P&Z to Hear Temporary Sign Amendment

Laurence Bradley, Westport Planning & Zoning Director announced yesterday that on Jan. 19, the Planning & Zoning Commission is scheduled to review two text amendments to the Westport zoning regulations.

Amendment No. 644 further expands the areas where Free Standing Portable Signs can be located.

In November 2011, the commission authorized these types of signs in downtown Westport and Saugatuck center, however due to technical reasons regarding referrals the Post Road and Riverside Avenue were not included, now all commercial zones are proposed to be include. 

There are also some additional technical changes that help clarify the wording of the amendment.

“It is our intention, if this second amendment is approved by the commission, to have this go into effect for all commercial zones in mid-February,” Bradley said.

“The P&Z staff is in the process of preparing an information brochure for merchants to explain the regulations and requirements for these signs.  The brochures will be distributed after the commission acts the amendment.”

Amendment  No. 642 has been submitted by Mel Barr, planning consultant. Amendment  No. 642 proposes modifications to Section 32-12 and Section 39A of the Westport Zoning Regulations. 

Both of these sections deal with multi-family housing in commercially zoned properties or properties that are split between commercial and residential zones. 

In November 2010, the Planning & Zoning Commission modified the multi-family housing regulations to include the GBD and also to require affordable housing.

“There were a number of other changes made at that time to encourage the development of affordable housing by providing incentives while also requiring that some commercial use be retained.

Barr’s proposal includes changes to the definitions of half story and floor area, changes for affordable to be based solely on 20 percent of the units and not floor area, increased building height from 35 to 40 feet, requiring only 30 percent not 40 percent be retained for commercial uses and allowing certain zones to have no minimum commercial component.

All those interested in these amendments are encouraged to attend the Planning & Zoning Commission’s public hearing on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. in the  auditorium, Bradley said.

Copies of the amendments are available for viewing in Town Hall both in the P&Z Office and in the office of the Town Clerk. 

The commission can receive written comments from the public in advance of the hearing.  Once the hearing is closed, no more information or comments will be accepted.