A. 
Permitted uses. No building or structure shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed, or structurally altered in such a manner as to be designed, arranged, or intended for any purpose other than the uses permitted in the zone in which the building or structure is located, except as provided in Article 9, Nonconforming Lots, Uses, Buildings and Structures, of these regulations. Likewise, no parcel of land shall be used, designed, or arranged for any purpose other than the uses permitted in the zone in which that parcel of land is located, except as provided in Article 9 of these regulations.
B. 
Prohibited uses. Any use of land, buildings, or structures not specifically set forth in these regulations as a permitted use shall be deemed to be a prohibited use. Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing, those uses set forth in Article 6, Prohibited Uses, of these regulations are expressly prohibited in all zones.
[Amended 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A. 
Division or conveyance of land. No lot or parcel of land, as defined in these regulations, existing on the effective date of these regulations shall be divided, nor shall any easement be granted to any private person, which has the effect of creating a new parcel which will be nonconforming under the provisions of these regulations. Similarly, no lot or parcel shall be decreased in size, by sale, gift, devise, descent or otherwise so that it or any part of it will be nonconforming under the provisions of these regulations. See Article 9, Nonconforming Lots, Uses, Buildings and Structures.
B. 
Yards and lot coverage. Except as provided for nonconforming uses in Article 9, no land, building or premises, or part thereof, or other structure shall be constructed, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, moved or altered except in conformity with the regulations herein prescribed for the zone in which it is located. No part of any yard or other open space required about any building may be counted as part of a yard or other space required for any other building.
C. 
Building projections. Nothing in these regulations shall prohibit the projection of not more than three feet into a required yard/setback of pilasters, columns, belt courses, sills, cornices, or other similar architectural features, nor the planting or landscaping of such yards/setbacks.
D. 
Exceptions to height limits. Notwithstanding the height limitations imposed by other provisions of these regulations, church spires, belfries, cupolas, towers, domes, chimneys, flagpoles, radio and television antennas, ventilators, skylights, bulkheads, water tanks and similar features which are accessory to a permitted building, and occupying in the aggregate not more than 10% of the ground area of the building upon which they are located and not used for human occupancy, may be up to 15 feet higher than the highest point of the building upon which they are located. A greater height may be authorized by the Commission as a special permit and may be of such reasonable height as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose they are to serve. Where the structure is the principal structure on the lot, the height limits for the subject zone shall apply. For accessory radio towers, see § 315-7.06D, Accessory radio towers.
E. 
Minimum floor area. All dwelling units shall have the minimum floor area necessary to meet all relevant building, health or fire safety codes as may be applicable.
Each lot shall meet the minimum lot frontage on at least one street, and front yard requirements on each street, and a building or structure thereon shall be set back the required distance from each street. At the time of the application for a certificate of zoning compliance, in accordance with Article 20, Administration and Enforcement, the applicant shall elect, and so designate on the plot plan, which of the remaining two required yards shall be the side yard and rear yard.
A. 
Lot compliance. For the purpose of determining minimum lot area or parcel size, maximum lot coverage, and maximum building coverage in all zones and districts, the following shall be excluded:
(1) 
The high water level of areas covered by water (such as lakes, rivers, streams, ponds and swamps); and
(2) 
All areas defined as inland wetlands or watercourses by Chapter 304, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations.
B. 
Minimum buildable land criteria.
(1) 
No building shall be erected or expanded on any lot, nor shall any use be established or expanded on any lot, nor shall any subdivision or resubdivision lot be created which does not comply with the following minimum buildable land criteria: Every lot shall contain at least one contiguous area as nearly rectangular as possible of at least 40,000 square feet, such rectangle having no sides less than 150 feet, every part of which rectangle complies with the requirements of this section (hereinafter, "minimum buildable land area").
(2) 
Each lot submitted for review under Chapter 310, Subdivision Regulations, and any site plan submitted pursuant to Article 20, Administration and Enforcement, of these regulations shall bear the certification by a Connecticut licensed professional engineer and Connecticut licensed land surveyor that such minimum buildable land area complies with the requirements of this section.
(3) 
Any principal building and its associated septic system, if any, shall be located entirely within the minimum buildable land area; the well, if any, serving such principal building need not be located within the minimum buildable land area.
(4) 
All land within the minimum buildable land area shall meet the following requirements:
(a) 
The following areas shall not be permitted within the minimum buildable land area: the area of all wetlands and watercourses on the lot as defined by Chapter 304, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations, and as delineated in the field by a soil scientist registered with the Society of Soil Scientists of Southern New England; the area of all land on the lot with slope of over 20%; the area of all exposed ledge on the lot; the area of any right-of-way or easement that affects development potential; and the area within special flood hazard areas as defined in § 315-4.17 of these regulations, and as indicated on the current Flood Insurance Rate Maps of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(b) 
Soils shall have a percolation rate of no slower than 30 minutes per inch as indicated by representative percolation tests on the site located within the minimum buildable land area.
(c) 
Groundwater shall be no higher than 18 inches below the existing, undisturbed ground surface as determined by mottling or seasonal high groundwater, whichever is higher. Groundwater observation test pit results shall only be acceptable when observed during the period between February 1 and April 30, unless the Health Official considers the test to have been performed during a period of unseasonably low groundwater.
(5) 
Subsection B(4)(a), (b) and (c) shall not apply to lots to be served by public sanitary sewers.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 4.04.02.03, third paragraph, regarding special regulations for high-intensity uses, which immediately followed, was repealed 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025.
No building containing a residential use shall be erected, altered, enlarged or maintained in the rear yard of any building on the same lot, and no building shall be erected, enlarged or maintained in the front yard of a building containing a residential use, except as expressly limited in Article 7, Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures.
[Amended 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A. 
