The land use designations contained in this article are, in part, based upon the categories contained in the Standard Land Use Coding Manual (hereinafter, "SLUCM"). The Zoning Agent may use the SLUCM, as the same may be amended from time to time, to determine if a particular use is included within the meaning of any use category contained herein, but the Zoning Agent shall not be bound by the SLUCM categories where they do not appear to conform with the purpose and intent of these regulations. Any decision of the Zoning Agent relative to the scope of any land use category may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes.
[Amended eff. 6-15-2015; 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A.
Permitted uses and use categories. Land and water areas shall be used and buildings or structures shall be erected, altered, enlarged or used only for one or more of the uses or use categories listed in the lists below of permitted uses, special permit uses, and special exception uses, subject to such standards and conditions which may be required by these regulations. See the definition, where applicable, for any use in Article 3. Also, see § 315-4.02E for minimum livable floor area requirements.
(1)
Permitted. Uses and use categories permitted as a matter of right subject to the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance and all requirements of the R-80 Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Dwelling for one family only.
(b)
Farm, except that the raising of livestock shall require a parcel at least five acres in area, and provided that no stable or manure pit is within 100 feet of any lot line.
(c)
Community residences for adults impacted by mental health disorder, as defined by C.G.S. § 19a-507a, subject to the restrictions set forth in § 315-11.03 (special regulations).
(d)
Community residential facility, as defined by C.G.S. § 17a-220, subject to the restrictions set forth in § 315-11.04 (special regulations).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 5.02.01.01.05, regarding forestry activities and related services, which immediately followed, was repealed 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025.
(2)
Special permit. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of special permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations, and all requirements of the R-80 Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Governmental, philanthropic, educational, religious, cemetery, and charitable uses by a duly incorporated nonprofit body or governmental unit.
(b)
Club.
(f)
Agricultural-related activities, animal husbandry and horticultural services.
(g)
Railroad/rapid rail transit lines.
(h)
Group child-care home.
(j)
Commercial propagation and growing of flowers, plants, nursery stock, and berries on parcels of land no smaller than two acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.15 (special regulations).
(k)
Commercial greenhouses on parcels no smaller than three acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.15 (special regulations).
(l)
Commercial dog kennels on parcels no smaller than five acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.16 (special regulations).
(m)
Commercial veterinary hospitals on parcels no smaller than five acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.16 (special regulations).
(n)
Recreational facilities accessory to schools and places of worship.
(p)
Open stands accessory to a farm, subject to the provisions of Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
(q)
Co-located wireless telecommunications facility.
(r)
Day-care center.
(s)
School bus parking and related facilities: special permit required for principal use on lot and accessory to the specific principal use on the lot.
(t)
Keeping of pleasure horse(s), including a building to house, exercise and train the pleasure horse(s). Notwithstanding the provisions of § 315-7.01C and Table 7.1 of these regulations, on a parcel containing at least four acres in accordance with § 315-4.04A of these regulations, the Commission may grant a special permit for an accessory indoor equestrian riding building and outdoor equestrian riding area not open to the general public, for the exclusive personal use of the occupants of the property and their family who must not be required or allowed to pay a fee, provided that the size of the accessory indoor equestrian riding building does not exceed the gross floor area of the existing dwelling on the property by more than 300%, and in no case shall the building exceed 8,000 square feet.
(u)
Entertainment, indoor, as an accessory use, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.23 of these regulations.
(3)
Special exception. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of special exception by the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations, and all requirements of the R-80 Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Dog kennel for more than four dogs accessory to a dwelling, subject to the provisions of Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
(b)
Decks extending or otherwise located within the required yards of the R-80 Zone, in accordance with Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings, and Structures.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 5.02.01.03.03, regarding indoor entertainment as a special exception use in the R-80 Zone, which immediately followed, was repealed 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025.
(4)
Permitted accessory uses and structures. Accessory uses and structures are permitted in accordance with the list below, subject to any other provisions of these regulations. See, specifically, Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures:
(a)
Garages, parking, per Article 7 of these regulations.
(b)
Uses, buildings and structures accessory to an R-80 Zone principal use, per Article 7 of these regulations.
(c)
Keeping of pleasure horse(s), subject to the provisions of Article 7 of these regulations.
(d)
Keeping of four or fewer dogs, in accordance with Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
(g)
Telecommunications facilities as an accessory use to a principal governmental use by a duly incorporated nonprofit entity or governmental unit performing public safety functions of a kind customarily performed by governmental units and requiring the use of telecommunications facilities, such as a fire department, police department, or emergency medical service provider, as provided in, and subject to, the provisions of § 315-7.06D(6).
B.
Required lot area and lot frontage, minimum lot depth, maximum lot coverage, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, and maximum height. The preceding shall be in accordance with Article 8 and § 315-4.14 of these regulations. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
C.
General and special regulations. See Article 4, General Regulations, and Article 11, Special Regulations, for provisions applicable to particular buildings, uses and structures.
D.
Accessory uses, buildings and structures. See Class 5 permits for the sale of alcoholic liquors. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
[Amended 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A.
Permitted uses and use categories. The purpose of the Designed Neighborhood Commercial Zone (DNC) is to allow for the creation of small, high-quality, integrated, commercial developments within the Town of Willington which meets the daily, convenience-type shopping and service needs of a particular neighborhood within the Town and encourage a diversity of uses which are complementary both with the surrounding residential area and among the various uses. While individual developments may take place within a DNC Zone, the Commission shall consider each in terms of its relationship to the zone as a whole and may deny special permits for those uses, buildings or structures which violate the standards of this § 315-5.03 or of Article 13 of these regulations, when viewed in the context of the existing and future development of the DNC Zones. DNC Zones may only be created in accordance with Article 12, Designed Development Zones, of these regulations. Land and water areas shall be used and buildings or structures shall be erected, altered, enlarged or used only for one or more of the uses or use categories listed in the lists below of permitted uses, special permit uses, and special exception uses, subject to such standards and conditions which may be required by these regulations. See the definition, where applicable, for any use in Article 3.
(1)
Permitted. Uses and use categories permitted as a matter of right subject to the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance and all requirements of the DNC Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Dwelling for one family only lawfully existing on the date upon which such dwelling was originally zoned DNC.
(b)
Farm, except that the raising of livestock shall require a parcel at least five acres in area, and provided that no stable or manure pit is within 100 feet of any lot line.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 5.03.01.01.03, regarding forestry activities and related services, which immediately followed, was repealed 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025.
(2)
Special permit. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of a special permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations, and all requirements of the DNC Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Governmental, philanthropic, educational, religious, cemetery and charitable uses by a duly incorporated nonprofit body or governmental unit.
(b)
Club.
(d)
Hospital, rest home and convalescent home, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.14 (special regulations).
(e)
Laundry, dry cleaning, laundromat.
(f)
Business services, including commercial printing.
(g)
Finance, insurance, and real estate services.
(h)
Repair of shoes, tailors, upholsterers, and other similar personal services.
(i)
Historic and monument sites, parks and playgrounds.
(j)
Mortuary.
(k)
Office, general or professional.
(l)
Professional services, i.e., services to business and professional users.
(m)
Retail trade, including shopping centers/malls.
(n)
Restaurant, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.12 (special regulations), and subject further to the restriction that not more than 20% of the floor of any one building on any lot shall be dedicated to such use.
(o)
Agricultural-related activities, animal husbandry and horticultural services.
(p)
Railroad/rapid rail transit lines.
(q)
Automobile parking lots for commuters.
(r)
Nursery school/day-care center.
(s)
Commercial propagation and growing of flowers, plants, nursery stock, and berries on parcels of land no smaller than two acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.15 (special regulations).
(t)
Commercial greenhouses on parcels no smaller than three acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.15 (special regulations).
(u)
Tourist homes in a single, preexisting principal structure, excluding hotel-inns, tavern/inns, and the like.
(v)
Garages for the parking of more than two commercial motor vehicles.
