By Susan MacEachron

At its meeting on Feb. 8, the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) discussed George Auclair’s proposal to build a new storage garage on land he owns across from his Gulf service station on Greenwoods Road East/Route 44. The plan for the site was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 20. 

Ron Wolff of Wolff Engineering, which is overseeing the site development, explained that the new 20-foot-wide driveway access from Route 44 must be approved by the state Department of Transportation, and said the plans have been submitted to them for review. A public hearing is scheduled for March 8.  

P&Z devoted the remainder of its meeting to discussing potential regulation changes. Glen Chalder, a professional town planner and a longtime consultant to Norfolk’s P&Z commission, led a discussion on Conn. Public Act 21-29. The legislation is aimed at promoting rules to facilitate more economic diversity in housing options available across Connecticut towns. A key element of the act limits restrictions towns may impose on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), requiring towns to allow them “as of right” or opt out of the legislation before January 2023. Chalder reported that several towns have already opted out.  

P&Z also discussed possible regulation changes for ground-mounted solar panels. Under the town’s existing regulations, they require a special permit and a public hearing. P&Z also began a discussion about retail and agricultural cannabis facilities.