In the case of a lot lying in more than one zone, the provisions of the most restrictive zone shall be applied to the entire lot. Zones shall be deemed to range from most restrictive to least restrictive in the following sequence: Flood/Aquifer Zone (A); Residence 80 (R-80); Designed Elderly Residential (DER); Designed Recreation (DR); Designed Community Residential (DCR); Designed Neighborhood Commercial (DNC); Designed Commercial (DC); Designed Industrial (DI).
B. 
The Reserved Land Zone is not listed because its location is predicated on ownership by public agencies, as defined in these regulations, and thus cannot, by definition, cross property lines.
In the case of lots facing streets less than 50 feet wide, no less than 25 feet shall be added to the required front yard requirements of Article 8, and such yard shall be measured from the center line of the traveled portion of the street. For roads 50 feet or more in width, the provisions of §§ 315-2.04 and 315-8.03, respectively, shall apply (dealing with additional setback for roads depending on their classification).
On a corner lot in any district, no opaque fence, wall, hedge, or structure, nor any planting or ground level changes more than two feet in height shall be erected, placed, or maintained within a triangular area formed by the intersecting street lines and a straight line joining said street lines at points which are 50 feet from the point of intersection, measured along each of said street lines. "Opaque," as used in this section, shall be defined as having a solid area greater than 5% of the total area of the obstruction.
[Amended 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A. 
Assignment. Street numbers shall be assigned in accordance with Chapter 264, Streets and Sidewalks, Article I, Street Numbering System, of the Town Code, adopted on September 30, 1986.
B. 
Administration. The applicant in any subdivision, resubdivision, special permit/exception, variance, or any other application before the Commission or the Board shall assign street numbers in accordance with the preceding, and shall include such street numbers on the final plans for such application. The Zoning Agent shall be responsible for reviewing such street numbers and keeping records of numbers assigned.
No land, premises, vehicle, building or structure in any zone shall be used for the purpose of outdoor advertising signs or billboards, but this shall not prevent the use of signs which advertise the goods sold or made and the services rendered on the premises. Permitted signs shall conform to the requirements of Article 19, Sign Regulations, of these regulations.
No land, premises, building or structure shall be used for amusement purposes of the carnival type that uses mechanical rides or includes shooting galleries, games of chance, freak shows, or the like, or outdoor concerts or festivals, except that the Board of Appeals may grant to bona fide nonprofit organizations such uses for a limited period as a special exception in accordance with Article 13, Special Permit/Exception, of these regulations. All other outdoor concerts or festivals of any type or nature shall be subject to regulation by the Commission as provided herein, including, without limitation, the provisions of § 315-11.23 of these regulations, as applicable.
A. 
With the exception of portions of a dwelling which are partially underground ("walkout basements"), no basement, cellar or garage or any structure of a temporary nature or any uncompleted portion of a structure shall be used as a residence.
B. 
Likewise, no principal or accessory use shall be established or maintained in a tent, shed, trailer, truck, or similar temporary or mobile structure or device, except for carnival and amusement uses, as set forth in § 315-4.11 of these regulations and except as provided in §§ 315-11.18 and 315-11.19 of these regulations.
In order to prevent increased runoff into lakes, ponds, and other bodies of open water; to maintain the aesthetic beauty of the edge of such body of water; and protect the water storage capability of the land immediately bordering on such body of water, any part of a lot which lies within 75 feet of the high-water line of any lake, pond, or other body of open water shall be maintained in its natural condition and shall not be filled, excavated, nor a change made in the natural grade, except as provided in Article 15, Excavation and Filling of Earth Products. Trees and shrubs may be trimmed and pruned for a view of the body of water. Trees may be removed which constitute a safety hazard or major nuisance, or where a selected thinning is needed for the growth of the trees. Trees may be removed to the minimum extent required for incidental access to the water for docks, swimming, and other recreational activities to the extent permitted by Chapter 304, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations.
Buffer areas are intended to provide a visual screen between residential zones which are abutting nonresidential uses or zones. Buffer areas are not intended to provide such protection for residential uses in nonresidential zones, it being the intention of these regulations that such uses shall gradually give way to nonresidential ones. The following shall be required for all nonresidential uses abutting residential uses in residential zones:
A. 
Types of buffers. Buffer areas may be topographic (e.g., an earth berm), structural (e.g., suitably colored or constructed fencing or walls), landscaping, or any combination thereof. Regardless of type, such buffer areas shall be of such width, height, and character so as to present an opaque visual barrier to parking and storage areas, buildings, or activities on the nonresidential site. In no event shall the mature height of such buffer trees be less than the height of the first story of any dwelling which may exist or may be permitted under these regulations on any adjoining residentially zoned lot. Regardless of landscaping, no building, structure, or parking area shall be less than 50 feet from the property line of any residentially zoned parcel.
B. 
Landscaped buffers. Landscaped buffers shall meet the following minimum requirements:
(1) 
Fifteen feet of depth comprised of two rows of suitable deciduous trees of minimum 1/2 inch diameter at breast height (DBH), or evergreen trees six feet in height, spaced 15 feet apart and staggered in rows 13 feet. The space between trees shall be filled with evergreen or deciduous shrub underplanting.
(2) 
Thirty feet of depth comprised of mixed plantings of suitable evergreen and deciduous trees, arranged in natural groupings, with tree quantity based on an average of one tree (minimum one inch caliper DBH for deciduous, four feet high for evergreen) per 300 square feet of buffer area. Evergreen trees shall comprise no less than 35% of the total number of trees in the buffer area. The space between trees or tree groupings shall be underplanted with evergreen or deciduous shrubs, with quantity based on one shrub per 200 square feet of buffer area. Up to 1/3 of the buffer area may be covered with grasses or ground cover.
(3) 
Use of existing natural growth for buffer areas is encouraged, and such areas may be augmented with additional trees and shrubs to achieve the required density set forth in the previous subsection.
C. 
Waiver. In the case of any use for which a special permit or special exception is required by these regulations, the Commission or the Board, as the case may be, may waive specific requirements of this section where their purpose and intent is otherwise satisfied.
A. 