(x)
Buildings, uses and structures accessory to a DNC Zone principal use, including automobile parking lots and garages, per Article 7 of these regulations.
(y)
Recovery and bottling of spring water.
(z)
Co-located wireless telecommunications facility.
(aa)
School bus parking and related facilities: special permit required for principal use on lot and accessory to the specific principal use on the lot.
(4)
Permitted accessory uses and structures. Accessory uses and structures are permitted in accordance with the list below, subject to any other provisions of these regulations. See, specifically, Article 11, Special Regulations, and Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures:
(5)
Prohibited uses. The foregoing uses shall not be construed to include the storage, handling, processing, or manufacturing of explosives, nor of any materials which may create a public health or safety hazard, nor of any materials which, during the processing or manufacturing, will create undue dust, smoke, noxious fumes, noise, vibration, electrical interference, or radioactivity off the premises. In addition, the following operations and uses are expressly prohibited in the DNC Zone:
(a)
Drive-in or drive-through restaurants or portions of restaurants, window or curb service.
(b)
Garbage and refuse processing or incineration.
(c)
Animal slaughter, distillation of bones, rendering of fat or reduction of animal matter or manufacture of animal glue.
(d)
Refining of oil or other petroleum products or by-products.
(e)
Billiard or pool halls, amusement centers, and other commercial amusement establishments; the foregoing shall not be construed to prohibit health clubs, indoor tennis and/or racquetball, and other similar health/fitness establishments.
(f)
Horse, dog, auto, or other racetracks.
(g)
Junkyards.
(h)
Correctional institutions, including halfway houses or other supervised group quarters.
(i)
On-street parking and/or loading areas.
B.
Required lot area and lot frontage, minimum lot depth, maximum lot coverage, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, and maximum height. The preceding shall be in accordance with Article 8 of these regulations. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
C.
General and special regulations. See Article 4, General Regulations, and Article 11, Special Regulations, for provisions applicable to particular buildings, uses and structures, in addition to the following:
(1)
No building in a DNC Zone shall exceed 5,000 square feet in total floor area, and the total floor area of all buildings on any lot shall not exceed 10,000 square feet.
(2)
All buildings in a DNC Zone shall be designed to resemble and be compatible with residential dwellings in terms of rooflines, exterior materials, window size, type and style, landscaping, lighting, and other similar features.
D.
Accessory uses, buildings and structures. See sale of alcoholic liquors. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
[Amended eff. 9-1-2007; eff. 8-1-2011; 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A.
Purpose.
(1)
The purpose of the Designed Commercial Zone (DC) is to allow for the creation of a high-quality, integrated, commercial development within the Town of Willington which meets the shopping and service needs of the entire Town and encourages a diversity of uses which are complementary both with the surrounding area and among the various uses.
B.
Permitted. Uses and use categories permitted as a matter of right, subject to an administrative zoning permit and all requirements of the DC Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(1)
Farms, except that the raising of livestock shall require a parcel at least five acres in area, and provided that no stable or manure pit is within 100 feet of any lot line.
(2)
Retail and/or personal services within an existing building up to 5,000 square feet.
(3)
Business services, banking, real estate, general or professional offices up to 5,000 square feet.
(4)
Cafes, coffee shops, bistros or similar food service establishment for which alcohol is not to be served.
C.
Permitted accessory uses and structures. Accessory uses and structures are permitted in accordance with the list below, subject to any other provisions of these regulations. See, specifically, Article 11, Special Regulations, and Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
D.
Special permit. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of a special permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations. For any use or use type which is not defined within § 315-5.04 as being allowable or prohibited, the Commission may issue a special permit in accordance with Article 13 if such use(s) is found to be in harmony with the purpose of the DC Zone and PoCD.[1]
(1)
Governmental, philanthropic, educational, religious and charitable uses by a duly incorporated nonprofit or governmental unit.
(2)
Clubs, owned or operated by a duly incorporated nonprofit, as defined.
(3)
Golf courses.
(4)
Hotels, motels, inns, bed-and-breakfast establishments.
(6)
Business services, banking, real estate, general or professional offices in new buildings or in excess of 5,000 square feet.
(7)
Dry cleaning, repair of shoes, tailors, nail salons and other similar personal services in new buildings and/or in excess of 5,000 square feet.
(8)
Parks and playgrounds, recreational activities with or without buildings.
(11)
Motor vehicle and motor equipment storage and sales operations, and the display or sale of heavy machinery, trucks, motor homes, or trailers, subject to § 315-11.10.
(12)
Retail trade, including shopping centers/malls in new buildings and/or in excess of 5,000 square feet.
(13)
Restaurants (with or without alcohol), taverns, distilleries and/or brewpubs, subject to § 315-11.12.
(14)
Indoor entertainment and/or theaters (excluding drive-in theaters); provided, however, that total seating shall not exceed 1,000.
(15)
Indoor entertainment as a principal use or as an accessory use, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.23.
(16)
Agricultural-related activities, animal husbandry and horticultural services.
(17)
Railroad/rapid rail transit lines.
(18)
Nursery school, day-care center, or similar educational facility.
(19)
Commercial propagation and growing of flowers, plants, and nursery stock on parcels not less than two acres, subject to § 315-11.15.
(20)
Garages for the parking of more than two commercial motor vehicles.
(21)
Buildings, uses and structures accessory to a DC Zone principal use, including automobile parking lots or garages, per Article 7 of these regulations.
(22)
Co-located wireless telecommunications facility.
(23)
School bus parking and related facilities.
(24)
Veterinary hospitals subject to § 315-11.16A, Minimum parcel size.
[1]
Editor's Note: Plan of Conservation and Development.
E.
Prohibited uses.
(1)
The foregoing uses shall not be construed to include the storage, handling, processing, or manufacturing of explosives; nor of any materials which may create a public health or safety hazard; nor of any materials which, during the processing or manufacturing, will create undue dust, smoke, noxious fumes, noise, vibration, electrical interference, or radioactivity off the premises.
(2)
In addition, the following operations and uses are expressly prohibited in the DC Zone:
(a)
Garbage and refuse processing or incineration.
(b)
Animal slaughter, distillation of bones, rendering of fat or reduction of animal matter or manufacture of animal glue.
(c)
Refining of oil or other petroleum products or by-products.
(d)
Amusement centers and other commercial amusement establishments; the foregoing shall not be construed to prohibit health clubs, indoor tennis and/or racquetball, and other similar health/fitness establishments.
(e)
Horse, dog, auto, or other racetracks.
(f)
Junkyards.
(g)
Correctional institutions, including halfway houses or other supervised group quarters.
(h)
Outdoor discharge of firearms.
F.
Required lot area and lot frontage, minimum lot depth, maximum lot coverage, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, and maximum height. The preceding shall be in accordance with Article 8 of these regulations. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
G.
General and special regulations. See Article 4, General Regulations, and Article 11, Special Regulations, for provisions applicable to particular buildings, uses and structures.
H.
Accessory uses, buildings and structures. See sale of alcoholic liquors. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
[Amended eff. 2-3-2018; 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A.
Permitted uses and use categories. The purpose of the Designed Industrial Zone (DI) is to allow for the creation of high-quality, integrated, industrial developments within the Town of Willington which meet the employment, manufacturing, and industrial service needs of the Town, the region, the state, and the nation, and encourage a diversity of uses which are complementary both with the surrounding rural, residential area and among the various uses. While individual developments may take place within a DI Zone, the Commission shall consider each in terms of its relationship to the zone as a whole and may deny special permits for those uses, buildings or structures which violate the standards of this § 315-5.05 or of Article 13 of these regulations, when viewed in the context of the existing and future development of the DI Zones. DI Zones may only be created in accordance with Article 12, Designed Development Zones, of these regulations. Land and water areas shall be used and buildings or structures shall be erected, altered, enlarged or used only for one or more of the uses or use categories listed in the lists below of permitted uses, special permit uses, and special exception uses, subject to such standards and conditions which may be required by these regulations. See the definition, where applicable, for any use in Article 3.
