I I IntroductionII II DefinitionsIII III Residential (R) DistrictsIV IV Business and Industrial DistrictsV V Design DistrictsVI VI Other DistrictsVII VII Basic StandardsVIII VIII Special RegulationsIX IX ProceduresX X General ProvisionsXI XI AdministrationXII XII Regulating PlansXIII XIII Building Form StandardsXIV XIV Urban Space StandardsXV XV Architectural StandardsXVI XVI Parking and Loading StandardsXVII XVII Building FunctionXVIII XVIII Village District StandardsXIX XIX DefinitionsXX XX Appendix : Regulating Plans
A. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
In order to regulate use, categories of uses have been established. Use categories provide a systematic basis for assigning land uses to appropriate category with other, similar uses. Use categories classify land uses and activities based on common functional, product, or physical characteristics, and the likely impact on surrounding properties, site conditions and site conditions.
(a) 
Principal and accessory uses are grouped into categories by BFS (frontage type) and are shown in the use tables in § 470-1705.
(b) 
See also Canton Zoning Regulations for uses and requirements.
B. 
Use determination.
(1) 
Administrator responsibility. The ZEO is responsible for categorizing all uses. If a proposed use is not listed in a use category, but is similar to a listed use, the ZEO shall treat the proposed use as a use under that category. If a proposed use is not listed in a use category, and is not similar to any other listed use, the use shall be prohibited.
(2) 
Uses not specifically listed. When determining whether a proposed use is similar to a use listed in § 470-1705 the ZEO may consider the following criteria:
(a) 
The actual or projected characteristics of the proposed activity in relationship to the stated characteristics of each use.
(b) 
The relative amount of site area or floor space and equipment devoted to the activity.
(c) 
Relative amounts of sales from each activity.
(d) 
The customer type for each activity.
(e) 
The relative number of employees in each activity.
(f) 
Hours of operation.
(g) 
Building and site arrangement.
(h) 
Types of vehicles used and their parking requirements.
(i) 
The relative number of vehicle trips generated.
(j) 
Signs.
(k) 
How the use is advertised.
(l) 
The likely impact on surrounding properties.
(m) 
Whether the activity is likely to be found independent of the other activities on the site.
(3) 
For proposed interior buildings on a lot with more than one BFS, the interior building shall utilize the uses allowed to the frontage building. If more than one frontage building exists utilizing different BFS than the owner has the option of applying either, provided should the frontage building be improved or replaced the BFS used for the interior building shall be used for the frontage building.
A. 
Purpose and intent. The purpose of this section is to foster the renovation and reuse of structures that have significant historical, architectural or cultural value to the Town of Canton. This section recognizes that many existing structures within the CDVD and CVDVD will not conform to all of the standards and guidelines in this Code.
B. 
Applicability. The redevelopment and reuse of buildings that pre-date 1963 and have qualities of significance and integrity consistent with criteria used to evaluate inclusion on the National Register shall be encouraged. Among the buildings that the National Register Criteria for Evaluation recognizes are those which have made a significant contribution to history, are associated with significant persons, or embody distinctive characteristics. Applicants who feel that a building, that does not meet this Code's dimensional criteria, merits consideration under this section should set a preapplication meeting with the ZEO to determine the appropriate submittal process.
C. 
Development standards.
(1) 
BFS shall not apply to existing buildings, but shall apply to building additions.
(2) 
Parking.
(a) 
If a change in use results in more spaces being required than already exist, no additional parking spaces are required.
(b) 
If a change in use results in fewer spaces being required than already exist, then only the number of spaces necessary to fulfill the requirements need to be maintained.
(c) 
Existing parking in excess of the limits set forth in Article XVI, Parking and Loading Standards, may remain and be used for on-site or off-site parking purposes for other property owners, subject to an agreement between the property owners.
(d) 
On-site parking shall be provided, according to the Article XVI, Parking and Loading Standards, for all building additions, and calculated based on newly constructed gross area.
(3) 
On-site loading.
(a) 
Residential uses are not required to have on-site loading spaces.
(b) 
Nonresidential uses shall retain existing on-site loading spaces unless the number of on-site loading spaces exceeds the requirements in Article XVI, Parking and Loading Standards.