Nature and administration.
(1) 
The following performance standards establish maximum levels for various nuisance factors. They shall apply to all business and industrial uses, whether located in a business or industrial district or located in a residence district as a nonconforming use or a special permit/exception.
(2) 
Measurements to determine present compliance and estimates to determine future compliance may be made by the Zoning Agent or any other public or private agency, firm or person competent to make such measurements or estimates. The Zoning Agent may require the owner or user of property to furnish such measurements or estimates in appropriate cases.
(3) 
New construction, new facilities and new activities shall not be permitted except in compliance with these standards.
(4) 
Existing uses shall not be required to reconstruct or rearrange their facilities and activities to provide compliance with these standards unless the same can be accomplished without undue cost (relative to the scale of the operations concerned) as determined by the Commission in the context of any proposed expansion or alteration which may be under review, or unless such reconstruction or rearrangement is required through some regulation other than the Zoning Regulations. Where existing uses do comply with these standards, they shall not be altered so as not to comply; and where existing uses do not comply with these standards, they shall not be altered so as to increase any noncompliance. Any existing machine, structure or other facility which does not comply with these standards shall not be replaced with a similar noncomplying facility unless:
(a) 
The facility is essential to the operation of the business or industry; and
(b) 
The Commission determines that replacement with a complying facility would be impractical.
B. 
Standards.
(1) 
Noise. The sound pressure level of any operation (other than the operation of motor vehicles or other transportation facilities, or operations involved in the construction or demolition of structures, or time signals) shall not exceed the decibel levels in the designated octave bands as stated in Table 4.1. The sound pressure level shall be measured with a sound level meter and an octave band analyzer that conform to specification published by the American Standards Association. (American Standard Sound Level Meters for Measurement of Noise and Other Sounds, 224.3-1944, American Standards Association, Inc., New York, New York; and American Standard Specification for and Octave Band Filter Set for the Analysis of Noise and Other Sounds, 224.10-1953, American Standards Association, Inc., New York, New York, shall be used.) All measurements shall be conducted at any point along or beyond any lot line of the lot upon which the generator is located. The maximum permissible sound-pressure levels between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. for smooth and continuous noise shall be as follows (all of the decibel levels stated below shall apply in each case):
Table 4.1
Frequency
(cycles per second)
Sound Pressure Level
(Decibels re 0.0002 dyne/cm)
Within Any Business District or at Its Boundary
Within Any Residence District or at Its Boundary
25 to 75
79
72
75 to 150
74
67
150 to 300
66
59
300 to 600
59
52
600 to 1,200
53
46
1,200 to 2,400
47
40
2,400 to 4,800
41
34
4,800 to 10,000
39
32
If the noise is not smooth and continuous or is radiated during sleeping hours, one or more corrections in Table 4.2 shall be added to or subtracted from each of the decibel levels given above in Table 4.1.
Table 4.2
Type of Operation or Character of Noise
Correction in Decibels
Noise occurs between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
-3
Noise occurs less than 5% of any 1 hour
+5
Noise is of periodic character (hum, scream, etc.), or is of impulsive noise, the correction shall apply only to the average pressure during an impulse, and impulse peaks shall not exceed the basic standards in Table 4.1
-5
(2) 
Vibration. Vibration in the form of earth-borne oscillations shall not cause displacement at any lot line exceeding the limits stated in Table 4.3. These limits shall not apply to operations involved in the construction or demolition of structures.
Table 4.3
Frequency
(cycles per second)
Maximum Displacement at Any Lot Line
(in inches)
Steady State Vibration*
Impact Vibration**
10 and below
0.0008
0.0016
10 to 20
0.0005
0.0010
20 to 30
0.0003
0.0006
30 to 40
0.0002
0.0004
40 to 50
0.0001
0.0002
50 to 60
0.0001
0.0002
60 and over
0.0001
0.0002
*
Continuous vibration. Discrete pulses occurring at more than 30 minutes shall be considered steady state vibration.
**
Discrete pulses occurring at or less than 30 per minute.
(3) 
Glare and heat. The use shall be so arranged that any glare or radiant heat produced is shielded so as not to be perceptible at or beyond any property line.
(4) 
Smoke. The use shall not produce, from any single source of emission, smoke or other air contaminant for a period or periods aggregating more than three minutes in any one hour which is as dark as or darker than that designated as No. 1 on the Ringelmann Chart as published by the U.S. Bureau of Mines.
(5) 
Waste discharges. The use and discharge of substances into the surface water or groundwater systems or public sewers shall be subject to the Regulations of the State Public Health Department, the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and any other federal, state, or local agency. No such use or discharge shall be permitted which can cause contamination of any water supply, surface or subsurface; which is conducive to the breeding of rodents, insects, or other pests; or which creates unsightly accumulations of litter, trash, or debris.
(6) 
Fire and explosion hazards. The use and all activities occurring therein shall conform to the Fire Safety Code of the State of Connecticut and any other applicable regulation. All activities, and storage of all inflammable or explosive materials, shall provide adequate safety devices, including provisions for the prevention, containment, and extinguishing of any explosion or fire.
(7) 
Ionizing radiation and radioactive materials. The use shall conform to the Sanitary Code of the State of Connecticut with regard to sources of ionizing radiation and radioactive materials, and to any other applicable regulation.
(8) 
Electromagnetic interference. The use shall conform to the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission with regard to electromagnetic radiation and interference, and to any other applicable regulation.
(9) 
Odor. The use shall be so arranged that there is no emission of odorous gases or other odorous matter in such quantities as to be offensive to occupants of surrounding properties, measured at or beyond any lot line of the lot upon which the generator is located. Any process which may involve the creation or emission of any odors shall be provided with a secondary safeguard system so that control will be maintained if the primary should fail. There is hereby established as a guide in determining such quantities of odors Table III (Odor Thresholds) in Chapter 5, "Air Pollution Abatement Manual," Copyright 1951, or any amendments thereof, by Manufacturing Chemists Association, Inc., Washington, D.C.