(1)
Permitted. Uses and use categories permitted as a matter of right subject to the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance and all requirements of the DI Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Farm, except that the raising of livestock shall require a parcel at least five acres in area, and provided that no stable or manure pit is within 100 feet of any lot line.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 5.05.01.01.02, regarding forestry activities and related services, which immediately followed, was repealed 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025.
(2)
Special permit. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of special permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations, and all requirements of the DI Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Philanthropic, educational, religious, cemetery and charitable uses by a duly incorporated nonprofit body or governmental unit, excluding group quarters.
(b)
Club.
(d)
Research and development processes on any materials not prohibited in § 315-4.15 or Article 6 of these regulations.
(e)
Manufacturing and processing. Textile mill products, knit goods, apparel and other finished products made from fabrics; lumber and wood products, furniture and fixtures; plants for assembling, processing, or machine operations on materials such as wood, metal, glass, fabrics, clay, stone, synthetics and plastics; and materials recycling facilities completely enclosed within a building or not visible from the street or from any lot line during all seasons of the year.
(f)
Storage, warehousing and wholesale sales yards for such materials as wood, metal, glass, fabrics, synthetics and plastics, including, but not limited to, contractors' machinery and equipment, but excluding such uses as auto wrecking areas, junkyards, and retail sales to the general public.
(g)
Food and kindred products, provided there is no danger to public health, or of surface- or groundwater pollution created on or off the premises and provided no odoriferous solids, liquids, or gases are released off the premises.
(h)
Business services. Furnishing of wholesale/bulk services such as laundry and dry cleaning, cold storage, bottling and distribution of beverages, and the like, excluding sales or services to the general public.
(i)
Stone and monument works.
(j)
Veterinary hospitals and kennels, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.16 (special regulations) of these regulations.
(k)
Publishing, including printing, binding, and distribution, but excluding sales or services to the general public.
(l)
Sales of heavy machinery, trucks, motor homes, and trailers.
(m)
Corporate offices, excluding professional offices or other offices open to the general public.
(n)
Governmental services.
(o)
Historic and monument sites, parks, and playgrounds.
(p)
Agricultural-related activities, processing, animal husbandry and horticultural services.
(q)
Railroad/rapid rail transit lines.
(r)
Motor vehicle transportation terminals (bus and motor freight).
(s)
Communication facilities and offices.
(u)
Utilities.
(v)
Commercial propagation and growing of flowers, plants, nursery stock, and berries on parcels of land no smaller than two acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.15 (special regulations).
(w)
Commercial greenhouses on parcels no smaller than three acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.15 (special regulations).
(x)
Garages or surface parking lots for the parking of more than two commercial motor vehicles.
(y)
Drive-through facilities accessory to a bank or financial institution.
(aa)
Co-located wireless telecommunications facility.
(bb)
School bus parking and related facilities: special permit required for principal use on lot and accessory to the specific principal use on the lot.
(4)
Permitted accessory uses and structures. Accessory uses and structures are permitted in accordance with the list below, subject to any other provisions of these regulations. See, specifically, Article 11, Special Regulations, and Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures:
(a)
"Factory stores." Retail sale of products manufactured, assembled, or packaged on or distributed from the premises, provided such retail sale occupies an area no greater than 25% of the floor area of any building.
(b)
Outside storage, provided such use shall be visually screened from all surrounding lots or uses, and shall, in no event, be located between any building and any street.
(c)
"Employee cafeterias." Restaurants and cafeterias which are for the convenience of occupants and/or employees of the principal use, provided such employee cafeterias shall be located in the same building with the principal use; shall be of a size and character which makes them clearly accessory to the principal use; and provide no window, drive-in, curb service, or the like.
(d)
Facilities for the temporary housing of employees, visitors and others for training or other short-term purpose, provided such facilities shall not be identified by any sign or other designation.
(e)
Offices, uses, buildings and structures accessory to a DI principal use, per Article 7 of these regulations.
(5)
Prohibited uses. The foregoing uses shall not be construed to include the storage, handling, processing, or manufacturing of explosives; nor of any materials which may create a public health or safety hazard; nor of any materials which, during the processing or manufacturing, will create undue dust, smoke, noxious fumes, noise, vibration, electrical interference, or radioactivity off the premises. In addition, the following operations and uses are expressly prohibited in the DI Zone:
(a)
Drive-in or drive-through restaurants or portions of restaurants, window or curb service.
(b)
Garbage and refuse processing or incineration.
(c)
Animal slaughter, distillation of bones, rendering of fat or reduction of animal matter or manufacture of animal glue.
(d)
Refining of oil or other petroleum products or by-products.
(e)
Bowling alleys, billiard or pool halls, amusement centers, off-track betting (OTB) parlors, and other commercial amusement establishments; the foregoing shall not be construed to prohibit health clubs, indoor tennis and/or racquetball, and other similar health/fitness establishments.
(f)
Horse, dog, auto, or other racetracks.
(g)
Junkyards.
(h)
Correctional institutions, including halfway houses or other supervised group quarters.
(i)
On-street parking and/or loading areas.
B.
Required lot area and lot frontage, minimum lot depth, maximum lot coverage, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, and maximum height. The preceding shall be in accordance with Article 8 of these regulations. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
C.
General and special regulations. See Article 4, General Regulations, and Article 11, Special Regulations, for provisions applicable to particular buildings, uses and structures and, in addition, the following:
(1)
All access driveways and roads for DI uses shall be located no less than 200 feet from any residential zone line located on the same side of the street as the DI Zone.
(2)
There shall be a minimum of 25 feet of landscaped buffer around the entire perimeter of any lot. There shall be a minimum of 50 feet of landscaped buffer between any DI Zone and an abutting residential zone. Existing plant material may satisfy this requirement where the Commission, in its sole discretion, determines that it is of the type, size and density to provide a year-round visual screen.
D.
Accessory uses, buildings and structures. See sale of alcoholic liquors. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
[Amended eff. 11-1-2003; 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A.
Permitted uses and use categories. The purpose of the Designed Recreation Zone (DR) is to allow for the creation of a high-quality, integrated, recreational park area within the Town of Willington which meets the economic development needs of the Town and encourages a diversity of uses which are complementary both with the surrounding rural, residential area and among the various uses. While individual developments may take place within a DR Zone, the Commission shall consider each in terms of its relationship to the zone as a whole and may deny special permits for those uses, buildings or structures which violate the standards of this § 315-5.06 or of Article 13 of these regulations, when viewed in the context of the existing and future development of the DR Zones. DR Zones may only be created in accordance with Article 12, Designed Development Zones, of these regulations. Land and water areas shall be used and buildings or structures shall be erected, altered, enlarged or used only for one or more of the uses or use categories listed in the lists below of permitted uses, special permit uses, and special exception uses, subject to such standards and conditions which may be required by these regulations. See the definition, where applicable, for any use in Article 3.
(1)
Permitted. Uses and use categories permitted as a matter of right subject to the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance and all requirements of the DR Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Dwelling for one family only lawfully existing on the date upon which such dwelling was originally zoned DR.
(b)
Farm, except that the raising of livestock shall require a parcel at least five acres in area, and provided that no stable or manure pit is within 100 feet of any lot line.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 5.06.01.01.03, regarding forestry activities and related services, which immediately followed, was repealed 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025.
(2)
Special permit. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of a special permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations, and all requirements of the DR Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Philanthropic, educational, religious and charitable uses by a duly incorporated nonprofit body or governmental unit, excluding group quarters.
(c)
Commercial livery and boarding stables, riding academies, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.17 of these regulations.
(d)
Indoor or outdoor recreational facilities, including swimming pools and ponds, tennis, health clubs, skating rinks, and similar health, recreational, and sports activities.
(f)
Nursery school/day-care centers.
(g)
Governmental services.
(h)
Historic and monument sites, parks and playgrounds.
(i)
Agricultural-related activities, animal husbandry and horticultural services.
