.

Land Use	Frontage (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)
Single-family dwelling	200 continuous	50	30	30
Two-family dwelling	200 continuous	50	30	30
Group day-care homes and community residences	200 continuous	50	30	30
Agriculture structure (permanent)	200 continuous	25	25	25
Agriculture structure (non-permanent)	N/A	25	25	25
Agriculture, waste storage	N/A	100	100	100
Farm stand	N/A	None	10	None
Farm store	200 continuous	50	30	30
Farmers' market	200 continuous	None	None	None
Home occupations included in residential dwelling with or without accessory structures	200 continuous	50	30	30
Bed-and-breakfast or boarding and lodging	200 continuous	50	30	30
Places of worship, education, and philanthropy	200 continuous	50	50	30
Rural businesses	200 continuous	50	30	30
Cemeteries (setbacks as determined in special permit)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Golf clubs or sporting clubs	200 continuous	50	100	100
		No structure used for recreation purposes shall be within 100 feet of any adjoining property line or within 100 feet of any street line.
		No land used for fairways or bridle paths shall be within 100 feet of any adjoining property line except by consent or contract.
		No range for shooting firearms shall be within 100 feet of any adjoining property line.
Avocational and commercial dog kennels and veterinary hospitals	200 continuous	100	100	100
	200 continuous	No less than 150 feet from the seasonal high-water level of any wetland or watercourse.
Outdoor wood-burning furnace	See state requirements
Wireless telecommunication tower	See Article VI
Amateur radio tower and antennas	Same as primary use	All portions of the radio antennas shall be set back from adjoining property lines a minimum distance equal to the height of the antennas.
Accessory structures to the primary building	N/A	50	15	15
Accessory structures to the primary building	N/A	No porch or deck shall be allowed to project into the required setbacks.
Special needs access	N/A	50	15	15
Special needs access	N/A	The ZEO may permit the construction of a required special needs access to protrude into a required setback provided that it is the only reasonable location for such access

Livable floor area requirements.

Structure Type	Livable Floor Area (square feet)
Single-family dwelling	Minimum 900
Two-family dwelling	Minimum 900 for each unit
Agriculture	N/A

Height of buildings and structures. Except as may be expressly authorized elsewhere in these regulations, the maximum height of any building or structure in the RA Zone shall be 35 feet.

Limitations on buildings or structures.

Principal building or structure. Only one principal building or structure shall be placed on a lot.

In-law apartments. An in-law apartment shall be no less than 500 square feet and shall not exceed 700 square feet; shall contain no more than one bedroom and include one bath, and a kitchen, designed to preserve and maintain the single-family residential appearance; shall have at least one side of the unit at or above ground with an entrance door to the outside; and shall be occupied by no more than two individuals. The creation of the unit shall not diminish the size of the primary dwelling to less than required by these regulations. Only one in-law apartment shall be permitted per primary dwelling. The dwelling owner must reside in either the primary dwelling or the in-law apartment.

[Amended 5-10-2021]

Construction before demolition. The ZEO may permit a new dwelling to be built pending the demolition of an old dwelling and attach conditions to ensure the completion of the demolition.

Corner visibility. No sign, fence, wall, hedge, or other structure or planting more than three feet in height (at maturity) shall be erected, placed or maintained on any corner lot in a manner which obstructs visibility of either street at the intersection.

Interior lots.

In conventional subdivisions, where topography or shape of the parcel dictates, or if such a lot would result in the most appropriate use of land, an interior lot may be permitted by special permit.

The provisions of this subsection are intended to permit the use of land for residential purposes which is landlocked or deprived of minimum frontage on a street or, in the case of a subdivision, where the topography or unusual shape of the property lends itself to an interior lot to accomplish the best use of the land. In the case of a subdivision, the Commission shall not approve interior lot(s) unless it finds that such lot(s) provides the best development of the land because of the topography and shape of the land. The Commission shall find that the development of interior lots will provide the most suitable use of the land considering such factors as:

Drainage;

Natural resources;

Accessibility;

Topography and shape of the land;

[5]

Emergency service access; and

[6]

All other requirements of the Zoning and/or Subdivision Regulations (other than applicable frontage requirements) are met.

No more than 10% of all lots contained within a conventional subdivision shall be approved as interior lots.

Interior lots are prohibited in open space subdivisions. (See § 295-35 of the Town of Ashford Subdivision Regulations.)

Dimension standards for interior lots.

Lot area: minimum lot size 90,000 square feet exclusive of accessway with minimum buildable area of 25,000 square feet.

Setbacks.

Front setback: 30 feet from abutting front lot.

Side setback: 30 feet.

Rear setback: 30 feet.

Accessway: continuous minimum fifty-foot-wide deeded accessway fronting on a street or a road which is built to meet the Town standards.

Only the construction of a single-family dwelling and accessory building(s) shall be permitted on an interior lot. The accessway area shall not be used for an additional interior lot or for the placement of any accessory building(s).

The accessway to the interior lot shall be owned by the owner of the interior lot. The owner of the interior lot shall use the accessway to provide access to the area of the lot on which the dwelling is to be located and shall provide and maintain the driveway and storm drainage system in the accessway area. Said driveway is to be fully capable of providing unrestricted access at any time for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks, etc.

Driveways.

Access. All lots must have a private way within the lot, or with deeded access, that affords vehicular access from a street. Unless otherwise provided herein, a single driveway may not serve more than two dwellings. If a new driveway is proposed in conjunction with an application for a zoning or building permit, a driveway permit must be obtained through the Selectmen's office before the permit can be issued.

Design criteria.

Width of driveway. A driveway serving a single-family dwelling must be designed and constructed to provide a fourteen-foot-wide, hard-surface access to accommodate emergency vehicles, including but not limited to fire trucks. A driveway serving two dwellings, or a two-family dwelling, must be designed and constructed to provide an eighteen-foot-wide, hard-surface access.

Slopes. No driveway may have a slope exceeding 12%. All slopes exceeding 10% must be paved.

Length. A design must be submitted to the Commission for driveways exceeding 500 feet in length. The plan should include construction, drainage, sedimentation and erosion control, turnouts and turnarounds. All driveways exceeding 500 feet must have a turnout, 10 feet wide by 40 feet long, at the 500-foot point and one every 300 feet thereafter. A ninety-foot-diameter turnaround shall be installed every 900 feet instead of a turnout. At the dwelling end of the driveway, a turnaround suitable for a fifty-foot-long fire truck must be provided.