(10) 
Construction. All construction shall conform to the following hours: Work may begin daily at 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There shall be no construction of any type on Sunday or state and federal holidays.
A temporary use granted under any provisions of these regulations shall not constitute the establishment of a permanent or legal nonconforming use.
[Amended 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A. 
Purpose. To protect the public's health, welfare and safety by preventing or minimizing flood damage and in conjunction with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program, all proposed development within designated Flood Hazard Zones A-1 through A-15 and unnumbered A Zones (see § 315-4.17D) shall require prior authorization from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Dependent on the nature and location of the proposed development, minor land disturbing activities, proposed accessory structures and minor additions may be authorized through the issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance; while major land disturbing activities, proposed primary structures and major additions shall necessitate special permit approval of the Commission. This regulation also formally recognizes the Town's Flood Insurance Study; Flood Insurance Rate Maps, as amended; and Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps.
B. 
Definitions. For the purpose of this regulation, all definitions shall be in accordance with those contained in the current National Flood Insurance Program Rules and Regulations, which are available in the Willington Land Use Department. Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this § 315-4.17 shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this regulation its most reasonable application. The following definitions are exclusively applicable to this § 315-4.17:
ADDITION TO AN EXISTING BUILDING
Any walled and roofed expansion to the perimeter of a building in which the addition is connected by a common load-bearing wall other than a fire wall. Any walled and roofed addition which is connected by a fire wall or is separated by independent perimeter load-bearing walls is new construction.
APPEAL
A request for a review of the Zoning Agent's interpretation of any provision of this regulation or a request for a variance.
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD
The land in the floodplain subject to 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
BASE FLOOD
The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
BASEMENT
That portion of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.
BUILDING
Any structure built for support, shelter, or enclosure for any occupancy or storage.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavating, drilling operations, or permanent storage of materials.
ELEVATED BUILDING
A non-basement building built to have the lowest floor elevated above the ground level by means of fill, solid foundation perimeter walls, pilings, columns (posts and piers), shear walls, or breakaway walls.
FLOOD or FLOODING
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
(1) 
The overflow of inland or tidal water.
(2) 
The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
The official map on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the areas of special flood hazard and the risk premium zones applicable to the community, as on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY
The official report by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The report contains flood profiles, as well as the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.
FLOOR
The top surface of an enclosed area in a building (including basement), i.e., top of slab in concrete slab construction or top of wood flooring in wood frame construction. The term does not include the floor of a garage used solely for parking vehicles.
FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT FACILITY
A facility which cannot be used for its intended purpose unless it is located in close proximity to water, such as a docking or port facility necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, shipbuilding, ship repair, or seafood processing facilities. The term does not include long-term storage, manufacture, sales, or service facilities.
HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface, prior to construction, next to the proposed walls of a structure.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, in an area other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. The term also includes park trailers, travel trailers, and similar transportable structures placed on a site for 180 consecutive days or longer and intended to be improved property.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
A parcel, or contiguous parcels, of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
MEAN SEA LEVEL
For purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 or other datum to which base flood elevations shown on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.
NATIONAL GEODETIC VERTICAL DATUM (NGVD)
As corrected in 1929, is a vertical control used as a reference for establishing varying elevations within the floodplain.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the original effective date of the Flood Hazard Regulations/Ordinance (June 15, 1982).
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle which is:
(1) 
Built on a single chassis;
(2) 
Four hundred square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projections;
(3) 
Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck; and
(4) 
Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as a temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
START OF CONSTRUCTION
Includes substantial improvement, and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction or improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The actual start means the first placement of permanent construction of a structure (including a manufactured home) on a site, such as the pouring of slabs or footings, installation of piles, construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation or placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure.
STRUCTURE
A walled and roofed building that is principally aboveground, a manufactured home, a gas or liquid storage tank, or other man-made facilities or infrastructure.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any combination of repairs, reconstruction, alteration, or improvements to a structure taking place during the life of a structure, in which the cumulative cost equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure. The market value of the structure should be the appraised value of the structure prior to the start of the initial repair or improvement or, in the case of damage, the value of the structure prior to the damage occurring. For the purposes of this definition, "substantial improvement" is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include any project for improvement of a structure required to comply with existing health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions.
VARIANCE
A grant of relief from the requirements of this regulation which permits construction in a manner otherwise prohibited by this regulation where specific enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship, and where the granting of such relief would be in harmony with the purposes of this regulation. The definition of this term and the criteria for the grant or denial of a variance hereunder shall be in accordance with Connecticut law, as construed by the courts of this state, as well as in accordance with the criteria and requirements of this § 315-4.17.
WATER SURFACE ELEVATION
The height, in relation to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 (or other datum where specified), of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.
C. 
General provisions.
(1) 
Lands to which this regulation applies. This § 315-4.17 shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the Town of Willington.
(2) 
Basis for establishing the areas of special flood hazard. The areas of special flood hazard are identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in its National Flood Insurance Rate Map for the Town of Willington, map revised June 15, 1982, which map, with accompanying floodway maps and other supporting data, and any revision thereto, are adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this regulation.
(3) 
Establishment of floodplain management. a special permit or certificate of zoning compliance, as hereinafter provided, shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this regulation prior to the commencement of any development activities.
(4) 
Compliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be located, extended, converted or structurally altered without full compliance with the terms of this regulation and other applicable regulations.
(5) 
Abrogation and greater restrictions. This regulation is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this regulation and another conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.
(6) 
Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of this regulation, all provisions shall be:
(a) 
Considered as minimum requirements;
(b) 
Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
(c) 
Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.
D. 
Procedure.