(4)
Permitted accessory uses and structures. Accessory uses and structures are permitted in accordance with the list below, subject to any other provisions of these regulations. See, specifically, Article 11, Special Regulations, and Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures:
(a)
Retail sale of recreational goods used on the premises, and only during the seasons of the year and times of the day when such principal recreational activity is open to the public.
(b)
Clubhouses, community buildings.
(c)
Motel or hotel with conference facilities.
(d)
Restaurants for guests of the principal use only, and only during the seasons of the year and times of the day when such principal recreational activity is open to the public.
(e)
Conference facilities.
(f)
Billiards facilities, video arcades, as accessory to a campground.
(g)
For uses accessory to a campground, see § 315-11.19R.
B.
Required lot area and lot frontage, minimum lot depth, maximum lot coverage, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, and maximum height. The preceding shall be in accordance with Articles 8 and 4 of these regulations. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
C.
General and special regulations. See Article 4, General Regulations, and Article 11, Special Regulations, for provisions applicable to particular buildings, uses and structures and, in addition, the following:
(1)
All access driveways and roads for DR uses shall be located no less than 100 feet from any residential zone line on the same side of the street as the DR Zone.
(2)
No structure shall be located less than 100 feet from any perimeter property line or the zone line, whichever is less. Likewise, no use which is capable of being used by more than 10 persons (such as sports fields, rinks, courts, places of assembly, etc.) shall be located less than 100 feet from any perimeter property line or the zone line, whichever is less.
D.
Accessory uses, buildings and structures. See sale of alcoholic liquors. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
[Amended eff. 4-1-2015; 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A.
Permitted uses and use categories. The purpose of the Designed Community Residential Zone (DCR) is to allow for the creation of high-quality, integrated, residential communities, in association with convenient commercial and recreational facilities which meet the needs of the Town for housing opportunities for persons of varying incomes, lifestyles, ages and needs, and encourages a diversity of residential options which are complementary both with the surrounding area and within each development. While individual developments may take place within a DCR Zone, the Commission shall consider each in terms of its relationship to the zone as a whole and may deny special permits for those uses, buildings or structures which violate the standards of this § 315-5.07 or of Article 13 of these regulations, when viewed in the context of the existing and future development of the DCR Zones. Land and water areas shall be used and buildings or structures shall be erected, altered, enlarged or used only for one or more of the uses or use categories listed in the lists below of permitted uses, special permit uses, and special exception uses, subject to such standards and conditions which may be required by these regulations. See the definition, where applicable, for any use in Article 3.
(1)
Permitted. Uses and use categories permitted as a matter of right subject to the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance and all requirements of the DCR Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Dwelling for one family only, subject to all requirements of the R-80 Zone.
(b)
Farm, except that the raising of livestock shall require a parcel at least five acres in area, and provided that no stable or manure pit is within 100 feet of any lot line.
(c)
Community residences for adults impacted by mental health disorder, as defined by C.G.S. § 19a-507a, subject to the restrictions set forth in § 315-11.03 (special regulations).
(d)
Community residential facilities, as defined by C.G.S. § 17a-220, subject to the restrictions set forth in § 315-11.04 (special regulations).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 5.07.01.01.05, regarding forestry activities and related services, which immediately followed, was repealed 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025.
(2)
Special permit. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of a special permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations, and all requirements of the DCR Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Philanthropic, educational, religious and charitable uses by a duly incorporated nonprofit body or governmental unit, excluding group quarters.
(c)
Commercial livery and boarding stables, riding academies, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.17 of these regulations.
(d)
Indoor or outdoor recreational facilities, including swimming pools and ponds, tennis, health clubs, skating rinks, and similar health, recreational, and sports activities.
(e)
Nursery school/day-care centers.
(f)
Governmental services.
(g)
Historic and monument sites, parks and playgrounds.
(h)
Agricultural-related activities, animal husbandry and horticultural services.
(i)
Railroad/rapid rail transit lines.
(j)
Utilities.
(l)
Group child-care home.
(n)
Commercial propagation and growing of flowers, plants, nursery stock, and berries on parcels of land no smaller than two acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.15 (special regulations).
(o)
Commercial greenhouses on parcels no smaller than three acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.15 (special regulations).
(p)
Commercial dog kennels on parcels no smaller than five acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.16 (special regulations).
(q)
Commercial veterinary hospitals on parcels no smaller than five acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.16 (special regulations).
(r)
Recreational facilities accessory to schools and places of worship.
(t)
Open stands accessory to a farm, subject to the provisions of Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
(v)
Recovery and bottling of spring water.
B.
Required lot area and lot frontage, minimum lot depth, maximum lot coverage, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, and maximum height. Except as provided otherwise in this § 315-5.07, the preceding shall be in accordance with Articles 8 and 4 of these regulations. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
C.
General and special regulations. See Article 4, General Regulations, and Article 11, Special Regulations, for provisions applicable to particular buildings, uses and structures and, in addition, the following:
(1)
Setbacks. Except along an abutting DCR Zone or property line, no building or structure shall be located less than 200 feet from the perimeter property line or the zone line, whichever is less, except that any use permitted in an adjoining R-80 Zone may be located in accordance with the required setbacks for that zone.
(2)
Nonresidential uses. No nonresidential use may be included in any DCR Zone development unless such zone contains more than 25 acres of land.
(3)
Density requirements.
(a)
The overall maximum number of dwelling units for a DCR Zone shall be determined by cumulating the minimum square feet for each dwelling unit in accordance with Table 5.01.
Table 5.01 - Lot Area per Dwelling Unit | |
|---|---|
1-bedroom unit | 40,000 square feet per unit |
2-bedroom unit | 50,000 square feet per unit |
3-bedroom unit | 60,000 square feet per unit |
4- or more bedroom unit | 80,000 square feet per unit |
(4)
Minimum livable floor area per unit. For single-family, two-family, and multifamily dwellings in DCR Zones, the minimum livable floor area per unit in Table 5.02 shall apply.
Table 5.02 - Minimum Livable Floor Area per Unit | |
|---|---|
1-bedroom unit | 600 square feet per unit |
2-bedroom unit | 725 square feet per unit |
3- or more bedroom unit | 1,000 square feet per unit |
(5)
Building separation. All buildings shall be separated by a distance at least equal to the height of such building, but in no event less than 15 feet.
(6)
School bus stop. All developments in the DCR Zone shall incorporate a school bus stop area which may, at the discretion of the Commission, include a shelter sufficient to protect children from inclement weather, bicycle storage facilities, connecting walkways, and other improvements.
(7)
Open space and recreation. All developments in the DCR Zone shall include a minimum of 25% of the land permanently dedicated and, if necessary, improved for open space and/or recreation. Of the total open space so dedicated, at least 1,000 square feet per dwelling unit shall be improved for active and passive recreational use by both adults and children. Such open space and recreation areas shall be in such areas, and improved in such a manner, as the Commission may require. Such open space and recreation areas shall be generally located so as to be accessible to the residents of the development, preferably within 600 feet of the dwellings to be served, and shall be accessible by a driveway/walkway/bikeway no less than 20 feet in width, improved for vehicular access. Such open space and recreation areas shall be dedicated by those methods, used and located to serve those purposes, and owned by those entities as set forth in Article 10, Open Space Subdivision, of these regulations.
(8)
Maximum coverage by impervious surfaces. No more than 10% of the site in a DCR Zone shall be covered by buildings, driveways, parking areas, walkways, or other impervious surfaces.
D.
Accessory uses, buildings and structures. See sale of alcoholic liquors. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
[Amended 12-16-2003, eff. 3-1-2004; 1-6-2004, eff. 3-1-2004; eff. 7-1-2005; 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A.
