A. 
The purpose of the Thompson Common Village District (TCVD) is to encourage the protection, enhancement and use of buildings and structures having historic and/or aesthetic value representing or reflecting elements of the cultural, social, economic and architectural history of Thompson discussed in the most current version of the Plan of Conservation and Development (PoCD).
B. 
The authority for the increased level of design detail scrutiny comes from C.G.S. § 8-2j. In accordance with § 8-2j, the Commission shall consider the design, placement, relationships and compatibility of structures, plantings, signs, roadways, street hardware and other objects in public view. The Commission shall encourage the conversion, conservation and preservation of existing buildings and sites in a manner that maintains the historic value, distinctive architectural profile and landscape of the TCVD.
[Amended 8-28-2023]
C. 
The regulations for this district are intended to:
(1) 
Implement recommendations of the current PoCD.
(2) 
Encourage development that is consistent with the density and design of the existing buildings and natural environment.
(3) 
Provide a land use transition between the village center and the more rural areas of Thompson.
(4) 
Establish a complementary and integrated mixture of commerce, entertainment and civic uses.
(5) 
Protect and perpetuate distinct community center and focal points in Thompson.
The following uses are permitted in the TCVD, under the level of review indicated in the table below, in accordance with the requirements found in Article 4, § 275-4.4. If more than one use is proposed for a site on the same application (e.g., residential/retail mixed use), the higher level of review shall apply.
Use
Structure Type
Zoning Permit, Simple
Zoning Permit with Site Plan Review by Commission
Special Permit
Prohibited
1.
Agriculture (nonlivestock)
Existing
X
New
X
2.
Farm stands
Existing
X
New
X
3.
Home occupations
Existing
X
New
X
4.
Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings (including conversion), accessory apartments, accessory dwelling units
Existing
X
New
X
5.
Agriculture (livestock; ref. Article 7, § 275-7.4)
Existing
X
New
X
6.
Agricultural-ancillary entertainment-based business
Existing
X
New
X
7.
Business/professional offices
Existing
X
New
X
8.
Care services
Existing
X
New
X
9.
Country inns, bed-and-breakfast establishments
Existing
X
New
X
10.
Farm-based recreational business (seasonal or ongoing)
Existing
X
New
X
11.
Farm stores
Existing
X
New
X
12.
Neighborhood limited enterprise
Existing
X
New
X
13.
Retail stores
Existing
X
New
X
14.
Breweries, microbreweries, craft distilleries
Existing
X
New
X
15.
Food and beverage service establishments, including outdoor seating
Existing
X
New
X
16.
Multifamily dwellings of 3 or more units (including conversion)
Existing
X
New
X
17.
Schools, student housing (including conversion)
Existing
X
New
X
18.
Drive-through establishments
X
19.
Gasoline filling stations
X
20.
Any other uses not anticipated in these regulations, but reasonably related to the intended purpose of this district, as determined by the Commission
Existing
X
New
X
The following general standards shall apply to all buildings, structures and uses in the TCVD, except as these regulations may specifically provide otherwise:
A. 
Dimensional requirements.
(1) 
The minimum lot area for development in this district shall satisfy the Northeast District Department of Health's standards for septic and potable water and is not less than 40,000 square feet.
(2) 
There shall be no net buildable area requirement in this district.
B. 
Height of any building or structure, nonagricultural. The maximum height of any nonagricultural building or structure shall be three stories.
C. 
Lot coverage. The maximum impermeable surface shall be 50%.
D. 
Frontage and setback requirements:
Use
Frontage
(feet)
Front
feet)
Side
(feet)
Rear
(feet)
Residential, single-family or two-family
150
40
20
20
Multifamily, 3 or more units
150
40
20
20
Nonresidential
150
40
20
20
Accessory structures to the primary building greater than 200 square feet footprint
n/a
40
20
20
Sheds and other structures less than or equal to 200 square feet footprint
n/a
40
5
5
Special-needs access
n/a
1
1
The ZEO shall permit the construction of a required special-needs accessway to protrude into any setback, provided that it is the only reasonable location for such accessway.
A. 
Construction and development of new buildings or renovation of existing buildings for commercial or mixed uses within the TCVD shall be permitted in a manner that will not be detrimental to existing neighborhood styles by adhering to consistent design standards and guidelines. New construction or substantial renovation shall be consistent with the scale of the neighboring buildings or structures in terms of building height, width, proportion of height to width, proportion of wall area to door and window opening areas and other dominant site features.
[Amended 8-28-2023]
B. 
The removal or disruption of historic, traditional or significant structures or architectural elements shall be avoided or minimized.
C. 
Maintenance of views, historic buildings, monuments and landscaping shall be encouraged.
D. 
The exteriors of structures or sites shall be consistent with:
(1) 
"Connecticut Historical Commission. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings," revised through 1990, as amended; or
(2) 
Any distinctive characteristics of the district as identified in the most current update of the Thompson Plan of Conservation and Development.
E. 
Design review guidelines and definitions for buildings, structures and site plans.
(1) 
Architectural consistency. The applicant shall demonstrate that proposed buildings or structures provide visual linkages to nearby buildings, using preferred elements of the Design Guidelines (Appendix A[1]). Applicant plans shall provide a cohesive architectural concept plan, complete building elevations and specification of materials and other details, including facade modulation and articulation, window and doorway patterns (fenestration), trim and moldings, grilles and railings, rooflines, lighting and signage. Preferred architectural elements are shown in Appendix A. Preferred building materials shall be used with the architectural plan for new or renovated commercial or mixed-use buildings.
[Amended 8-28-2023]
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(2) 
Site planning to retain historic or cultural village context. The Design Guidelines of Appendix A shall be used to develop the site plan for new or renovated commercial or mixed-use buildings. Special components of the site plan include enhanced streetscape design; location of parking to the rear of buildings or use of approved screening methods; location of utilities to the rear of buildings or proper screening; main entrance orientation to face the street; vehicular entrance resembling a village driveway; pathways or sidewalks designed to maximize pedestrian access to parking and businesses; pedestrian-friendly layout and amenities, such as street furniture and period lighting with full cutoff fixtures; and greenscape design, landscaping and street wall features.
F. 
Determination of design appropriateness.
(1) 
The Commission shall, at the sole cost of the applicant, utilize one or more TCVD consultants to make a determination as to the compatibility and appropriateness of the proposed development. Such TCVD consultants shall be one or more of the following, as found in C.G.S. § 8-2j:
(a) 
A registered architect or an architectural firm.
(b) 
A licensed landscape architect.
(c) 
A planner who is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
(2) 
All applications shall be subject to review and recommendation by the TCVD consultant designated by the Commission as the consultant for such application.
(3) 
The TCVD consultant shall review an application and report to the Commission within 35 days of receipt of the application. Such report and recommendation shall be entered into the public hearing record and considered by the Commission in making its decision. Failure of the TCVD consultant to report within the specified time shall not alter or delay any other time limit imposed by these regulations.
(4) 
The Commission may seek the recommendations of any specialist, including, but not limited to, the Thompson Historical Society, the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and the University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. Any reports or recommendations from such agencies or organizations shall be entered into the public hearing record.