(1) 
Prior to the commencement of any development in designated Flood Hazard Zones A-1 through A-15 and unnumbered A Zones, an application with accompanying information shall be submitted to the Commission for its review. Applications shall only be received at a regular meeting of the Commission. To promote expedient review, applications should be filed in the Land Use Department at least seven days prior to a regular meeting for analysis and placement on the Agenda. Upon receipt of the application, the Commission shall review the proposal and determine whether special permit approval or certificate of zoning compliance authorization is appropriate. Prior to this determination, all proposals under this regulation shall be considered special permit applications. If the proposal involves a minor land disturbing activity, accessory structure or minor addition which is clearly consistent with the approval criteria contained in this regulation, the Commission may authorize the Zoning Agent to issue a certificate of zoning compliance. All other proposed activities shall require special permit approval, and a public hearing date shall be established. After conducting the public hearing, the Commission shall complete its review and approve, approve with modification, or disapprove the application. All statutory time requirements for special permit applications shall be followed. Enforcement shall be in accordance with the appropriate sections of the Willington Zoning Regulations and the Connecticut General Statutes.
(2) 
In riverine situations, the Commission shall notify adjacent communities and the state coordinating office prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse. Copies of such notification shall be submitted to the Federal Insurance Administrator.
E. 
Application requirements.
(1) 
It is recommended that the planning staff be contacted for assistance in determining what information may be required by the Commission. Whereas all applications are initially considered special permits, the application requirements of Article 13 shall be followed. At a minimum, all applications shall include a site plan showing property lines, existing and proposed contours, existing and proposed structures and floor elevations, base flood information, appropriate engineering certifications, appropriate construction plans and other data necessary to accurately review the proposal with respect to approval criteria. Specific base flood elevation data [see § 315-4.17C(2)] shall be provided for proposals greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is the lesser, for that portion within the Floodplain District.
(2) 
Please note that any necessary permits from those government agencies from which approval is required by federal or state law should be obtained prior to submission to the Willington Planning and Zoning Commission.
F. 
Flood hazard zones/base flood information. When base flood elevation data or floodway data have not been provided in accordance with this § 315-4.17, then the Zoning Agent shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal, state or other source in order to administer the provisions of this § 315-4.17.
G. 
Approval criteria. In reviewing and authorizing any development in designated Flood Hazard Zones A-1 through A-15 and unnumbered A Zones, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine that the public's health, welfare and general safety have been protected and that the following specific criteria have been met to the Commission's satisfaction:
(1) 
That all other necessary permits have been received from those government agencies from which approval is required by federal or state law.
(2) 
That all appropriate approval criteria from Article 13 of these regulations have been complied with.
(3) 
That all new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures, including prefabricated buildings and manufactured homes, shall have the lowest floor, including the basement, elevated to one foot or more above the base flood level (100-year flood level).
(4) 
New construction or substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or nonresidential structure located in Zones A1-30, AE and AH shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least one foot or more above the level of the base flood elevation; or nonresidential structures located in all A Zones may be floodproofed in lieu of being elevated, provided that, together with all attendant utilities and sanitary facilities, the areas of the structure below the required elevation are watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water, and use structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effect of buoyancy. A licensed professional engineer or architect shall review and/or develop structural design, specifications, and plans for the construction and shall certify that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with acceptable standards of practice for meeting the provisions of this § 315-4.17. Such certification shall be provided to the Zoning Agent.
(5) 
New construction or substantial improvements of elevated buildings that include fully enclosed areas formed by foundation and other exterior walls below the base flood elevation shall be designed to preclude finished living space and designed to allow for the entry and exit of floodwaters to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls. Designs for complying with this requirement must either be certified by a professional engineer or architect or meet the following minimum criteria:
(a) 
Provide a minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding;
(b) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade; and
(c) 
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices, provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwaters in both directions.
(6) 
That all development proposals, including utilities and drainage, are located and designed to be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage. More specifically:
(a) 
All public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems shall be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.
(b) 
New or replacement water supply systems and/or sanitary sewer systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into floodwaters.
(c) 
On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding.
(d) 
Adequate drainage shall be provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards and access to proposed developments shall not be impaired due to flood hazards.
(e) 
Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air-conditioning equipment, and other service facilities shall be designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
(7) 
That the flood-carrying capacity is maintained within any altered or relocated portion of any watercourse. Engineering certification shall be submitted with the application. Notify adjacent communities and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Land and Water Resources Division, prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(8) 
That new construction, including prefabricated buildings and manufactured homes, and substantial improvements are designed and anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement and constructed with flood-resistant materials and methods. The placement of manufactured homes and subdivisions shall meet the location, anchoring and other construction standards and evacuation requirements contained in the National Flood Insurance Program Rules and Regulations.
(9) 
Located within areas of special flood hazard established in § 315-4.17A of these regulations are areas designated as "floodways" on the Town's Flood Boundary and Floodway Map. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of floodwaters which carry debris, potential projectiles, and erosion potential, the following provisions shall apply:
(a) 
In Zone A, should the information obtained in § 315-4.17C(2) be used to designate a floodway, it must be capable of conveying the base flood without increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot at any point.
(b) 
Encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and any other development, are prohibited unless certification (with supporting technical data) is provided by a licensed professional engineer, demonstrating that such encroachments will not result in any (0.00) increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(10) 
If the proposal involves development within Zones A-1 through A-15 and a floodway has not been identified, no new construction, substantial improvements to existing structures, or other development (including fill) shall be permitted unless it is demonstrated by the applicant that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point in the Town.
(11) 
All manufactured homes and recreational vehicles (including "mobile" homes placed on a site for 180 consecutive days or longer) to be placed or substantially improved shall be elevated so that the lowest floor is above the base flood elevation and shall be placed on a permanent foundation which itself is securely anchored and to which the structure is securely anchored so that it will resist flotation, lateral movement, and hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures. Anchoring may include, but not be limited to, the use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors.
H. 