Permitted uses and use categories. The purpose of the Designed Elderly Residential Zone (DER) is to allow for the creation of high-quality, integrated, residential communities, in association with convenient support and recreational facilities which meet the special needs of the elderly. These regulations recognize that housing for the elderly is different in impact, character, and use than other types of housing, and this section is intended to encourage and facilitate housing for elderly residents of the Town. While individual developments may take place within a DER Zone, the Commission shall consider each in terms of its relationship to the zone as a whole and may deny special permits for those uses, buildings or structures which violate the standards of this § 315-5.08 or of Article 13 of these regulations, when viewed in the context of the existing and future development of the DER Zones. Land and water areas shall be used and buildings or structures shall be erected, altered, enlarged or used only for one or more of the uses or use categories listed in the lists below of permitted uses, special permit uses, and special exception uses, subject to such standards and conditions which may be required by these regulations. See the definition, where applicable, for any use in Article 3.
(1)
Permitted. Uses and use categories permitted as a matter of right subject to the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance and all requirements of the DER Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Farm, except that the raising of livestock shall require a parcel at least five acres in area, and provided that no stable or manure pit is within 100 feet of any lot line.
(b)
Community residences for adults impacted by mental health disorder, as defined by C.G.S. § 19a-507a, subject to the restrictions set forth in § 315-11.03 (special regulations).
(c)
Community residential facilities, as defined by C.G.S. § 17a-220, subject to the restrictions set forth in § 315-11.04 (special regulations).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 5.08.01.01.04, regarding forestry activities and related services, which immediately followed, was repealed 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025.
(2)
Special permit. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of a special permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations, and all requirements of the DER Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Philanthropic, educational, religious and charitable uses by a duly incorporated nonprofit body or governmental unit, excluding group quarters.
(b)
Club.
(d)
Indoor or outdoor recreational facilities, including swimming pools and ponds, tennis, health clubs, skating rinks, and similar health, recreational, and sports activities.
(e)
Elderly day-care centers.
(f)
Governmental services.
(g)
Historic and monument sites, parks and playgrounds.
(h)
Railroad/rapid rail transit lines.
(i)
Utilities.
(j)
Agricultural-related activities, animal husbandry and horticultural services.
(l)
Group child-care home.
(n)
Commercial propagation and growing of flowers, plants, nursery stock, and berries on parcels of land no smaller than two acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.15 (special regulations).
(o)
Commercial greenhouses on parcels no smaller than three acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.15 (special regulations).
(p)
Commercial dog kennels on parcels no smaller than five acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.16 (special regulations).
(q)
Commercial veterinary hospitals on parcels no smaller than five acres, subject to the provisions of § 315-11.16 (special regulations).
(r)
Recreational facilities accessory to schools and places of worship.
(t)
Open stands accessory to a farm, subject to the provisions of Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
(u)
Single-family, two-family and multifamily dwellings, the occupancy of which is restricted to the elderly, subject to the provisions of § 315-5.08C.
B.
Required lot area and lot frontage, minimum lot depth, maximum lot coverage, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, and maximum height. Except as provided otherwise in this § 315-5.08, the preceding shall be in accordance with Articles 8 and 4 of these regulations. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
C.
General and special regulations. See Article 4, General Regulations, and Article 11, Special Regulations, for provisions applicable to particular buildings, uses and structures, and, in addition, the following:
(1)
Setbacks.
(a)
No building or structure shall be located less than 200 feet from the perimeter property line or the zone line, whichever is less, except as follows:
[1]
The Commission may reduce the minimum setback for multiple-dwelling-unit buildings for the elderly or congregate elderly housing to no less than 50 feet where there are uses on adjoining properties which shall be compatible with, benefit from, or provide benefit to such dwellings. Examples would include shopping facilities, health care facilities, churches, community or governmental buildings, parks, transportation facilities, and the like.
[2]
The Commission may reduce the minimum setback for single-family buildings for the elderly to no less than 100 feet in a DER Zone, where the character of the site and surrounding properties provide sufficient buffering.
(b)
In any case, those uses (not buildings or structures) permitted in an abutting R-80 Zone may be located in such DER Zone in accordance with the required setbacks for an R-80 Zone.
(2)
Nonresidential uses. No nonresidential use may be included in any DER Zone development unless such development contains more than 25 acres of land.
(3)
Density requirements. For single-family, two-family and multifamily dwellings for the elderly (as defined in this § 315-5.08), there shall be an overall density of no more than four dwelling units per acre of land. The overall average density of the entire DER Zone shall not exceed one dwelling unit for the elderly per 20,000 square feet of land dedicated to that use. For congregate elderly housing, there shall be no more than 25 units per acre of land, and the overall density of the entire DER Zone shall not exceed one congregate elderly dwelling unit per 15,000 square feet of land dedicated to that use. In determining these maximum numbers of dwelling units per acre and overall average densities, the provisions of § 315-4.04, Lot compliance and buildable area, and § 315-5.08F(4), Accessory uses and buildings, shall apply.
(4)
Minimum livable floor area per unit.
(a)
For single-family, two-family and multifamily dwellings in DER Zones, the minimum livable floor area per unit in Table 5.03 shall apply.
Table 5.03 - Minimum Livable Floor Area per Unit | |
|---|---|
1-bedroom unit | 600/525* square feet per unit |
1-bedroom unit | 725 square feet per unit |
* | For one-bedroom units in affordable housing developments only, as defined in C.G.S. § 8-30g(a), the minimum livable floor area per unit may be reduced to 525 square feet. |
(b)
No more than two bedrooms shall be permitted for any dwelling unit in the DER Zone.
(5)
Building separation. All buildings shall be separated by a distance at least equal to the height of such building but, in no event, less than 15 feet.
(6)
Transportation point. All developments in the DER Zone shall incorporate a separate driveway turnaround, centrally located in the development, to provide for safe pickup or discharge of passengers by bus, van, or private passenger vehicle. Such transportation point may, at the discretion of the Commission, include a shelter sufficient to protect residents from inclement weather, wheelchair lifts, connecting walkways and other improvements.
(7)
Open space and recreation. All developments in the DER Zone shall include a minimum of 25% of the land permanently dedicated and, if necessary, improved for open space and/or recreation. Of the total open space so dedicated, at least 1,000 square feet per dwelling unit shall be improved for active and passive recreational use by both adults and children, except that the requirement for facilities for children may be reduced or waived for elderly housing or congregate elderly housing. Such open space and recreation areas shall be in such areas, and improved in such a manner, as the Commission may require and shall be designed so as to provide the maximum recreational opportunities for elderly persons. Such open space and recreation areas shall be generally located so as to be accessible to the residents of the development, preferably within 600 feet of the dwellings to be served, and shall be accessible by a driveway/walkway/bikeway no less than 20 feet in width, improved for vehicular access. Such open space and recreation areas shall be dedicated by those methods, used and located to serve those purposes, and owned by those entities, as set forth in Article 10, Open Space Subdivision, of these regulations.
(8)
Maximum coverage by impervious surfaces. No more than 10% of the site in a DER Zone shall be covered by buildings, driveways, parking areas, walkways, or other impervious surfaces.
(9)
Maximum building height. Single-family, two-family and multifamily dwellings for the elderly shall be no more than one story in height, except that the Commission may allow greater height when an elevator is provided, or when the dwelling unit design provides for the limitations of elderly persons. Congregate elderly housing buildings shall conform to the height requirements of the R-80 Zone.
E.
Elderly housing.
(1)
Definition. "Elderly housing" shall be defined as single-family, two-family or multifamily dwellings designed to meet the special and unique needs of the elderly, and restricted to occupancy by such persons, as set forth below.
(2)
Restrictions on occupancy. The applicant shall provide the Commission with sample restrictions that will be included in rental or sale agreements and deeds, that will be filed on the Land Records as covenants running with the land, and binding the applicant's successors and assigns in perpetuity. Such restrictions shall provide for the following:
(a)
Detailed description of the services to be provided, the common areas and facilities provided, and the apportionment of costs for such services and facilities.
(b)
Occupancy of any dwelling unit shall be limited to not more than two persons, not related by blood or marriage, one of whom shall be 55 years of age or older, who desire or require dwelling units designed for the elderly but not allowing the maintenance of an independent life style.
