PZC Talks Zoning Changes to Address Housing

There is a housing shortage – no one debates that. The solution, however, is a huge source of debate. Stafford’s Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) is looking to get proactive on the subject – and there were plenty of ideas proffered for further consideration. Here are two of them:

Expanding multi-family units

Currently, multi-family units are only allowed in the Borough, but there are existing non-conforming multi-family homes in other parts of town. PZC Chair Dave Palmberg suggested changing the regulations to allow for multi-family dwellings in different zones, such as AA and AAA, where appropriate.

One of the main challenges to expanding housing options in Stafford is the demand new developments put on services. By putting more small, multi-family buildings on larger lots, with the room for adequate septic systems, the town could encourage development while not putting more stress on the Water Pollution Control Facility. It would also help avoid large complexes that also put stress on emergency services. 

PZC member, Rich Shuck, said he was experimenting with a similar solution in the city where he works. He said a 20,000 square foot lot was needed to build a single-family home, but he thought the regulations could be changed to allow for a duplex to be built on a 30,000 square foot lot. 

Palmberg also expressed a need for more feedback from people who live in the zones that could be impacted. Someone who bought a house in an area where two acres were required to build a home may not be happy to find out their new neighbors were building a duplex.

Additional dwelling units (ADUs)

ADUs are used in many cities to alleviate housing concerns. If you’re a fan of HGTV, you’ve probably seen The Property Brothers build one in someone’s tiny California backyard. As Norwalk Tomorrow reports, the laws in Connecticut changed around ADUs a few years ago: 

“The laws around accessory dwellings in Connecticut changed in 2021. Public Act 21-29 legislation requires towns to designate specific zones where ADUs are permitted as-of-right, either attached to or detached from the single-family house. 

However, towns can opt out and set their own requirements for ADUs or not allow them at all. One exception to this is that towns cannot require a minimum square footage. Be sure to check your local requirements before building.”

Stafford opted out at the time, but new state laws have made that decision null and void. ADUs are coming; the question is where they will be allowed. One approach was to identify areas with fewer wetlands and modify codes to permit community septic tanks, which could help determine the potential locations for ADUs (or even multi-family homes). 

The takeaway

Changes are coming to Stafford’s zoning regulations. The PZC is looking for input from residents, so if you have thoughts, you should keep an eye on the agenda.