As-built plans required. Prior to issuance of any certificates of zoning compliance for any approved development activities in designated Flood Hazard Zones A-1 through A-15 and unnumbered A Zones, the Zoning Agent shall determine that approved plans and elevation requirements have been met. To verify compliance, "as-built" first-floor and basement elevations and final ground elevations certified by a licensed professional engineer or land surveyor shall be submitted to the Zoning Agent for authorized primary structures, major additions, major land disturbing activities or any other development activity where, in the opinion of the Zoning Agent, certifications are necessary. Where floodproofing measures have been utilized or watercourses altered, appropriate "as-built" or "as-constructed" certifications from a licensed professional engineer or architect shall be submitted to the Zoning Agent.
I. 
Variance procedures. Any applicant may request a variance of these standards from the Willington Zoning Board of Appeals. Standard Zoning Board of Appeals' application and processing requirements shall be met. Additionally, variance applicants shall be notified that approval to construct a structure below base flood levels will increase risks to life and property and will result in greatly increased premium rates for flood insurance. A record of all variance actions shall be maintained in the Land Use Department and reported annually to the Federal Insurance Administrator. All variances shall meet the following standards:
(1) 
Variances may be issued without regard to the standards of this section for the reconstruction, restoration and rehabilitation of structures on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic Places.
(2) 
Variances shall not be granted within any designated regulatory floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
(3) 
Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(4) 
Variances shall be granted only upon:
(a) 
A showing of good and sufficient cause.
(b) 
A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in undue hardship to the applicant.
(c) 
A determination that the granting of a variance would not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, nuisances or conflicts with existing local laws or ordinances.
A. 
Authorization.
(1) 
The Commission, in accordance with the provisions of this section, may issue a special permit to allow the creation of new rear lots, or the construction of dwellings with accessory buildings on rear lots of record existing on December 31, 1969, only in zones where residential uses are allowed by the permitted use section of these regulations.
(2) 
No special permit is required for rear lots in approved subdivisions. All rear lots shall be subject to the provisions of this section except rear lots in open space subdivisions which shall be permitted in accordance with § 310-6.05B(1) of Chapter 310, Subdivision Regulations.
B. 
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow the development of existing rear lots and to provide greater development flexibility, particularly where a site has unusual lot line or natural resource configurations or where rear lot development would promote or enhance the protection of valuable natural resource features. This section is not intended to encourage development of land characterized by severe or very severe development limitations or to discourage new road development.
C. 
Definition. "Rear lot" shall be defined as follows:
REAR LOT
A lot, with less than the required frontage for a particular zone, having a permanent accessway to an accepted Town or state road and meeting the requirements of this § 315-4.18.
D. 
Requirements.
(1) 
An application for a special permit for a rear lot shall be governed by the provisions of this § 315-4.18 and the requirements of Article 13, Special Permit/Exception, except that, for a rear lot, the following portions of Article 13 shall be waived or modified:
(a) 
In § 315-13.03B(3) and (4), replace "within 500 feet of" to "abutting."
(b) 
Section 315-13.03B(4)(a), (g), (h) and (j) shall be waived.
(c) 
In § 315-13.03B(5)(a), the information required shall be limited to proposed grades at two-foot contours or less.
(d) 
Section 315-13.03B(5)(b) and (d) through (m) shall be waived.
(e) 
Section 315-13.03B(6) shall be waived.
(f) 
Section 315-13.03C shall be waived if the Town Health Official submits a report indicating that the site has adequate capacity for a septic system primary and reserve leaching areas.
(g) 
Section 315-13.03E, F and H shall be waived.
(h) 
Section 315-13.03I(2) shall be waived.
(i) 
Section 315-13.05C, D and E shall be waived.
(j) 
Section 315-13.05J through M shall be waived.
(k) 
Section 315-13.05O(3) shall be waived.
(l) 
Section 315-13.05P shall be waived.
(m) 
Section 315-13.06 shall be waived.
(2) 
No special permit authorizing the creation of, or construction on, rear lots shall be issued unless the following criteria and conditions (as well as the requirements of Article 13 as modified above) are met to the satisfaction of the Commission:
(a) 
The Commission shall not approve a new rear lot or lots until it determines that such lot or lots provide the best development of the land, considering subject lot and adjacent lot configurations, topography and other natural resource characteristics, drainage and traffic impacts, accessibility by occupants and emergency vehicles during all weather conditions and seasons, driveway sight lines and utility service capabilities. The Commission shall determine that any proposed rear lot development is not detrimental to the health, safety, general welfare, property values, future land use or road layouts of the future occupants of the rear lot or lots, abutting landowners or the community at large.
(b) 
The Commission shall approve a rear lot or lots only after receipt of a planning and engineering staff report on the overall layout, the construction and design of the right-of-way and driveway, including sight lines, drainage, and the capacity of the driveway to support emergency vehicular traffic. Except for requirements modified by this rear lot section, each rear lot shall comply in all respects with the standards of the particular zone in which the lot is located.
(c) 
Except for rear lots existing, of record, as of the effective date of these regulations, no permit or approval shall be issued for any rear lot of less than 80,000 square feet in area, calculated exclusive of the accessway and any areas not meeting the requirements of § 315-4.04A, Lot compliance, of these regulations. The lot line from which extends the access to the street shall be considered the front lot line. There shall be a maximum of one single-family dwelling with permitted accessory buildings or uses on a rear lot.
(d) 
All rear lots must have a twenty-five-foot-wide, fee-owned accessway from an accepted Town or state road. Said accessway must be capable of accommodating a driveway which satisfies the provisions of § 315-4.21 from the point at which the accessway touches the road up to the location of the house on the lot. The side of the lot from which the accessway leads shall be considered as the front line of any proposed rear lot.
(e) 
All rear-lot driveways shall comply with the standards and specifications of § 315-4.21, Driveway standards, of these regulations. No rear lot driveway shall service more than one dwelling.
(f) 
The owner of a rear lot shall provide and maintain, as per approval specifications, the driveway, drainage and utilities within the accessway and shall be responsible for a continued maintenance and liability.