(c)
A dwelling unit may be occupied by the surviving member of a household, regardless of age, if the deceased member met the preceding requirements for occupancy.
(d)
If a single dwelling unit is occupied by a person 55 years of age or older, the same unit may also be occupied by no more than two persons, not related by blood or marriage to the other, under such age, but in no event under the age of 21 years.
(e)
Further, the overall occupancy of any such facility shall be in compliance with any federal or state laws governing fair housing for the elderly and/or the handicapped.
(3)
Accessory uses and buildings. Elderly housing may include, as an accessory use, community buildings, medical facilities, and other common services and facilities designed for the benefit of elderly persons, provided that if such services and facilities involve a fee for any services rendered, they shall be restricted to use by the occupants of the development. Elderly housing may also include accessory convalescent, rest home, or elderly day-care buildings or uses, provided the land area occupied by such buildings, including parking, yards, required open spaces, and other areas which would be required if such buildings or uses were a separate, principal use, shall be deducted from the area of the lot in calculating the maximum allowable residential density in § 315-5.08C(3).
F.
Congregate elderly housing.
(1)
Definition. A residential facility of more than 10 private dwelling units designed especially for, and with occupancy restricted to, elderly persons, that provides the supportive services, both licensed and unlicensed, necessary and desirable to maintain the residents in a semi-independent life style. Individual dwelling units may or may not have kitchens. Congregate elderly housing shall provide community living and those levels of medical, recreational, and social services which are appropriate for the size and nature of the facility. In this section, standards and procedures are provided for congregate elderly housing.
(2)
Assisted living standards. Congregate elderly housing shall provide, at a minimum, the following:
(a)
A common dining room and kitchen facilities for the preparation of meals for the exclusive use of residents and their guests.
(b)
Each resident with at least one nutritious meal each day.
(c)
Periodic ongoing health monitoring.
(d)
A community area or areas suitably equipped to meet the social interactional and leisure time needs of the residents.
(e)
A stated program of services with a staff provided to carry out such programs.
(f)
Transportation services.
(3)
Restrictions on occupancy. The applicant shall provide the Commission with sample restrictions that will be included in rental or sale agreements and deeds, that will be filed on the Land Records as covenants running with the land, and binding the applicant's successors and assigns in perpetuity. Such restrictions shall provide for the following:
(a)
All assisted living standards shall be clearly identified and specified. Such standards shall include a detailed description of the services to be provided, the common areas and facilities provided, and the apportionment of costs for such services and facilities.
(b)
Occupancy of any dwelling unit shall be limited to not more than two persons, not related by blood or marriage, both of whom shall be 62 years of age or older, who desire or require dwelling units designed for the elderly but allowing the maintenance of an independent life style, except that a dwelling unit may be occupied by the surviving member of a household, regardless of age, if the deceased member met the preceding requirements for occupancy. If a single dwelling unit is occupied by a person 62 years of age or older, the same unit may also be occupied by no more than one person, related by blood or marriage to the other, under such age, but in no event under the age of 50 years.
(4)
Accessory uses and buildings. Congregate elderly housing may include, as an accessory use, community buildings, medical facilities, and other common services and facilities designed for the benefit of elderly persons, provided that if such services and facilities involve a fee for any services rendered, they shall be restricted to use by the occupants of the development. Congregate elderly housing may also include accessory convalescent, rest home, or elderly day-care buildings or uses, provided the land area occupied by such buildings, including parking, yards, required open spaces, and other areas which would be required if such buildings or uses were a separate, principal use, shall be deducted from the area of the lot in calculating the maximum allowable residential density in § 315-5.08C(3).
[Amended 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A.
Permitted uses and use categories. This section has been established to promote the health, safety and welfare of the Town of Willington by preserving and protecting identified aquifers and areas adjacent to rivers and other watercourses. It is designed to ensure an adequate supply of potable water, to provide a buffer area to protect rivers and aquifers from siltation and other forms of contamination, to protect properties adjacent to rivers and watercourses from flooding, and to prevent undue concentration of development in environmentally sensitive areas. The Flood/Aquifer Zone is an overlay zone, meaning that its location is determined based on the physical characteristics of the property, and it is not depicted on the Zoning Map for the Town of Willington on file in the office of the Town Clerk. The zone as depicted on the Zoning Map is referred to below as the "underlying zone." The Flood/Aquifer Zone includes those areas depicted on a map entitled "Groundwater Recharge Areas," which map is hereby made a part of these regulations and is on file in the office of the Town Clerk, and those areas within special flood hazard areas as defined in § 315-4.17 of these regulations. The areas depicted on these two maps may overlap in certain locations. Accordingly, land and water areas shall be used, and buildings or structures shall be erected, altered, enlarged or used, only for one or more of the uses or use categories listed in the lists below of permitted uses, special permit uses, and special exception uses, subject to such standards and conditions which may be required by these regulations. See the definition, where applicable, for any use in Article 3.
(1)
Permitted. Uses and use categories permitted as a matter of right subject to the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance and all requirements of the Flood/Aquifer Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Uses permitted as a matter of right in the underlying zone, except as restricted or prohibited below.
(2)
Special permit. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of a special permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations, and all requirements of the Flood/Aquifer Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
All uses and use categories subject to the issuance of a special permit in the underlying zone, except as restricted or prohibited below.
(3)
Special exception. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of a special exception by the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations, and all requirements of the Flood/Aquifer Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
All uses and use categories subject to the issuance of a special exception in the underlying zone, except as restricted or prohibited below.
(4)
Permitted accessory uses and structures. Accessory uses and structures are permitted in accordance with the list below, subject to any other provisions of these regulations. See, specifically, Article 11, Special Regulations, and Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures:
(a)
Accessory uses and structures permitted in the underlying zone, except as restricted or prohibited below.
B.
Required lot area and lot frontage, minimum lot depth, maximum lot coverage, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, maximum height, and other bulk requirements. The required lot area and lot frontage, minimum lot depth, maximum lot coverage, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, maximum height, and other bulk requirements shall be in accordance with the underlying zone. See Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
C.
General and special regulations. See Article 4, General Regulations, and Article 11, Special Regulations, for provisions applicable to particular buildings, uses and structures and, in addition, the following:
(2)
All buildings and structures shall be erected at an elevation and location which will keep them, as well as access to them from a public highway, free from flooding.
(3)
All sanitary disposal facilities and water supply systems shall have been approved, in writing, by the Eastern Highlands Health District or its designated agent. In addition, all buildings, structures, and uses with sanitary disposal facilities with average discharges of more than 350 gallons of sanitary wastewater per acre per day shall be evaluated by appropriate Town staff and agencies for impact on surface and subsurface water quality. It shall be the burden of the applicant to establish that no such adverse impact will result from the proposed development.
(4)
All buildings, structures, and uses in special flood hazard areas shall comply with the provisions of § 315-4.17, Flood hazard regulations.
(5)
Agricultural operations shall employ best management practices as recommended by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and/or Agricultural Extension Service for all animal waste management, application of manure, fertilizer and pesticides, and the handling of all toxic or hazardous wastes.
D.
Prohibited uses. All uses not permitted or permitted by special permit/exception are prohibited and, in addition, the following:
(1)
Road salt storage and loading facilities.
(2)
Solid waste disposal sites.
(3)
Hazardous, toxic, or sanitary waste disposal sites or activities.
(4)
Underground storage of petroleum products, not including underground propane tanks in subdivisions. Underground tanks shall be located on the as-built plans, and the Fire Marshal shall be notified of each location.
A.
Permitted uses and use categories. The purpose and intent of the RL Zone is to permit public and quasi-public agencies, publicly chartered utilities, and other agencies providing public benefits pursuant to a governmental mandate, license, franchise, or similar procedure (hereafter, "public agencies"), to conduct necessary and customary operations and land uses without undue restriction by these regulations. Towards that end, the intent of these regulations is to be broadly permissive when such public agencies are operating within the scope of their principal function, but to restrict or prohibit any activities not within that scope. Accordingly, land and water areas shall be used and buildings or structures shall be erected, altered, enlarged or used only for one or more of the uses or use categories listed in the lists below of permitted uses, special permit uses, and special exception uses, subject to such standards and conditions which may be required by these regulations. See the definition, where applicable, for any use in Article 3.