Maintenance. Driveways must be maintained for year-round access. A driveway agreement for maintenance and snowplowing shall be placed on the Land Records for a common driveway serving multiple dwellings.

Firefighting water supply.

Applicability. All new developments of three or more new dwellings on an existing or new access point, and new or expanded commercial development exceeding 2,500 square feet, unless the commercial building has a self-contained fire suppression system or sprinkler system from a commercial water source, shall have, constructed by the developer, a water supply.

Water supply design.

A natural or dug water source (pond, stream, brook, river, etc.) with a minimum usable capacity of 15,000 gallons; or

A cistern (precast concrete, fiberglass, or other acceptable tank material) with a minimum capacity of 15,000 gallons.

Hydrant access. A ten-foot-wide by forty-five-foot-long paved or compacted gravel area accessible year round, which shall be adjacent to a hydrant drafting head.

Terms. As used in this subsection, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

ACCESS POINT

Any street or driveway established for the purpose of entry to the new development.

LIFT

The distance between the average surface level of the water supply and the surface on which the fire engine will park, plus 32 inches.

Criteria for approval. Any dry hydrant, meeting the following criteria, shall be deemed to provide the desired firefighting protection for a distance of 2,500 feet, as measured along the center line of existing or proposed streets:

All dry hydrants must be designed such that the total lift is not more than 15 feet. Ten feet is the preferred lift.

Horizontal pipe length shall be limited to no more than 40 feet from hydrant head.

Hydrant head shall be a minimum of 24 inches and a maximum of 48 inches. The hydrant head shall be parallel with the finished grade. The hydrant head shall be within 10 feet of the parking area.

All underground and underwater piping shall be PVC Schedule 40 with a minimum diameter of six inches.

All joints shall be cleaned and securely glued before being placed in the water. All joints underground or underwater will be secured with stainless steel screws on every joint in at least three places. Gluing of joints above ground or above water is acceptable.

All piping extending into the water supply shall be supported on and secured to concrete or stone blocks at least every 10 feet such that the strainer portion is a minimum of 24 inches off the bottom of the water supply. There shall be a minimum of 24 inches of water at the bottom, left and right side of the piping and 48 inches of water at the top of the piping to allow for 24 inches of winter ice. The strainer and hydrant head will be purchased from the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department at their cost.

(g)

The hydrant riser shall be protected by two concrete-filled steel posts, six inches in diameter, placed 24 inches either side of the riser and extending 48 inches above finished grade. These posts shall be embedded in concrete after the hydrant is accepted by the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department. Posts shall be painted safety yellow with a six-inch red band at the top.

(h)

Piping installation must be scheduled at least three business days ahead of time with the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department. An Ashford Volunteer Fire Department officer or representative must be on site for inspection before any piping is buried or submerged.

(i)

Upon testing and acceptance of the hydrant, the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department will assume responsibility for future maintenance.

Underground cistern/tank; design criteria.

The cistern/tank shall be installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1142 (2001) Appendix B.

The tank will have a six-inch dry hydrant drafting pipe, 2 1/2-inch return, 4 1/2-inch vent and a visible water gauge.

The tank shall be installed below frost line and the only visible plumbing shall be the hydrant head, fill pipe, vent pipe and water gauge. Hydrant head and associated plumbing shall be protected by two concrete-filled steel posts, six inches in diameter, placed 24 inches either side and extending 48 inches above finished grade. These posts shall be embedded in concrete. Posts shall be painted safety yellow with a six-inch red band at the top. The hydrant head shall be located no more than 10 feet from the parking area.

The number of tanks shall be determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer and the Chief of the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department.

An easement will be provided by the developer to the Town of Ashford, and recorded on the Land Records, for filling, use and maintenance of the tank and associated plumbing after acceptance.

The owner/developer will be responsible for the initial filling of the tank, and the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department will conduct a flow test prior to acceptance of the tank and plumbing.

(g)

Upon testing and acceptance of the system, the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department will assume responsibility for future inspection, maintenance and filling.

Home occupations and rural businesses.

Purpose. The purpose of this subsection is to provide economic opportunities in the Residential - Agricultural Zone by permitting the operation of small businesses capable of existing in otherwise residentially zoned areas without any adverse effects on the quality of life, environment, aesthetic values and property values in such areas.

Home occupations and rural businesses shall not include restaurants, tea rooms, or other eating or drinking places; dog kennels; animal hospitals; tattoo parlors or sexually oriented businesses; barbershop or beauty parlor having more than one sink with one chair for cutting hair; doctors or dentists; automotive service or repairs, except for vehicles registered in the name of family members residing in the dwelling; used or new motor vehicle sales; tow truck service or storage; or funeral chapels, funeral homes or crematoriums.

Home occupations include, but are not limited to, the preparation and sale of those products customarily produced in the home or garden, and actually produced in the subject home or garden, such as baking and home preserves; the preparation and sale of the products of arts and crafts actually prepared on the subject premises, such as sewing, painting, wood carving, ceramics, writing, sculpture, ornamental glass and metal working; and the workshops of skilled craftsmen such as watchmakers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, house painters, and paperhangers.

Rural businesses include, but are not limited to, the preparation and sale of the products of arts and crafts actually prepared on the subject premises, such as cabinetmaking, ornamental glass and metal working; tutoring, music lessons, voice lessons, or similar teaching or training services where more than one student attends class or is given instruction at any one time; workshops of skilled craftsmen such as watchmakers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, house painters, and paperhangers; and the offices of architects, accountants, lawyers, engineers, psychotherapists, real estate and insurance agents, and other recognized professionals.

Permit required.

Home occupations after securing a zoning permit (or special permit in the event there is more than one requested or being conducted on the lot) or rural businesses after securing a special permit in accordance with Article V of these regulations may be permitted in the Residential - Agricultural Zone. The ZEO may issue a zoning permit for home occupations that are in compliance with the conditions listed below. However, if there are questions concerning compliance, the ZEO will consult with the Commission before issuing a zoning permit. All home occupation and rural business uses shall comply with the following:

The use is clearly secondary to the residential or agricultural use of the property. There shall be no change in the residential character of the site or the neighborhood. There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the residence or accessory building.