(g) 
There shall be a maximum of two adjacent or contiguous rear lots, including rear lots on abutting properties.
(h) 
No rear lot or lots shall landlock another rear lot or rear land where the potential for feasible future access does not exist, unless the Commission finds that there is no feasible alternative, either existing or future, to development as a rear lot.
E. 
Compliance. No certificate of zoning compliance shall be granted for any dwelling unit on a rear lot until the requirements of this section and any other approval conditions have been met.
For any use of land for which review is required by the Commission or the Board, the provisions of this § 315-4.20 shall apply:
A. 
Criteria for review. An applicant for any development involving one or more of the following criteria shall submit a hydrologic review and summary to the Commission/Board:
(1) 
The development will involve the destruction or removal of vegetation or other ground cover and the exposure of soil materials on five acres or more.
(2) 
The development will involve the grading or filling of five acres or more of land.
(3) 
The impervious portion of the proposed development is 25% or greater.
(4) 
The Commission/Board finds, upon examination and review of all of the circumstances surrounding the application, that a hydrologic review and summary is necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare.
B. 
Nature of review.
(1) 
The methods used to estimate peak flows and runoff volumes shall be in accordance with those described in Chapter 9 of the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (1985), as they may be amended.
(2) 
The peak discharges from the two-year, ten-year, and 100-year frequency, twenty-four-hour duration, Type III distribution storms before and after development and downstream impacts shall be analyzed.
(3) 
The report and analysis submitted to the Commission shall consist of a narrative, summary table and supporting calculations.
C. 
Results of review. If the Commission/Board determines that downstream areas may be adversely affected by increased peak discharges, or if peak discharges are increased by 15% for the 100-year storm, then the Commission/Board shall require the applicant to submit a proposal for a stormwater management system.
D. 
Elements of a stormwater management system. The following standards shall be met in any stormwater management system plan submitted to the Commission/Board:
(1) 
Except as provided below, no increases in peak flow from the analyzed storms shall be allowed unless an analysis of downstream areas shows that increases are acceptable considering:
(a) 
The timing of peak flows from subwatersheds;
(b) 
The increased duration of high flow rates;
(c) 
The stability of the downstream channels;
(d) 
Flood routing (i.e., the distance downstream that peak discharges are increased); and
(e) 
Existing land use and zoning.
(2) 
Prevention of peak flow increases may be accomplished by detention basins, rooftop storage, parking lot storage, underground tanks or other effective methods.
(3) 
Design of detention basins shall be in accordance with the detention basin (DB) measure contained in the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (1985), or as may be amended.
(4) 
Design of infiltration trenches, parking lot storage, rooftop storage and underground tanks shall be in accordance with the Runoff Management System Standard contained in the Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Guide, Section IV (NRCS Standard No. 570).
(5) 
Adequate inlets to a detention basin must be provided to allow entrance of flood flows in excess of the maximum capacity of the storm sewer pipe system.
(6) 
Maximum infiltration to the groundwater is encouraged except in areas where the potential exists for contamination of an aquifer with polluted surface water. Design of the stormwater management system shall consider reducing runoff by use of such techniques as minimizing impervious areas and maximizing travel times by using grass or rock-lined channels in lieu of storm sewers.
(7) 
When the Commission/Board determines that engineering, aesthetics, and economic factors make combined detention or other drainage facilities more practical for construction by the Town, the Town shall require a fee or equivalent dedication of land which shall be used to construct joint facilities. The Commission/Board may permit several developers to construct joint facilities.
(8) 
Runoff management system components shall be designed according to sound engineering principles and installed in a sequence that permits each to function as intended without causing a hazard. Single components shall not be installed until plans for the entire runoff management system are completed and approved. Final discharge points shall be approved by the Commission/Board.
(9) 
All on-site facilities shall be properly maintained by the owners so that they do not become nuisances. A plan of operation and maintenance shall be prepared for use by the owner, or others responsible for the system, to ensure that each component functions properly. This plan shall provide requirements for inspection, operation, and maintenance of individual components, including outlets. It shall be prepared before the system is installed and shall specify who is responsible for maintenance. Adequate rights-of-way must be provided for maintenance access.
(10) 
All runoff control structures located on private property whether dedicated to the Town or not shall be accessible at all times for Town inspection. Where runoff control structures have been accepted by the Town for maintenance, access easements shall be provided.
(11) 
Appropriate safety features and devices shall be installed to protect humans and animals from such accidents as falling or drowning. Temporary fencing can be used until barrier planting is established. Such protective measures as guardrails and fences shall be used on spillways and impoundments as needed, or as required by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Dam Safety Group.
(12) 
Runoff management systems should be visually compatible with the surrounding landscape.
(13) 
Permits for runoff management systems may also be required from the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission where such systems may have an impact on inland wetlands, and from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection where a dam is to be constructed or water diverted. See C.G.S. §§ 22a-365 et seq. and § 22a-409.
(14) 
The Commission/Board may not waive any one or more of these standards unless the applicant clearly demonstrates that an alternate approach will better protect the public health, safety or welfare. The Commission/Board shall state on the record its reasons for granting any waiver.
[Amended 5-29-2001, eff. 6-12-2001; 9-16-2025, eff. 10-1-2025]
A. 
To promote traffic safety and prevent or minimize drainage and icing problems, driveways for all lots shall be designed and constructed in conformance with the minimum provisions of this regulation.
B. 
All site plans submitted in support of an application for a certificate of zoning compliance shall depict driveway locations, proposed grading, tree and brush removal, drainage improvements and, as appropriate, other construction details. Upon approval, minor on-site modifications may be authorized by the planning and engineering staff, provided the required driveway standards are complied with.
C. 
Proposed lots which cannot be served by a driveway conforming to required standards shall not be approved by the Zoning Agent unless they are specifically waived by that officer. Said waivers may be approved in situations where no detrimental traffic or drainage impact or erosion is anticipated, where the driveway involves unusual site or roadway conditions, or where roadway improvements are pending or anticipated.
