A. 
General bulk regulations. The accompanying table, entitled "Table 4.1: Table of General Bulk Regulations," is referred to herein as "Bulk Table." All buildings hereafter erected or altered shall comply with requirements accompanying this table for the zone in which such building will be located. Exception: Where any conflict arises between the provisions of this chapter and any other law, ordinance, regulation, or permit, the provision that imposes the highest standard or establishes the greatest restriction upon the use of the land, form of buildings, structures, or site shall control.
Table 4.1 Table of General Bulk Regulations
Building Massing
Minimum lot width and frontage
200 feet
100 feet
n/a
120 feet
50 feet
40 feet
75 feet
40 feet
100 feet
100 feet
150 feet
175 feet
n/a
Minimum lot area
65,000 square feet1
15,000 square feet
n/a
n/a
5,000 square feet
4,000 square feet
9,375 square feet
4,000 square feet
20,000 square feet
20,000 square feet
43,450 square feet
43,560 square feet
n/a
Maximum building coverage
15% of lot area
30% Accessory bldg. not more than 3% of lot area
3%
15%
40% Accessory bldg. not more than 15% of lot area
50% Accessory bldg. not more than 15% of lot area
30% Accessory bldg. not more than 5% of lot area
70% Accessory bldg. not more than 50% of rear yard
33.3% Accessory bldg. not more than 15% of lot area
33.3% Accessory bldg. not more than 15% of lot area
25%
30% (Main building, min. floor area 6,000 square feet)
n/a
Maximum lot coverage (total impervious)
n/a
n/a
6%
20%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Setbacks - Principal Bldg.
Minimum front setback - principal bldg.
75 feet
30 feet
n/a
48 feet
10 feet4
10 feet4
20 feet4
60 feet on Amity Rd, 10 feet on other roadways
60 feet on Amity Rd, 10 feet on other roadways
75 feet
75 feet
n/a
Minimum front setback - secondary bldg.
n/a
n/a
n/a
48 feet
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Minimum side setback
25 feet
15 feet
n/a
20 feet
6 feet4
4 feet4
10 feet4
3 feet
12 feet
12 feet
30 feet
10 feet
n/a
Minimum rear setback
25 feet
25 feet
n/a
40 feet
Min. depth 20% of lot, but need not exceed 20 feet4
Min. depth 20% of lot, but need not exceed 20 feet4
25 feet4
Min. depth 10% of lot, but need not exceed 20 feet
20 feet
20 feet
30 feet
25 feet
n/a
Frontage buildout
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
80% Min
n/a
Setbacks - accessory building(s). No accessory building in any district shall be in a front yard. No accessory building shall be in any side yard nearer to the side yard lot line than the distance listed below
Front setback
75 feet
30 feet
n/a
20 feet min and bldg. setback
10 feet5
10 feet5
20 feet5
60 feet on Amity Rd., 10 feet on other roadways
60 feet on Amity Rd., 10 feet on other roadways
60 feet on Amity Rd., 10 feet on other roadways
n/a
75 feet
n/a
Side setback
15 feet
15 feet
n/a
3 feet
5 feet5
5 feet5
10 feet5
3 feet
5 feet
5 feet
5 feet
10 feet
n/a
Rear setback
15 feet
15 feet
n/a
3 feet
5 feet5
5 feet5
25 feet5
3 feet
5 feet
5 feet
5 feet
25 feet
n/a
Building Height - Number of Stories
Maximum stories excluding cellar and basement
2 1/2
2 1/2
n/a
2
2 1/2
2 1/2
2 1/2
3
3
3
3
2
n/a
Residential Density
Families per building
16
16
n/a
n/a
26
26
16
n/a
n/a
8 per acre (must be accessory to legal non- residential use 650 square feet/du max)
n/a
n/a
n/a
Reference: 1 acre = 43,560 square feet
1
All new lots proposed in a Residence A District that are: (1) created after November 9, 2001, and (2) located 50% or more within a drinking water supply watershed mapped or designated by the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, shall contain a minimum of two acres of buildable lot area. Buildable lot area is defined as that contiguous portion of a lot exclusive of and undivided by any areas of wetland soils and watercourse as defined in Section 22a-38 of the Connecticut General Statutes. All new lots must comply with this requirement whether or not they are part of a subdivision.
