COMPLETENESS OF AN APPLICATION
Applications must be submitted with supporting documents in order to begin the review process. If the application is not submitted by the owner of record directly, owner authorization is required for the application to be accepted.
Costs of permits vary based upon permit type. If more than one permit is required, the cost is the total of all applicable fees. Fees must be paid at time of application.
Applicants will be notified if the submittal is deemed incomplete. Correspondence will include the list of documents or fees that are required to proceed. If outstanding documents have not been received after 65 days, the incomplete application will be denied. A new application must be submitted to continue the request.
APPLICATION REVIEW TIMELINES
Applicants will be notified once all supporting documents and fees have been received by intake staff. The application will then be transferred to Plan Reviewers for processing.
Review Types:
Per Connecticut General Statute (state law), public hearings must be opened within 65 days of receipt of a complete application. Staff will be in contact to schedule the public hearing date.
Approvals:
The decision making body must consider, and base its approval or disapproval on all aspects of the proposal, and in particular whether the request:
- Is in harmony with the Plan of Conservation and Development;
- Complies with all applicable sections of zoning regulation pertaining to the district in which the proposal is located;
- Comports with the purposed of the district in which the proposal is located;
- Will not be detrimental to existing development in the district because of its location, bulk, scale or design;
- Does not create safety hazards in the proposed vehicular and pedestrian circulation pattern;
- Will not seriously degrade traffic levels of service without providing adequate mitigation measures;
- Is compatible with adjacent properties;
- Provides for the suitable arrangement of building, open space, and provision of light and air;
- Properly provides for adequate provision of essential service;
- Will not be detrimental to the control of stormwater as its source and the minimization of runoff;
- Dose not place excessive demands on city services and infrastructure;
- Provides pedestrian amenities; and
- Conforms fully with the code.
PUBLIC NOTICES
For commission level reviews, public noticing is required. The conditions and requirements of the public notice may vary depending on the commission that will hear the request. Staff will take care of all legal noticing. Applicants will be responsible for contacting abutting property owners and putting up public hearing signs. Public Hearing Signs are provided by the Planning Division with a $50 refundable deposit.
DECISIONS
No decision is final until a permit or notice recorded by the Town Clerk’s Office is issued. Note that after a Commission Hearing a Notice of Decision must first be published in the newspaper. Note as well that applications are subject to appeal periods after a decision is made.
If your request is denied, you have the right to appeal. If you are a party that is aggrieved by a decision that was made you ALSO have the right to appeal. Administrative Appeals are heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals. To file for an appeal visit the “File An Appeal” page.