More than one home occupation on any lot shall require a special permit.

A home occupation shall be located entirely within a dwelling and shall not occupy more than 50% of the gross floor area of the dwelling.

No rural business may occupy a nonresidential or accessory structure in excess of 5,000 square feet.

[5]

Any outside area devoted to a rural business shall be clearly depicted on the proposed site plan.

[a]

Areas developed in connection with a rural business shall be appropriately screened, to the satisfaction of the Commission, from adjacent properties so as to be consistent and compatible with residential uses.

[b]

External storage of equipment shall be located so as to comply with all setback requirements.

[6]

No traffic shall be generated by such home occupation or rural business in greater volume than would be normally expected in a residential neighborhood. Any need for client or employee parking generated by the conduct of the home occupation or rural business shall be provided off the street and not in the required setbacks. See Article 6 for parking requirements.

[7]

Any lighting, in addition to the requirements set forth in Article VI, used to illuminate off-street parking areas shall be so arranged as to direct the light down, towards the parking area, and away from the adjoining lots and any street.

[8]

No more than two nonresidents of the dwelling shall be employed on the premises for a home occupation and no more than five nonresidents of the dwelling shall be employed on the premises for a rural business.

[9]

No noise, odor, vibrations, glare, fumes, electrical interference or unsightly conditions shall be noticeable on the premises. There shall be no activity that creates, uses, or forms a by-product or waste that is hazardous or a volatile material. There shall be no storage of commercial poisons of any kind nor the generation, storage or disposal of hazardous materials on the lot. No activity shall be undertaken nor material used or stored at levels that can be potentially harmful or capable of polluting any surface water, groundwater or the air.

[10]

Notwithstanding any other provision in Article VI of these regulations to the contrary, a single sign which states the name of the permitted home occupation or rural business is allowed with the following conditions:

[a]

No more than four square feet of sign area;

[b]

No more than five feet above the ground level (top of sign) for a freestanding sign or no higher than the roofline for an attached sign;

[c]

Meets the side yard setback;

[d]

May not be placed in the street right-of-way; and

[e]

May not interfere with the line of sight of traffic.

[11]

Hours of operation. The actual hours of operation, landscaping, lighting, screening, etc., of any home occupation or rural business may be limited by the Commission.

The initial home occupation zoning permit or rural business special permit shall be issued for two years. At the end of the second year the permit shall be reviewed and may be renewed for an additional two-year period or revoked. Subsequent permits shall be reviewed every two years for renewal or revocation. Permits are not transferable to another person or parcel without reapplication. Any permit may be revoked if in the opinion of the Zoning Enforcement Officer and the Commission any of the following conditions exist:

The use has clearly altered the residential character of the premises and/or neighborhood through the generation of traffic substantially in excess of that normally generated by a residential dwelling;

Changes in the lot or occupied building(s) have been made, altering the residential character of the premises or the neighborhood;

The nature of the occupation has changed from what was originally permitted; or

Violation of any condition listed above or imposed by the permit.

The granting of a home occupation zoning permit or rural business special permit shall entitle the ZEO to enter upon the premises upon notice to the owner and during reasonable hours to make inspections at least annually to verify compliance with these regulations.

Agriculture.

Farm stands and stores.

At least 70% of gross sales from farm stands and 50% of gross sales from farm stores shall be from agricultural goods produced on the owner's farm. The Commission may permit the sale of items not produced or grown by the farm operator to meet the 50% threshold, or 70% threshold as the case may be, where it is necessary to supplement the grower's production due to circumstances beyond the producer's control, such as weather. For agricultural goods not produced or grown by the farm operator, the Commission strongly encourages that they be "CT Grown" as defined by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The farm stand or farm store may only be located on an active farm site.

The farm stand will be positioned so as not to obstruct sight lines and traffic flow

All parking areas shall be in accordance with Article VI.

A farm store must meet all state and local codes and health requirements.

Seasonal agricultural signage.

All signs shall adhere to the requirements of Article VI, except as specifically provided herein.

Seasonal agricultural sign (temporary). One sign, either attached or freestanding, is allowed without permit for the purpose of advertising seasonal grown agricultural products for sale on the premises. Such sign must be located on the premises of the agricultural business. An attached sign may not be more than 5% of the area of the wall to which it is attached. A freestanding sign must be constructed of rigid material and may be no more than 32 square feet in size. A freestanding sign must not obstruct or create a hazard to walkways or motorists.

Off-site directional signs, intended to aid drivers traveling to agricultural businesses, are allowed without permit, subject to the following:

Signs shall not exceed four square feet and may not be illuminated.

Signs shall be allowed only for the purpose of identifying the location of the agricultural business.

Only one sign per business is allowed at any one location.

In the event the Commission determines that any sign permitted hereunder has not been maintained in good condition, the Commission may issue a cease-and-desist order and order the sign to be removed.

Temporary agriculturally related uses. Temporary or seasonal events of limited duration on a farm which are accessory to agricultural uses, such as educational demonstrations, hay rides, petting zoos, or other similar uses, may be allowed after securing a certificate of zoning compliance from the Zoning Enforcement Officer, provided the applicant has demonstrated that there will be adequate and safe on-site parking. The Zoning Enforcement Officer has discretion to require Commission approval if he or she determines that the intensity of the event warrants further review. Upon recommendation by the Zoning Enforcement Officer for Commission review, the Commission may require the applicant to secure a special permit in accordance with § 300-23F.

Campgrounds.

[Added 7-12-2021]

The purpose of this subsection is to provide for the continued economic viability of existing campgrounds (i.e., a campground that was established prior to January 12, 1987) by establishing reasonable controls for any new construction, additions to existing buildings, new site and facility improvements, or new camping unit sites [as defined by Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Section 19a-2a-29 (as amended) and hereinafter referred to as "campsites"] at said campground. Any such activity shall require a special permit and shall be subject to the following regulations.

Campsite occupancy.