D. 
Unless a waiver is authorized, driveways shall comply with the following standards:
(1) 
A driveway/curb cut permit is required from the Director of Public Works for all work within the right-of-way. Also see § 315-20.12 for curb cuts.
(2) 
Driveways shall conform to any curb cut and driveway standards established by the Board of Selectmen and the Town Engineer and, as appropriate, the State Department of Transportation.
(3) 
Unpaved driveways shall not exceed a slope of 10%; paved driveways shall not exceed a slope of 12%. All driveways shall have a width of at least 10 feet, plus a two-foot-wide, load-bearing shoulder on each side.
(4) 
Driveways shall be designed to prevent stormwater flows from entering a Town roadway and, wherever possible, the Town right-of-way. Privately owned and maintained drainage diversion swales, detention areas and/or dry wells shall be utilized to the greatest extent possible. Whenever a private drainage swale or private detention area is utilized in diverting driveway water from the Town right-of-way, the owner of the subject lot(s) shall be responsible for maintaining the depicted swale or detention area and any culverts in accordance with the approved design. To ensure proper maintenance of a driveway serving a rear lot and/or a common driveway, no certificate of zoning compliance shall be issued on the subject lot until a deed restriction, approved by the Zoning Agent, is filed on the Land Records. Said deed restriction shall clearly note the maintenance responsibility and, subject to proper notification by the Town, it shall allow the Town to undertake any necessary maintenance activity and charge the property owner for expenses.
(5) 
Driveways shall have an area with a slope no greater than 4% at the intersection with the street, such area to extend at least 20 feet in length from the street.
(6) 
All driveways shall have a paved apron if it connects to a paved road. Driveway aprons shall be at least 15 feet in depth and intersect with the street with a twenty-five-foot radius.
(7) 
Emergency vehicle turnaround and bypass. Driveways exceeding 200 feet in length shall include, within 75 feet from interior end, an emergency vehicle turnaround area at least 10 feet wide and 30 feet deep. Driveways exceeding 500 feet in length shall include an emergency vehicle bypass area to allow for emergency vehicle passing. Such area shall be at least 10 feet wide and 40 feet long. The layout of all driveways exceeding 200 feet in length shall be subject to review by the Fire Marshal or his designee.
(8) 
Driveways shall intersect roadways at an angle of approximately 90° and shall be located and designed with sight lines as follows: Along state roads, the minimum state recommended sight distance for the established speed limit shall be complied with. A minimum sight distance of 425 feet shall be required along Town arterial/collector streets, and a minimum sight distance of 300 feet shall be required along local streets. The Commission may increase or decrease these required distances depending on posted speed limit, street grades, topography, use of the subject property and other properties along the street, and similar factors.
(9) 
Except in open space subdivisions, common driveways and loop driveways shall be prohibited. A loop driveway servicing only one residential lot, with both intersections with the street contained within the front lot line of the served lot, shall be permitted.
(10) 
All driveways and their shoulders shall be constructed with a base and surface adequate to support a 70,000 pound (GVW) firefighting apparatus. All unpaved driveways and aprons shall have, at a minimum, a gravel base of four inches of bank run gravel containing stone no larger than 3 1/2 inches, plus four inches of process gravel, each layer compacted separately. All paved driveways shall have the preceding gravel base and process gravel, plus, in addition, three inches of Class II compacted bituminous concrete or a suitable alternate material, approved by the Town Engineer. The layout of all driveways exceeding 200 feet in length may be reviewed, and any changes requested by the Fire Marshal or his designee shall be incorporated into the design.
(11) 
Driveway side slopes shall not exceed a slope of three to one unless retaining walls or other suitable stabilizing provisions are utilized. Guardrails, guideposts, headwalls, flared ends or wider driveway widths shall be used when steep side slopes or culvert crossings present a safety hazard or future maintenance problem. Driveway culverts in the Town right-of-way shall be maintained by the private property owner.
(12) 
Driveway openings shall be located as far as possible from roadway intersections and no closer than 75 feet to any roadway intersection, unless some less distance is required to meet the sight-line requirements of these regulations or to comply with the provisions of any permit issued pursuant to Chapter 304, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations.
(13) 
All driveway gravel base shall be substantially completed at the time of the commencement of construction on any lot.
(14) 
When a proposed driveway crosses a watercourse or other feature such that a bridge is required, such plan shall be prepared and sealed by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Connecticut. Such plans shall be accompanied by a written statement from the engineer certifying that the bridge has been designed to withstand AASHTO HS20 Live Loads. Upon completion of construction of a private bridge, the licensed professional engineer shall be required to certify that the bridge was constructed in substantial conformance with the design drawings and specifications.
Except in Designed Development Zones, there shall be no more than one principal use on a single lot. In a Designed Commercial Zone, a Designed Neighborhood Commercial Zone, and a Designed Industrial Zone, upon approval of the Commission pursuant to Articles 12 and 13 of these regulations, there may be more than one principal use on a lot, provided one such use shall not be a dwelling. In other Designed Development Zones (Designed Recreation, Designed Community Residential, and Designed Elderly Residential), there may be more than one principal use on one lot, including one or more dwellings, upon approval of the Commission pursuant to Articles 12 and 13 of these regulations.
[Amended eff. 12-15-2012]
The following watercourses and their tributaries (upstream to the point where their drainage area is less than 200 acres) are of special concern within the Town: Fenton River, Roaring Brook and Willimantic River. For these watercourses and their tributaries, no buildings or associated parking areas, septic systems, or clearing of vegetation shall be proposed within 150 feet measured horizontally from the wetland boundaries adjacent to each side of the watercourse; provided, however, that septic systems required to serve an existing building or use may be located within such buffer, subject to approval in accordance with Chapter 304, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations. Utilities, erosion and sediment control practices and stormwater management control practices may be installed within the 150-foot buffer, provided their impact is minimal.