(1)
Permitted. Uses and use categories permitted as a matter of right subject to the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance and all requirements of the RL Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
Buildings, structures and uses existing on the effective date of this section of the regulations which are designed and used to further the purposes of the public agency, as such purposes are set forth in its charter, bylaws, license, franchise, or other operative document.
(2)
Special permit. Uses and use categories permitted subject to the issuance of a special permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Article 13 of these regulations, and all requirements of the RL Zone and any applicable provisions of these regulations:
(a)
The expansion, extension, or alteration of buildings, structures and uses beyond those existing on the effective date of this section of the regulations which are designed and used to further the purposes of the public agency, as such purposes are set forth in its charter, bylaws, license, franchise, or other operative document.
(4)
Permitted accessory uses and structures. Accessory uses and structures are permitted in accordance with the list below, subject to any other provisions of these regulations. See, specifically, Article 11, Special Regulations, and Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures:
(a)
Existing buildings and structures accessory to an RL Zone principal use, per Article 7 of these regulations (special permit required for new accessory buildings or structures).
(5)
Prohibited uses. Any industrial, commercial, or residential use that does not directly further the purposes of the public agency, or that is not owned or controlled by it, is prohibited.
B.
Required lot area and lot frontage, minimum lot depth, maximum lot coverage, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, and maximum height. There shall be no minimum required lot area, frontage, or depth in the RL Zone. Any building, structure, or improvement (including, but not limited to, storage areas, parking lots, tanks, dikes, and the like) shall be no less than 100 feet from any property or street line. See also Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
C.
General and special regulations. See Article 4, General Regulations, and Article 11, Special Regulations, for provisions applicable to particular buildings, uses and structures.
D.
Accessory uses, buildings and structures. See Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
[Amended 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A.
The following Table 5.04 (Table of Uses) is intended to assist the users of these regulations to quickly determine which uses are permitted in which zones, and, conversely, which zones permit which uses. This table is for convenience only. In the event of any inconsistency between Table 5.04 and §§ 315-5.02 through 315-5.08 of these regulations, the provisions of the latter shall govern. Therefore, users are urged to confirm any particular use by reference to the applicable provisions of §§ 315-5.02 through 315-5.08. The Flood/Aquifer Zone is not depicted on this table because the uses permitted in that zone are governed by the underlying zone (see § 315-5.09). The Reserved Land Zone is not depicted on this table because the uses permitted in that zone are governed by the requirements of the public agency owning the subject property (see § 315-5.10).
(1)
The letter "D" in parentheses after the use designation means that there is a definition of that use designation in Article 3, Definitions.
(2)
The letter "P" means that the use is Permitted as of right in the Zone under which the letter appears, although the use is still subject to any provisions of these regulations that apply, such as Article 4, General Regulations; Article 8, Area, Yard and Height Requirements; Article 11, Special Regulations, etc.
(3)
The letter "A" means that the use is permitted as an accessory use, but not as a principal use. See the definition of these terms in Article 3, Definitions.
(4)
The letters "SP" mean that the use is permitted in the zone under which those letters appear only after the issuance of a special permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The letters "SE" mean that the use is permitted in the zone under which those letters appear only after the issuance of a special exception by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The requirements for special permits and special exceptions are contained in Article 13, Special Permit/Exception.
(5)
The letter "E" means that the use is permitted only if it existed as of a certain date in the zone under which the letter appears. Check the applicable provision of Article 5 to find that date.
(6)
If there are no letters for the particular use under any zone column, the use is prohibited in that zone. If the use is not listed on the table at all, the use is prohibited in all zones.
(7)
The column entitled "Special Regulations" references the sections of the regulations which contain special restrictions or conditions for the particular use.
B.
These use designations are drawn from land use descriptions contained in earlier versions of the Willington Zoning Regulations, and also from the Standard Land Use Coding Manual (SLUCM). In the original SLUCM, the use descriptions may include various sub-uses which are not printed on this table. The Zoning Agent may use the SLUCM as an aid in determining whether any use is included within one of the categories printed here or in Article 5 of these regulations.
Table 5.04 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses | Zones | |||||||
Categories | 5.02 | 5.03 | 5.04 | 5.05 | 5.06 | 5.07 | 5.08 | Special Regulations |
Subcategories | R-80 | DNC | DC | DI | DR | DCR | DER | |
Residential | ||||||||
Dwelling, single- family (D) | P | E | E | P | SP | |||
Dwelling, two-family (D) | SP | SP | SP | |||||
Dwelling, multifamily (D) | SP | SP | ||||||
Decks | SE/A | |||||||
Home businesses (D) | SP/A | SP/A | SP/A | SP/A | ||||
Community residences mental health disorder (D) | P | P | P | |||||
Community residential facilities(D) | P | P | P | |||||
Convalescent homes (D) | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |||
Rest homes (D) | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |||
Garages, parking | A | SP | SP | Article 7 | ||||
Manufacturing | ||||||||
Food and kindred products | SP | § 315-4.15 | ||||||
Textile mill products | SP | § 315-4.15 | ||||||
Knit goods | SP | § 315-4.15 | ||||||
Apparel and other finished fabric products, excluding leather tanning | SP | § 315-4.15 | ||||||
Lumber and wood products | SP | § 315-4.15 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures | SP | § 315-4.15 | ||||||
Printing, publishing and allied industries | SP | SP | § 315-4.15 | |||||
Stone, clay and glass products, excluding structural clay, abrasives, asbestos | SP | SP | § 315-4.15 | |||||
Fabricated metal products | SP | § 315-4.15 | ||||||
General hardware products | SP | § 315-4.15 | ||||||
Miscellaneous manufacturing and processing | SP | § 315-4.15 | ||||||
Excavation and fill | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | Article 15 |
Temporary construction buildings | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | |
Agriculture | ||||||||
Farms (D) | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Farm stands | SP/A | SP/A | SP/A | SP/A | SP/A | SP/A | SP/A | Article 7 |
Agricultural-related activities/animal husbandry/horticultural services | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Nursery: plants, flowers, etc. | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Commercial greenhouse | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Pleasure horse | SP/A | |||||||
Transportation, Communication and Utilities | ||||||||
Railroad, rail transit, etc. | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | ||
Motor vehicle transportation: | ||||||||
Bus transportation terminals | SP | SP | ||||||
Motor freight terminals | ||||||||
Aircraft transportation: | ||||||||
Airports, flying fields | ||||||||
Helistops | SP | |||||||
Automobile parking lots and garages, commercial | A/SP | A/SP | SP | |||||
School bus parking and related facilities | A/SP | A/SP | A/SP | A/SP | ||||
Communication | SP | |||||||
Co-located wireless telecommunications facility | SP | SP | SP | SP | ||||
Utilities | SP | SP | SP | |||||
Wholesale Trade | SP | |||||||
Retail Trade | ||||||||
Building, materials and hardware | SP | SP | A | |||||
Farm equipment/heavy equipment | SP | SP | ||||||
General merchandise | SP | SP | A | |||||
Food | SP | SP | ||||||
Automobile dealers | SP | |||||||
Gasoline service stations | SP | |||||||
Marine, aircraft and accessories | SP | SP | A | |||||
Apparel and accessories | SP | SP | A | |||||
Personal and business services | SP | SP | A | |||||
Miscellaneous retail trade | SP | SP | A | A | ||||
Eating/drinking/lodging: | ||||||||
Restaurants (D) | SP | SP | A | |||||
Alcoholic beverages | A | SP | ||||||
Hotels/motels (D) | SP | A | ||||||
Conference/convention centers | SP | A | ||||||
Tourist homes (D) | SP | SP | ||||||
Vending machines | A | A | ||||||
Services | ||||||||
Financial/insurance/real estate services/office: general professional | ||||||||
Banks (open to public) | SP | SP | ||||||
Banking services/offices (not open to public) | SP | SP | ||||||
Credit services (open to public) | SP | SP | ||||||
Credit services (not open to public) | SP | SP | ||||||
Security and commodity brokers/exchanges/services | SP | SP | ||||||
Insurance services (open to public) | SP | SP | ||||||
Insurance services (not open to public) | SP | SP | ||||||
Real estate and related services | SP | SP | ||||||
Holding and investment services (open to the public) | SP | SP | ||||||