(4) 
Mezzanines. New construction to add a mezzanine level space in an existing story is permitted, provided that the mezzanine area does not exceed 40% of the floor area of the space below, and the space meets all applicable building codes.
(5) 
Building facades. Facades must maintain the architectural integrity of an existing building. If a building facade is replaced or significantly modified, as defined by § 470-1104B, Applicability Chart, it must satisfy the requirements set forth in Article XI, Administration.
A. 
Purpose and intent. These regulations are intended to encourage the development of below-market-rate dwelling units within the Town of Canton. Accessory dwellings afford an opportunity for the development of small rental units designed to meet the special housing needs of single persons, persons with fixed or limited income, and relatives of families who live or desire to live in the Town. Accessory dwellings provide a degree of flexibility for single-family homeowners (not multifamily, apartments, or condominiums), within detached and Town BFS only, with changing economic conditions and/or family structure, while providing a reasonable degree of protection for existing property values. In addition, these provisions are provided to recognize formally previously established dwellings and provide for improved safety and physical appearance.
B. 
General limitations.
(1) 
In all Design Village Districts (excluding East Gateway), accessory dwelling units are permitted under separate billing.
(2) 
Accessory buildings, structures, and uses shall be located on the same lot as the principal building, structure, or use to which they are accessory.
(3) 
Accessory buildings, structures, and uses shall not be located on a lot without the establishment of a permitted principal use, nor shall any new lot be created that has an accessory building, structure or use without a principal use.
(4) 
Accessory uses and structures are permitted as provided in this section, provided that the coverage and yard setbacks comply with the appropriate BFS.
C. 
Attached accessory dwelling. One accessory dwelling unit within or attached to the main dwelling unit, provided that it conforms to all of the following requirements:
(1) 
The area devoted to the accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 30% of the area of the principal dwelling, exclusive of garage, attic, and basement;
(2) 
The accessory dwelling unit shall not be located in a basement or story below the first floor unless more than 25% of the perimeter of the accessory dwelling unit opens to grade and the ceiling is more than five feet above that grade;
(3) 
Only one accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted for each lot;
(4) 
No accessory dwelling unit shall be approved as part of a multiple dwelling unit or a multifamily development;
(5) 
The principal dwelling unit and the accessory dwelling unit shall comply with the building code and health and safety regulations;
(6) 
Upon establishment of the accessory dwelling unit, the building shall:
(a) 
Maintain the exterior appearance and style (roof line, roof pitch, building materials, window style and spacing, etc.) of a single-family residence;
(b) 
Have any secondary entrance incorporated into the principal residence to reflect the architectural style of a single-family unit; and
(c) 
Share access from the public right-of-way and parking facilities shall serve both the principal and accessory units.
D. 
Detached accessory dwelling. One accessory dwelling unit detached from the main dwelling unit, provided that:
(1) 
The owner of the lot shall occupy either the principal dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit;
(2) 
The detached accessory dwelling unit shall be located on the same lot with the primary dwelling unit to which it is accessory;
(3) 
No detached accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted within any accessory buildings that is located in the front yard or that does not meet the minimum yard requirements of Zoning Regulations § 470-304E;
(4) 
When a detached accessory dwelling unit is proposed within a local historic district, the building containing the detached accessory dwelling unit shall have received a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic District Commission before being issued a zoning permit; and
(5) 
There shall be approval by the Farmington Valley Health District, Canton WPCA, and or Water Company, of adequate provision of water supply and sewage disposal.
A. 
Applicability. The use tables on the following pages identify the uses allowed in the respective BFS for each design village district.
B. 
Change of uses.
(1) 
Allowed uses may be added to properties via the submission of a zoning permit application to the ZEO in accordance with § 470-908B of the Zoning Regulations.
(2) 
Zoning permits for allowed uses may be issued by the ZEO, provided it is demonstrated that the parking and loading standards of § 470-702 of the Zoning Regulations are met.
(3) 
When a change of use triggers a change in the required parking per § 470-702, an existing improvement location plan prepared by a professional surveyor (equivalent to an as-built) shall be provided by the applicant documenting the existing improvements of the lot and any changes proposed to accommodate the sought after use.