Except as specifically provided herein, the temporary licensing for rent of campsites is permitted daily during the period of April 1 to the following November 30 and only on weekends and legal holidays, during the period of December 1 to the following March 31.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection K(2)(a) above, the Commission may approve winterized campsites for use during the period of December 1 to the following March 31 (hereinafter identified as the "winter season"), provided that the same are specifically identified on the site plan accompanying the required special permit application, and further provided that prior to occupancy of any such campsite:

The owner and/or operator of the campground and every adult occupant of each such campsite must execute a licensing or rental agreement for the temporary occupancy of such campsite on a standard form provided by the campground;

Each adult occupant of each such campsite shall provide the owner and/or operator of the campground with signed assurances, under penalty of false statement on a standard form provided by the campground, that:

[i]

They maintain a primary place of residence at a location other than the campground;

[ii]

They state the precise street address of their primary place of residence and provide proof of the same (examples include current tax bill or utility bill);

[iii]

They acknowledge that neither they nor anyone else for whom they are legally responsible may become a resident or domiciliary of the Town of Ashford under any circumstances due to their temporary occupancy at the campsite; and

[iv]

They represent that neither they nor anyone else for whom they are legally responsible will claim or attempt to claim residency or domiciliary in the Town of Ashford for any purpose as a result of their temporary occupancy at the campsite.

If the owner and/or operator of the campground becomes aware that any occupant of any campsite is attempting to establish residency or domiciliary in the Town of Ashford for themselves or anyone else for whom they are legally responsible solely on the basis of their temporary occupancy at a campsite, the owner/operator of the campground will forthwith commence to terminate such party's rental or license agreement and dispossess them from said campsite.

Records. In addition to any agreements required per Subsection K(2)(b) above, the owner and/or operator of the campground shall be responsible for the keeping and maintenance of a daily register of all campsite occupants as required by Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Section 19a-2a-29 (as amended). The register shall be provided to the Planning and Zoning Commission, or its designated agent, and to police, fire and health officials of the Town or state upon request, and, on or before October 1 of each year, to the Assessor.

Design requirements.

A suitable buffer strip for purposes of visual and auditory screening shall be provided. If natural vegetation does not exist, such buffer strip shall be landscaped to provide an all-season screen. Normally, this would be a strip of 100 feet wide along all property lines; but in cases where existing site conditions, topography or vegetation is demonstrated to exist to provide adequate screening, the Commission may reduce the width of the buffer strip to not less than 50 feet.

Campsites are prohibited within any required buffer strips; however, recreational and parking areas may be allowed if these are landscaped to prevent adverse effects on adjacent properties.

Each campsite shall be of such size and character as to comply with all applicable state and local regulations.

Each campsite may be occupied by one recreational vehicle, as defined by Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Section 19a-2a-29 (as amended), or two tents, and shall be used exclusively by the occupants registered to use said campsite.

All internal, private driveways or roadways shall be designed to the satisfaction of the Fire Marshal, shall be maintained with a dustless surface and shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 162 of the Town Code of Ordinances.

The campground shall comply with all applicable state and local regulations with regard to fire safety, the provision of electrical service, water supply and sanitary facilities, subsurface sewage disposal facilities, sanitary disposal stations and general sanitation measures.

Noise. The owner and/or operator of the campground shall monitor noise levels to:

Prevent the emission of excessive noise [as defined by Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Section 22a-69-3.5 (as amended)] beyond the boundaries of the campground property; and

Ensure strict adherence to established nighttime noise levels (also as defined by Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Section 22a-69-3.5, as amended).

Lighting. Lighting shall be designed, located and maintained in conformity with the provisions of § 300-30.

§ 300-18 General Commercial Zone (GC).

Purpose.

The purpose of the General Commercial Zone, consistent with the Town's Plan of Conservation and Development, is to provide for meaningful and realistic commercial utilization of appropriate portions of the Town for a complimentary and integrated mixture of employment, shopping, entertainment and civic uses while preserving the Town's rural character.

The further purpose of the General Commercial Zone is to promote the economic viability and operational sustainability of agricultural business in the Town of Ashford as outlined in the Ashford Plan of Conservation and Development. Specifically, these regulations are intended to:

Address food and fiber needs;

Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;

Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;

Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and

Maintain an agricultural-friendly community.

Permitted uses. The following uses, containing not more than 5,000 square feet of floor area, are permitted in the General Commercial Zone in accordance with the site plan requirements found in Article V:

Retail stores.

Agriculture.

Food and beverage stores for the sale of groceries, fruit and meat, baked goods and dairy products, not including the sale of liquor.

Restaurants.

Farm stands and farm stores in accordance with § 300-18E.

Town-sponsored farmers' markets.

Personal service establishments.

Banking and financial institutions.

Repair shops (exclusive of motor vehicle service and repair stations).

Fitness, dance, or sport training facilities.

(11)

Business and professional offices.

(12)

Public buildings (without outdoor storage).

(13)

Day-care center.

(14)

Accessory uses customarily incidental to the above permitted uses.

Special permit uses. The following uses and those uses listed in Subsection B above containing more than 5,000 square feet of floor area may be allowed in the General Commercial Zone, conditioned on the fact that any such use not exceed 25,000 square feet in total floor area, in accordance with the special permit requirements found in § 300-23:

Outdoor cafes in association with a restaurant.

Manufacturing.

Farm equipment and garden centers.

Motel, hotel and inn.

Lumberyards.

Motor vehicle dealerships.

Motor vehicle service and repair stations.

Liquor stores.

Theaters (stage or film).

Tire sales (including wholesale) stores, without tire manufacturing or retread facilities.

(11)

Walk-in clinics and medical laboratories.

(12)

Wholesale and distribution.

(13)

Veterinary clinic.

(14)

Vocational and avocational dog kennel; no outside kennels.

(15)

Wireless telecommunication sites, in accordance with Article VI.

(16)

Accessory uses customarily incidental to and associated with the above special permit uses.

General standards. The following general standards shall apply to all buildings, structures and uses in the General Commercial Zone except as these regulations may specifically provide otherwise.

Dimensional standards.

Lot frontage: 100 feet (continuous).

Lot coverage: 75% (maximum).

Height: 35 feet and no more than three stories.

Lot area. The minimum lot area for development in this district shall be that which satisfies the Eastern Highlands Health District's standards for septic and potable water. Shared septic and/or water is allowed provided all applicable health and environmental codes are satisfied.

[Amended 5-10-2021]

Frontage and setbacks.