Holding and investment services (not open to the public) | SP | SP | ||||||
Personal Services | ||||||||
Funeral/mortuary | SP | SP | ||||||
Laundry/dry cleaning/laundromat | SP | SP | ||||||
Shoe repair, tailoring/upholstery/etc. | SP | SP | ||||||
Photographic studios | SP | |||||||
Business/professional services (open to public) | SP | SP | ||||||
Business/professional services (not open to public) | SP | SP | SP | |||||
Research and development | SP | § 315-4.15 | ||||||
Warehousing and storage | SP | |||||||
Fuel sales accessory to a warehouse packaging facility | A-SP | |||||||
Advertising services | SP | SP | ||||||
Repair services | ||||||||
Automobile repair services | SP | |||||||
Professional services (not open to the public) | SP | SP | ||||||
Professional services (open to the public) | SP | SP | SP | |||||
Hospital | SP | SP | ||||||
Legal services | SP | SP | ||||||
Governmental services (D) | ||||||||
Legislative/judicial | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Police | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Postal | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Educational | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Library | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | ||
Commuter parking lots | SP | SP | SP | SP | ||||
Fire departments | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Non-governmental services | ||||||||
Nursery school/day care (D) | SP | SP | SP | SP | ||||
Day-care center (D) | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |||
Family day-care home | A | |||||||
Group child-care home | SP | SP | SP | |||||
Elderly day-care home | SP | SP | SP | |||||
Educational (nonprofit) | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Religious | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | ||
Charitable/philanthropic | SP | SP | SP | SP | ||||
Cemetery | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |||
Library | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | ||
Commercial dog kennel | SP | SP | SP | |||||
Dog kennel accessory to dwelling, less than 4 dogs | SE/A | |||||||
Veterinary hospital | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |||
Veterinary outpatient clinic (D) | SP | |||||||
Cultural, Entertainment and Recreational | ||||||||
Cultural/nature/sports/recreational activities, parks and playgrounds (nonprofit) | SP/A | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Recreational activities | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |||
Club (D) | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Golf course | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Theater, legitimate and motion-picture | SP | |||||||
Historic and monument sites | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | |
Entertainment, indoor | SP | SP | SP | SP | ||||
Entertainment, outdoor | SP | SP | ||||||
[Amended 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the South Willington Village Mixed Use Zone (SWV) is to encourage adaptive reuse, redevelopment and reinvestment in the area along the Route 32 corridor in South Willington as a means of achieving balanced growth and efficient land use. The provisions of this section recognize the economic challenges related to successful redevelopment and provide an alternative zoning option to promote private reinvestment within this Village area.
B.
Objectives of South Willington Village Mixed Use Zone. This zone may be described as the linear section of South Willington generally fronting River Road (Route 32) from the junction of Fisher Hill Road in the north to Baxter Road in the south. The area includes a mixture of residential, business and civic land uses, including a large historic mill property. The prior zoning designation for much of this zone reflects a more typical Euclidean style of zoning that lacks the adaptability required to encourage development in a manner that is both flexible yet focused on the uses that are most appropriate for the area. The specific objectives of the SWV are:
(1)
To provide creative and flexible redevelopment and design standards to enhance vitality and activity in South Willington Village.
(2)
To encourage redevelopment consistent with the Town's 2018 Plan of Conservation and Development via a streamlined regulatory process.
(3)
To encourage a mixed-use pattern of development.
(4)
To provide development incentives to stimulate adaptive reuse within the SWV area.
(5)
To create a compact blend of land uses which include shops, workspaces, civic buildings, entertainment uses, residences and outdoor amenities.
(6)
To provide an environment that promotes safe pedestrian access and connections and to encourage pedestrian-scale conveniences within the village core.
(7)
To encourage increased preservation and enhancement through redevelopment of blighted, distressed and underutilized properties.
C.
Allowed uses. The following table of uses shall only apply to the South Willington Village Mixed Use Zone (SWV). For a use not listed, the Commission shall decide on the relatedness of the proposed use and the permitted uses listed herein.
Use | Construction Type | Certificate of Zoning Compliance | Special Permit | Prohibited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Medical or professional office | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
1A. | Art galleries | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
2. | Personal service shops | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
3. | Retail; less than 3,000 square feet | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
4. | Cafes without table service | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
5. | Restaurants and/or brewpubs of less than 3,000 square feet | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
6. | 1- and 2-family dwellings | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
7. | Multifamily dwellings of 5 or more units, with density determined by soil capacity | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
8. | Restaurants and/or brewpubs of 3,000 square feet or greater | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
9. | Drive-through facilities | New | X | ||
10. | Motor vehicle service and/or repair | New | X | ||
11. | Child and adult day-care centers | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
12. | Accessory apartments | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
13. | Multitenant commercial buildings | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
14. | New construction, regardless of the permitted use | X | |||
15. | Light manufacturing (minor processing, assembly) 10,000 square feet or less | Existing | X | ||
New | X | ||||
16. | Self storage or commercial warehouse/distribution facility | New | X | ||
17. | Agriculture | Existing | X | ||
D.
Application process and standards.
(1)
Applications.
(a)
A certificate of zoning compliance shall be an application reviewed and approved by the Zoning Agent in consultation with the Town Planner. The Zoning Agent may require a property map or survey if necessary.
(b)
A special permit shall be an application made to the Town's Planning and Zoning Commission. Before the Commission may approve an application for a special permit, a public hearing must be held. The Zoning Agent, Town Planner or Commission may require additional documentation to be submitted with the application, based on a review and the permit being requested. The special permit application and procedure shall follow Article 13 of these regulations.
(2)
Parking, access and loading:
(a)
All applications for a certificate of zoning compliance or special permit shall contain a parking plan. Such plan shall be completed to the satisfaction of the Town but, at a minimum, must include:
(b)
In the SWV, alternate parking locations may include the municipally controlled parking lots. Off-site parking spaces on private property shall not be counted unless prior authorization from the property owner has been provided. Shared parking may be allowed, provided both users can demonstrate that peak demand hours are not similar.
(c)
Whenever practical, adjacent commercial uses shall facilitate pedestrian access between parcels to promote walkability.
(d)
Interior vehicular access between parcels may be considered, provided such agreement has been reviewed by the Town Planner and filed in the Town Clerk's office.
(e)
Loading docks and/or areas shall be located or screened as to not be visible from a public street or way.
(f)
Whenever feasible, parking areas shall be located behind the principal building.
(3)
Site design standards. The following site design standards shall apply to all new construction or any substantial improvements requiring site plan modification as defined within this section. If a specific standard is not defined within this section, the requirements as stated within Article 4 of these regulations shall prevail.
(a)
(b)
Buffers. When adjacent to a residential use, any new construction or substantial improvement as defined within this section shall provide buffering as outlined in § 315-4.14, to the maximum extent practical.
(c)
Lot coverage. Total lot coverage within the SWV may be increased by 5% above existing conditions as of right. Any increase to lot coverage in excess of 5% beyond existing conditions will require the submission of a site plan and Commission approval.
(e)
Height of buildings. In the SWV, maximum height for all new buildings shall not exceed 35 feet.
(f)
Lighting. Lighting shall be installed to promote safe pedestrian and vehicular circulation on the property. Lighting shall be complementary to the architecture of the building and shall consist of full "cutoff" fixtures. In no case shall lighting project upwards or beyond the property. The Commission may require a photometric analysis plan.