Diana Stricker Photo
There will be a six month moratorium on new applications for duplexes and multi-family homes in R-1 zones, following a unanimous vote by the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission last week.
Town Planner Harry Smith, pictured above, pointed out the R-1 zones which are located in areas of Branford Hills, the Town Center, and a small portion of lots off Brushy Plain Road.
Diana Stricker Photo
Commission chair Chuck Andres (pictured)said the moratorium, which begins Aug. 15, will give staff and the commission time to take a closer look at R‑1 zones.
“Concerns have been expressed to the commission by members of the public that certain two-family dwellings, allowed as-of-right in the R‑1 zoning district, have been built at a scale and character that is not in harmony with surrounding properties,” Andres said.
Neighbors from the Mona Drive area of Branford Hills have complained about the number of small homes being replaced by oversized duplexes.
Andres said duplexes may be more appropriate in the Town Center than in the Mona Drive area which has a majority of single-family homes. “It may be that such uses are more appropriate in some areas of the zone over other areas,” he said.
With Permission
Map Shows R1 Areas in Yellow
Smith said the regulations for an R-1 zone address the issue of preserving existing development from overcrowding. In addition, the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development addresses scale and the “loom factor” when new construction overwhelms neighborhoods.
Smith said the request for a moratorium was referred to town attorney but he had no comments.
Maryann Amore, whose home abuts a newly constructed duplex on Mona Drive, was one of two people who attended the public hearing, and the only one who commented on the proposed moratorium.
“I certainly have a looming building in my backyard,” Amore said. “So I very much support the moratorium to take time to consider how this could be prevented without unduly restricting other people’s desires to build up or whatever. My only concern is if 6 months is a long enough time,” said Amore, who is a member of the Representative Town Meeting.
Andres said moratoriums can be extended if additional time is needed. He said the next step is an inventory of R-1 districts and what the potential is for further development and redevelopment. He said the commission may review the existing bulk requirements for the R-1 zone in terms of lot area per unit, height, setbacks, lot coverage ratios and floor area ratios.
Smith said he has already started some research, and will continue in August.
Commissioner Marci Palluzzi said the P&Z may eventually want to look at other areas like the R-2 zone along the shoreline in regard to the size of new homes and issues of flooding.
“I think that what we set up as a result of this moratorium could set a stage” for looking at other areas in terms of re-development, Palluzzi said.
Andres said the commission will develop a series of options for discussion at a future meeting or workshop.
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