Setbacks.

Use	Front (feet)	Side (feet)	Rear (feet)
Primary structure(s)	50	20	20
Accessory structure(s)	Behind the building line

Landscaped buffer area. Notwithstanding the setbacks for the structure, the Commission may require up to an additional 50 feet of buffer between a commercial use and a residential or agricultural use. The Commission may require additional screening where it deems it necessary to protect neighboring properties from noise, light or other nuisance. Such additional screening may include the erection of a solid fence or the installation of an earthen berm. Such plantings should be of varieties native to Connecticut.

Rubbish disposal. Rubbish and waste disposal areas shall be fenced or otherwise screened, and rubbish and waste shall at all times be kept in appropriate closed containers in order to prevent dispersal of refuse materials within or outside of the lot.

Signs and site lighting requirements. See Article VI.

All developments consisting of two or more units shall utilize shared driveways, private roads or newly dedicated public roads to provide access to their developments in order to limit curb cuts and access to Town roadways and state highways.

Off-street parking. See Article VI.

Agriculture.

Farm stands and farm stores.

At least 70% of gross sales from farm stands and 50% of gross sales from farm stores shall be from agricultural goods produced on the owner's farm. The Commission may permit the sale of items not produced or grown by the farm operator to meet the 50% threshold, or 70% threshold, as the case may be, where it is necessary to supplement the grower's production due to circumstances beyond the producer's control, such as weather. For agricultural goods not produced or grown by the farm operator, the Commission strongly encourages that they be "CT Grown" as defined by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The farm stand or farm store may only be located on an active farm site.

All parking areas shall be in accordance with Article VI.

A farm store must meet all state and local codes and health requirements.

Seasonal agricultural signage.

All signs shall adhere to the requirements of Article VI, except as specifically provided herein.

Off-site directional signs, intended to aid drivers traveling to agricultural businesses, are allowed without permit, subject to the following:

Signs shall not exceed four square feet and may not be illuminated.

Signs shall be allowed only for the purpose of identifying the location of the agricultural business.

No more than four signs shall be allowed per agricultural business.

Only one sign per business is allowed at any one location.

In the event the Commission determines that any sign permitted hereunder has not been maintained in good condition, the Commission may issue a cease-and-desist order and order the sign to be removed.

Temporary agriculturally related uses. Temporary or seasonal events of limited duration on a farm which are accessory to agricultural uses, such as educational demonstrations, hay rides, petting zoos or other similar uses, may be allowed after securing a certificate of zoning compliance from the Zoning Enforcement Officer, provided the applicant has demonstrated that there will be adequate and safe on-site parking. The Zoning Enforcement Officer has discretion to require Commission approval if he or she determines that the intensity of the event warrants further review. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the following types of temporary events of limited duration on a farm may be allowed after securing a special permit in accordance with Article V: corn mazes, harvest or holiday festivals, weddings, banquets, privately hosted events, bus tours, or other similar uses involving larger numbers of visitors.

Landscaping requirements.

The required front and side yard along a street of all lots shall be landscaped and surfaced with best management practices, including but not limited to meadows, lawn, evergreen cover or ground cover acceptable to the Commission.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to replace any vegetation required by this regulation which dies or is lost by theft.

In situations where landscaped buffers are required, at least 75% of all trees shall be evergreen species. A plan for landscaping and buffering shall be submitted as part of the permit application.

Design guidelines. The following are recommended as a means to satisfy the intent of this zone:

The architectural design of new buildings and major exterior alterations or additions should relate to neighboring buildings, natural features and the rural character of Ashford. While specific designs need not be duplicated, the general size, bulk, materials and colors should have a complementary design relationship to other buildings and the landscape.

The removal or disruption of historic, traditional, or significant structures or architectural elements should be avoided or minimized so that the historic or distinctive character of the Town of Ashford is maintained.

The height and scale of each building should be compatible with its site and existing (or anticipated) adjoining buildings.

Where large buildings are to be placed in settings where smaller buildings would be more appropriate, the apparent mass of the buildings should be reduced by introducing variations in wall setbacks and heights, additions of windows and other openings, using different materials or finishes, and similar methods.

Newly installed utility services, and service revisions made necessary by exterior alterations, should be underground.

A desirable streetscape and attractive landscape transitions to adjoining properties should be provided.

Existing trees at four inches' or greater caliper should, if possible, be incorporated into the site plan.

Utility and service equipment areas should be screened from public view with materials harmonious with the building.

Signs should be designed as an integral architectural element of the building and site to which they principally relate and should be coordinated with the building architecture.

Exterior lighting, where used, should enhance public safety, the building design, and the landscape.

§ 300-19 Interstate Interchange Development Zone (IID).

Purpose.

The purpose of the Interstate Interchange Development Zone is to provide economic opportunity, consistent with the Town's Plan of Conservation and Development, in the Town by permitting the operation of large-scale businesses, industries, and complementary commercial activities.

The Commission recognizes that the potential exists for the zone to accommodate a wide variety of manufacturing and commercial land uses.

Proposed development must demonstrate that there will be compatibility with adjacent (residential and nonresidential) development and that it will not negatively impact adjacent development.

Site planning is an essential criterion of the Interstate Interchange Development Zone and is intended to be carefully planned, both within the site's own boundaries and in relation to surrounding properties.

This zone is intended to project the image and character of an attractive and distinctive gateway into the Town of Ashford.

The further purpose of the Interstate Interchange Development Zone is to promote the economic viability and operational sustainability of agricultural business in the Town of Ashford as outlined in the Ashford Plan of Conservation and Development. Specifically, these regulations are intended to:

Address food and fiber needs;

Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;

Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;

Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and

Put in place an agricultural-friendly community.

Permitted uses. Accessory uses incidental to and associated with the below-mentioned special permit uses may be permitted in accordance with the site plan requirements found in § 300-22 of these regulations.

Special permit uses. The following uses, or combination thereof, may be permitted by the Commission subject to special permit in accordance with § 300-23 of these regulations:

Manufacturing.

Agriculture, including without limitation:

The production of agriculture products, the processing of such products as value-added products and the distribution of agricultural products.

Regional farmers' markets.

Farm equipment dealers and wholesalers.

Farm stands and farm stores in accordance with § 300-19F.