Permitted Uses in Design Village Districts
Residential
[Amended 7-15-2022]
Canton Village
Collinsville
East Gateway
Harts Corner
Use
Main
Storefront
Town
Detached
Main
Storefront
Town
Detached
Main
Storefront
Town
Detached
Main
Storefront
Town
Detached
Single-family detached dwelling units
P2
P2
P
Single-family attached dwelling units
P1
P1
P
Two-family dwellings (duplex)
P1
P
P
Accessory dwellings
P1
P
P
P
P1
P
P4
P
P1
Multifamily dwellings
P1
P1
P1
P5,6
P1
P6,7
P4
P4
P
P1
Boarding house
P
P
P
P1
Group home
P
P
P
P1
Special needs housing and affordable housing
P1
P1
P1
P4
P
P1
Minor/major home-based business
P3
P3
P3
P3
P3
P3
P3,4
P3,4
P3
P3
Bed-and-breakfast
P
P
P
P
P
P
P4
P
P
Short-term rentals as may be permitted under §§ 470-302A(3) and 470-303D(3)
Accessory uses and structures in accordance with § 470-303 of the Zoning Regulations
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
NOTES
1
No residential uses permitted on ground floor (in Canton Village not permitted on ground floor of any building that fronts a state route).
2
No single-family detached dwelling units permitted on Albany Turnpike/State Route 44.
3
Minor home based business requires Type I design plan, major requires Type II design plan.
4
In East Gateway, no residential uses permitted east of Lawton Road; multifamily dwellings allowed east of Lovely Street, south of Route 44 to Secret Lake Road, including Secret Lake Road frontages.
5
Requires first floor business.
6
In Collinsville, may not be greater than 4 units per lot.
7
Requires Type II design plan.
Permitted Uses in Design Village Districts
Business
[Amended 6-10-2022]
Canton Village
Collinsville
East Gateway
Harts Corner
Use
Main
Storefront
Town
Detached
Main
Storefront
Town
Detached
Main
Storefront
Town
Main
Storefront
Town
Detached
Retail and service business
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Alcoholic beverage sales
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Licensed medical marijuana production and dispensary facilities
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Restaurant (any class, no drive-through facilities)
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Restaurant (drive-through facilities at rear of building)
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
Outdoor dining accessory use
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Outdoor storage/display as allowed by zoning § 470-710
Greenhouse accessory use
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Local artists/craftsman studios
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Personal service business
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Professional offices
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Banks (no drive-through facilities)
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Banks (drive-through facilities at rear of building)
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Day-care centers and group day care
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Motels and hotels
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Residential health care and rehabilitation facility
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Skilled nursing facility
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Assisted-living facility
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Structured parking
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
Automobile repair (no automotive paint shops)
P1
P1
P1
P1
Automobile dealers and repairers
P1
P1
P2,3
P1
P1
Motor vehicle renting and leasing
P1
P1
P2
P1
P1
Gasoline filling stations
P1
P1
P1
P1
Lumber yards
P1
P1
Printing and publishing
P1
P1
P1
P
P1
Research facilities and commercial laboratories
P
P
P
P
P
Fabrication/assembly
P
P
P
P
Interior self-storage units only, as allowed by zoning § 470-401C(9)
P
P
Utility facilities (no tanks)
P1
P1
P1
Theaters, recreation and amusement facilities
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, health and fitness clubs
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Institutional, places of worship, private schools
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
Mercantile industrial
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Day-care centers and group day care, as allowed by zoning § 470-401C(1)(a)
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Veterinary hospital
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Pet training or daycare facility
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1
P1,2
P1
P1
P1
P1
Tattooing per C.G.S. 19a-92a
P
P
P
P
P
P2
P
P
P
P
Carwash
P1
P1
P
P
Farmer's market
P
P
P
P
Mobile venders as allowed by zoning § 470-711
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Manufacturing, as allowed by zoning § 470-401C(5)(a)
P
P
P
P
P
Cannabis retailer and hybrid retailer4
NOTES
1
Requires Type II design plan.
2
Ground floor storefront business uses permitted only at 5 River Road; reference File 219; Apln 1469; November 19, 2014 Zone Change.
3
Dealer only.
4
Subject to the issuance of a special permit under § 470-401C(1)(h) of the Zoning Regulations.