Westport P&Z to Review FEMA Flood Zone & Traffic Safety Amendments

Editor's note: This information is posted on WestportCT.org.

The Westport Planning and Zoning Commission next month will review two text amendments, one dealing with improvement of sight distances at development sites and the other with incorporating references to new flood zone maps in P&Z regulations. 

P&Z Director Larry Bradley said Text Amendment No. 659 on sight distances will be reviewed on May 2, and Text Amendment No. 658 on flood zone maps on May 9.

Amendment No. 659 was submitted by the Planning & Zoning Commission’s own Traffic Subcommittee.  Specifically, the amendment includes provisions to improve sight distances at driveways of development sites that are reviewed by the commission. 

There are also new provisions with respect to traffic impact studies that are submitted as part of redevelopment projects that are reviewed by the commission. This amendment gives the commission greater discretion to modify projects which may have adverse traffic impacts. 

“These amendments are intended to create a greater margin of safety for drivers exiting larger development projects,” said Bradley.  “Also, the commission will be better able to judge and in some cases mitigate potential adverse traffic impacts.” 

Amendment No. 658, also submitted by the commission, will incorporate references to new flood zone maps into the Planning and Zoning regulations. These changes to the flood maps are mandated by FEMA and must go into effect on July 8. 

“These changes are based upon new flood studies conducted by FEMA and are required to become effective on July 8,” he said.  “However, the P&Z office is encouraging all property owners to utilize the new flood mapping immediately because their insurance rates could potentially increase dramatically if they are non-compliant after these changes go into effect.” 

All citizens interested in these amendments are encouraged to attend the Planning and Zoning Commission’s public hearings on May 2 and May 9 at 7 p.m. in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium or submit written comments to the P&Z office before each hearing, 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 for each amendment, no additional information or comments will be accepted.