Sale of building equipment, merchandise, material or supply businesses, provided that the principal use is within a completely enclosed building.

Offices for business, financial, professional, research, or skilled trade services or personal services or other similar offices.

Motor vehicle service and repair stations, including the dispensing of petroleum fuels and accessories for automobiles and trucks and retail sales of convenience food items.

Motels and hotels (including temporary extended stay).

Restaurants.

Retail.

Wireless telecommunication site, in accordance with Article VI.

Development standards.

The following general standards shall apply to all buildings, structures and uses in the Interstate Interchange Development Zone except as these regulations may specifically provide otherwise:

Structure Size	Lot Size	Lot Frontage	Side and Rear Yard Setbacks
Up to 20,000 square feet	2 acres minimum	200 feet	50 feet for the first 5,000 square feet of gross floor area and 10 feet for each additional 1,000 square feet of gross floor area to a maximum of 100 feet
20,000 square feet to 250,000 square feet	5 acres minimum	400 feet	100 feet for the first 20,000 square feet of gross floor area and 10 feet for each additional 1,000 square feet of gross floor area to a maximum of 200 feet

Notwithstanding the setbacks for the structure the Commission may require up to an additional 50 feet of buffer between a commercial use and a residential or agricultural use. The Commission may require additional screening where it deems it necessary to protect neighboring properties from noise, light or other nuisance. Such additional screening may include the erection of a solid fence or the installation of an earthen berm. Such plantings should be of varieties native to Connecticut.

Exceptions. The following improvements are expressly excluded from these setback restrictions:

Steps, walks and driveway access to the site.

Landscaping, including landscaped earthen berms.

Planters not to exceed four feet in diameter or two feet in height where they should interfere with visual safety at site access points.

Lighting.

Lot coverage.

Building coverage: 25%.

Impervious coverage: 60%.

Building height: 35 feet.

For purposes of integrated development, any number of contiguous parcels may be consolidated, and the consolidated parcel shall be construed to be one lot when computing building coverage and yard requirements and permitted uses, provided that:

The owner of each lot within the consolidated parcel shall give to the owner in each other lot in the consolidated parcel, by deed, easement, or agreement filed in the office of the Town Clerk, the right of entrance, exit, passage, parking and loading.

The consolidated parcel is developed with an integrated plan of buildings, parking, loading and unloading.

Site planning should employ sustainable practices (sustainable development means development which increases the efficiencies with which buildings and their sites use energy, water and materials and reduces building impacts on human health and environment through better siting, design, construction, operation, and maintenance), including:

Water quality features such as bioswales and bioretention basins integrated in a cohesive and logical manner to take advantage of site topography, orientation and visibility.

Pervious paving in lieu of impervious paving. Applicant must, to the satisfaction of the Commission, demonstrate that impervious paving is necessary.

Buildings shall be oriented to take full advantage of sustainable energy options (i.e., solar, wind, geothermal) unless site conditions make such orientation, as determined by the Commission, not feasible.

Any outdoor storage, service or loading area that faces adjacent residential uses or a public street or walkway shall be screened by a decorative fence, wall or screen of plant material at least six feet in height, or a planting screen shall be provided parallel to the property line, street or walkway.

Loading docks, truck parking, HVAC equipment, electrical, trash collection and other service functions shall be incorporated into the design of the building so that the visual and noise impacts of these functions are fully contained and not visible/audible from adjacent properties and public streets. Areas for the outdoor storage and sale of merchandise, where permitted, shall be permanently defined and screened with walls or fences, with materials compatible with and of similar quality to primary building materials.

Signage. In addition to those standards contained in § 300-29 of these regulations:

Tenant identification signs may be attached to the building or freestanding signs.

Tenant identification signs shall be located near entries to the building and shall be in scale with the design of the building and entryway.

Only one tenant identification sign per street frontage of the development shall be allowed. If a business has a corner lot two signs will be permitted.

With approval of the Commission, additional signs may be allowed when they are for informational purposes such as "Truck Entrance," "Shipping/Receiving Entrance," etc. Informational signs shall be no larger than 24 inches by 30 inches.

All signage shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way or lot line.

Parking shall be in accordance with those standards contained in § 300-31 of these regulations.

Exterior lighting shall be in accordance with § 300-30.

Open/green space: 10% of each lot developed within the Interstate Interchange Development Zone shall be set aside as either passive or active open or green space, exclusive of landscaped areas related to parking, driveways and structures.

Landscaping requirements (minimum).

It is the responsibility of the property owner to replace any vegetation required by this regulation which dies or is lost by theft.

Trees, shrubs and ground cover shall be used to provide variety and to reduce the apparent mass of large, blank facades. All such trees, shrubs and ground cover shall be native to Connecticut.

Earth berms shall be used to reduce the apparent mass and height of a building. Additionally, landscaping shall be provided around the perimeter of a building to minimize the "hard edge" that is created where the building meets the pavement.

Street trees in public view shall be provided along all public (outside the public right-of-way) and private streets with a minimum of one tree installed (three-inch caliper minimum) for each 25 feet of frontage.

Design guidelines. The following are recommended as a means to satisfy the intent of this zone:

The height and scale of each building should be compatible with its site and existing (or anticipated) adjoining buildings.

Newly installed utility services, and service revisions made necessary by exterior alterations, should be underground.

A desirable streetscape and attractive landscape transitions to adjoining properties should be provided.

Existing trees at four inches' or greater caliper should, if possible, be incorporated into the site plan.

Utility and service equipment areas should be screened from public view with materials harmonious with the building.

Signs should be designed as an integral architectural element of the building and site to which they principally relate and should be coordinated with the building architecture.

Exterior lighting, where used, should enhance public safety, the building design, and the landscape.

Agriculture.

Farm stands and farm stores.

At least 70% of gross sales from farm stands and 50% of gross sales from farm stores shall be from agricultural goods produced on the owner's farm. The Commission may permit the sale of items not produced or grown by the farm operator to meet the 50% threshold, or 70% threshold, as the case may be, where it is necessary to supplement the grower's production due to circumstances beyond the producer's control, such as weather. For agricultural goods not produced or grown by the farm operator, the Commission strongly encourages that they be "CT Grown" as defined by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The farm stand or farm store may only be located on an active farm site.

All parking areas shall be in accordance with Article VI.

A farm store must meet all state and local codes and health requirements.

Seasonal agricultural signage.

All signs shall adhere to the requirements of Article VI, except as specifically provided herein.

Off-site directional signs, intended to aid drivers traveling to agricultural businesses, are allowed without permit, subject to the following:

Signs shall not exceed four square feet and may not be illuminated.

Signs shall be allowed only for the purpose of identifying the location of the agricultural business.

No more than four signs shall be allowed per agricultural business.

Only one sign per business is allowed at any one location.

In the event the Commission determines that any sign permitted hereunder has not been maintained in good condition, the Commission may issue a cease-and-desist order and order the sign to be removed.

Temporary agriculturally related uses. Temporary or seasonal events of limited duration on a farm which are accessory to agricultural uses, such as educational demonstrations, hay rides, petting zoos or other similar uses, may be allowed after securing a certificate of zoning compliance from the Zoning Enforcement Officer, provided the applicant has demonstrated that there will be adequate and safe on-site parking. The Zoning Enforcement Officer has discretion to require Commission approval if he or she determines that the intensity of the event warrants further review. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the following types of temporary events of limited duration on a farm may be allowed after securing a special permit in accordance with Article V: corn mazes, harvest or holiday festivals, weddings, banquets, privately hosted events, bus tours, or other similar uses involving larger numbers of visitors.

§ 300-20 Technology Development Zone (TD).

Intent and establishment. The intent of the Technology Development Zone is, consistent with the Town's Plan of Conservation and Development, to encourage the development of well-planned, designed technology parks which would accommodate certain technological and professional offices. This zoning category is created:

To provide for a mixture of compatible office, research, warehouse and technological uses in a park-like setting with high-quality standards of development.

To encourage a more efficient use of land reflecting changes in the technology of land development.

To establish the Town of Ashford as a regional center of research-based development.

Special permit uses. The following uses, or combination thereof, may be permitted by the Commission subject to special permit in accordance with § 300-23 of these regulations:

Research (applied and basic), development and testing laboratories or centers.

Colleges, universities, business colleges, technical or trade schools, and other schools and institutions for academic instruction.

Residential units (single-family or two-family) secondary to nonresidential development and not more than 25% of the total development area.

Computer and data processing centers.

Meeting and conference centers.

Heliports, provided such facilities conform to the requirements of all appropriate federal, state, and local regulations.

Offices for business, professional, nonprofit and governmental uses.

Recreation facilities.

Agriculture, including farm stands and farm stores in accordance with § 300-20F.

Development standards.

Any site to be zoned Technology Development Zone shall be a minimum of 50 acres in size.

A concept plan shall be required to be filed in conjunction with any zone change application, including but not limited to:

A development plan of the site showing the location, arrangement, bulk, type and use of all existing and proposed structures, the proposed traffic circulation pattern within and surrounding the development, the areas to be developed for parking, the points of ingress and egress, access streets where required, and the relationship of abutting land uses.

A statement of the anticipated residential density (when applicable), the proposed total gross floor area of nonresidential uses, and the percentage of the development which is to be occupied by structures.

Preliminary sketches and/or description of the proposed screening and landscaping features.

Evidence that the applicant has sufficient control over the parcel of land to effectuate the proposed plan, including a statement of all the ownership and beneficial interests in the land and the proposed development.

When a TD plan includes provisions for common open space, or recreational facilities, a statement describing the provision that is to be made for the care and maintenance of such open space or recreational facilities.

Copies of any restrictive covenants that are to be recorded with respect to property included in the TD plan.

The following general standards shall apply to all buildings, structures and uses in the Technology Development Zone except as these regulations may specifically provide otherwise:

Allowable lot coverage.

Building coverage: 25%.

Impervious surface coverage: 40%.

Impervious surface coverage and pervious parking area together: 60%.

Minimum green space: 25%.

Maximum building height: 35 feet.

The owner of each lot within the consolidated parcel shall give to the owner of each other lot in the consolidated parcel, by deed, easement, or agreement filed in the office of the Town Clerk, the right of entrance, exit, passage, parking and loading.

The consolidated parcel is developed with an integrated plan of buildings, parking, loading and unloading.

Site planning should employ sustainable practices, including:

Water quality features such as bioswales and bioretention basins integrated in a cohesive and logical manner to take advantage of site topography, orientation and visibility.

Pervious paving in lieu of impervious paving. Applicant must, to the satisfaction of the Commission, demonstrate that impervious paving is necessary.

Buildings shall be oriented to take full advantage of sustainable energy options (i.e. solar, wind, geothermal) unless site conditions make such orientation, as determined by the Commission, not feasible.

Signage. In addition to those standards contained in § 300-29 of these regulations:

Tenant identification signs may be attached to the building or freestanding signs.

Tenant identification signs shall be located near entries to the building and shall be in scale with the design of the building and entryway.

Only one tenant identification sign per street frontage of the development shall be allowed. If a business has a corner lot two signs will be permitted.

All signage shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way or lot line.

Parking shall be in accordance with those standards contained in § 300-31 of these regulations.

Exterior lighting shall be in accordance with § 300-30.

Open/green space: 25% of each lot developed as a Technology Development Zone shall be set aside as either passive or active open or green space, exclusive of landscaped areas related to parking, driveways and structures.

Landscaping requirements (minimum):

It is the responsibility of the property owner to replace any vegetation required by this regulation which dies or is lost by theft.

Trees, shrubs and ground cover shall be used to provide variety and to reduce the apparent mass of large, blank facades. All such trees, shrubs and ground cover shall be native to Connecticut.

Design guidelines. The following are recommended as a means to satisfy the intent of this zone:

The architectural design of new buildings and major exterior alterations of additions should relate to neighboring buildings, natural features or the rural character of Ashford. While specific designs need not be duplicated, the general size, bulk, materials and colors should have a complementary design relationship to other buildings and the landscape.

The height and scale of each building should be compatible with its site and existing (or anticipated) adjoining buildings.

Newly installed utility services, and service revisions made necessary by exterior alterations, should be underground.

A desirable streetscape and attractive landscape transitions to adjoining properties should be provided.

Existing trees at four inches' or greater caliper should, if possible, be incorporated into the site plan.

Utility and service equipment areas should be screened from public view with materials harmonious with the building.

Signs should be designed as an integral architectural element of the building and site to which they principally relate and should be coordinated with the building architecture.

Exterior lighting, where used, should enhance public safety, the building design, and the landscape.

Agriculture.

Farm stands and farm stores.

At least 70% of gross sales from farm stands and 50% of gross sales from farm stores shall be from agricultural goods produced on the owner's farm. The Commission may permit the sale of items not produced or grown by the farm operator to meet the 50% threshold, or 70% threshold, as the case may be, where it is necessary to supplement the grower's production due to circumstances beyond the producer's control, such as weather. For agricultural goods not produced or grown by the farm operator, the Commission strongly encourages that they be "CT Grown" as defined by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The farm stand or farm store may only be located on an active farm site.

All parking areas shall be in accordance with Article VI.

A farm store must meet all state and local codes and health requirements.

Seasonal agricultural signage.

All signs shall adhere to the requirements of Article VI, except as specifically provided herein.

Off-site directional signs, intended to aid drivers traveling to agricultural businesses, are allowed without permit, subject to the following:

Signs shall not exceed four square feet and may not be illuminated.

Signs shall be allowed only for the purpose of identifying the location of the agricultural business.

No more than four signs shall be allowed per agricultural business.

Only one sign per business is allowed at any one location.

In the event the Commission determines that any sign permitted hereunder has not been maintained in good condition, the Commission may issue a cease-and-desist order and order the sign to be removed.

Temporary agriculturally related uses. Temporary or seasonal events of limited duration on a farm which are accessory to agricultural uses, such as educational demonstrations, hay rides, petting zoos or other similar uses, may be allowed after securing a certificate of zoning compliance from the Zoning Enforcement Officer, provided the applicant has demonstrated that there will be adequate and safe on-site parking. The Zoning Enforcement Officer has discretion to require Commission approval if he or she determines that the intensity of the event warrants further review. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the following types of temporary events of limited duration on a farm may be allowed after securing a special permit in accordance with Article V: corn mazes, harvest or holiday festivals, weddings, banquets, privately hosted events, bus tours, or other similar uses involving larger numbers of visitors.

§ 300-20.1 Lake District (LD).

[Added 11-8-2021]

Authority. The Planning and Zoning Commission hereby establishes a Lake District Zone or "LD" as indicated on the Town of Ashford Official Zoning Map, on file in the Town Clerk's office.

Purpose. The purpose behind the development of this district is to provide appropriate flexibility and to not create regulatory barriers to the properties contained within this district. The Commission acknowledges that the land areas surrounding Ashford Lake and Lake Chaffee were originally developed in the 1950s and, as such, the traditional Euclidean zoning standards that are in force today had not yet been adopted in Ashford. As a result, the lots contained within these original developments are significantly smaller that the average lot size in Ashford, which has created an unnecessary barrier to the improvement and maintenance of these properties over time.

Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in the Lake District Zone in accordance with the requirements of Article V:

Single family.

Accessory structures and uses customarily incidental to and associated with the above permitted uses.

In-law apartments, in compliance with § 300-17E(5)(b).

Home occupations, in compliance with § 300-17I.

Special permit uses. A special permit may be issued for the following uses in the Lake District Zone pursuant to § 300-23 of these regulations:

Bed-and-breakfast establishments.

Short-term rentals, in accordance with § 300-17C.

Residential lots with a total lot coverage between 10% and 30% in accordance with Subsections H and I of this section.

General standards. The following dimensional standards shall apply to all lots, buildings, structures and uses within the Lake District except as provided for elsewhere within these regulations. The Commission may impose additional requirements for special permit uses depending upon the application. The Commission may grant exceptions to these standards, including but not limited to recommendations of a civil engineer, impact upon abutters, environmental concerns, etc.

Dimensional requirements. All parcels lawfully existing within the Lake District as of the effective date of this regulation shall be subject to the standards set forth within this section. Any subdivision or resubdivision of land sought following the effective date of this regulation shall adhere to the dimension standards of the Rural-Agricultural Zone.

Standard Type	Required	Note
Minimum lot frontage	n/a	Any lot lawfully existing within the LD as of the effective date of these regulations shall not be required to demonstrate lot frontage.
Front yard setback (1)	The greater of 20 feet or the average distance between the front wall and the closest edge of roadway for all principal buildings within 250 feet on each side of the subject property, excluding any principal building located less than 20 feet or more than 60 feet from the roadway	Contextual standard shall be measured by assessing all properties with 250 feet of the subject parcel, on either side. See Figure 1
Side yard setback	10 feet	As defined in Article III
Rear yard setback	25 feet
Maximum building height	25 feet or 2 1/2 stories
Maximum lot coverage	10%	See Subsection I
Minimum separation to adjacent dwelling	25 feet

Notes:
1.	For the purposes of this section, the front yard shall be any portion of the property that is bounded by a road.

Projections in yards.

Minor structural elements, including gutters, chimneys, bay windows, door frames or windowsills, may project up to one foot into a required yard.

Major structural elements, including an access landing and stairs or uncovered deck, may project up to five feet into a rear yard setback.

Low-impact design. Maximum lot coverage shall not be increased beyond 10% unless the owner/applicant has clearly demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Commission that any runoff generated by the proposed impervious area shall be collected, treated and returned to the ground by an appropriate device or devices, such as infiltration trenches, rain gardens or other solution designed for such purposes. The owner/applicant shall provide sufficient information to the Commission to demonstrate that the increased runoff to be generated (volume) as a result of the proposed improvements will meet the criteria above.

Lot coverage.

Lot coverage shall be calculated by finding the total area, in square feet, of the following:

Impervious driveways and walkways.

Impervious patios or portions thereof which are in excess of 200 square feet.

Principal dwellings, including any additions or projections which are roofed.

Detached accessory dwellings in excess of 200 square feet.

Detached accessory buildings which are less than 200 square feet and do not include a roof gutter/rain leader collection system that does not discharge runoff on top of the ground.

The following improvements shall not be included in an impervious coverage calculation:

Detached accessory buildings 200 square feet or less which include a roof gutter/rain leader collection system that does not discharge runoff on top of the ground.

Attached or detached decks which do not include a roof and are open to the ground.