All new lots proposed in a Residence A District created after November 9, 2001, whether or not in a subdivision, shall be of such shape that a square with 150 feet on each side will fit on the lot within the setback boundaries.
2
See Section 4.B Specific to Dev 1.
3
See Section 4.B Specific to Dev 2.
4
Corresponds to setback diagrams for primary buildings on bulk diagram sheets for T3-C, T3-D, T3-BB.
5
Corresponds to setback diagrams for accessory buildings on bulk diagram sheets for T3-C, T3-D, T3-BB.
6
See § 495-15LL.
A. 
Front yards/build-to lines, specific to Zones GB, GBA, BI, Dev 1, and Dev 2. The purpose of this section is to create a uniform location for buildings by requiring a build-to-line. To achieve a more uniform street wall, where buildings exist on adjacent lots, the Commission may require that a proposed building match one or the other of the adjacent frontyard setbacks and heights rather than the provisions of this chapter.
B. 
Yard projections. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the projection of up to one foot into a required yard for pilasters, belt courses, columns, sills, cornices, or similar architectural features, nor the planting of landscaping in such spaces. In the case of one- and two-family homes, uncovered ramps required for handicapped accessibility may project as necessary into a required yard. The ramps should be compatible with the architecture of the structure and neighborhood. Uncovered ramps shall not be considered with calculating lot area coverage.
C. 
Rear lots.
(1) 
No building or structure shall be built on any lot unless the lot has a frontage of at least 20 feet on a public street, or is in an approved subdivision, unless otherwise authorized by the Town Plan and Zoning Commission as a building on an unaccepted street. Access to the rear lot shall:
(a) 
Not exceed a length of 500 feet;
(b) 
Not be less than 20 feet wide at any point;
(c) 
Not be included in the minimum required lot area;
(d) 
Contain a driveway from the public street to the building or structure; and
(e) 
Contain only one driveway and provide access for only one lot. The Commission may approve a shared accessway only where there is a crossing of an environmentally sensitive resource.
(2) 
A maintenance agreement for shared accessways shall be filed on the Town Land Records, and shall be incorporated into the deed of each lot that benefits from said accessway.
(3) 
The maximum number of abutting accessways shall be two.
(4) 
The Commission may authorize the issuance of a special exception, with or without conditions, to allow on a rear lot any use otherwise permitted in the Zone if it finds that such lot provides for the best development of the land and that the public health, safety, and welfare are not adversely affected. The approval of a rear lot shall be considered only in the following instances:
(a) 
In the case of an existing rear lot: If the Commission determines that the lot has been unintentionally landlocked or unintentionally deprived of minimum lot frontage on an accepted street.
(b) 
In the case of a parcel to be divided into two or more lots: If the Commission determines that the use of a rear lot is made necessary by unusual features peculiar to the land in question, such as drainage, configuration, temporary flooding, steep topography, public utility lines, or easement issues.
(5) 
The creation of rear lots is discouraged.
(a) 
No rear lot shall be allowed unless an unobstructed right-of-way is provided which is owned in fee simple in a subdivision or as the result of a first cut. Such right-of-way shall connect to a public road and shall be adequate to accommodate the free passage of fire apparatus or other emergency equipment. No more than two adjoining rights-of-way serving two individual rear lots shall be permitted. For purposes of this section, the length of the right-of-way shall be the distance between the street line and front lot line, as defined by the diagram for a rear lot in the Definitions Section of this chapter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 495-11, Definitions.
(b) 
A rear lot shall conform to all requirements of this chapter except that after excluding the area of the right-of-way, the area of the lot shall be no less than 1 1/2 times that prescribed for the district in which it is located, and no side or rear yard shall be less than twice the width prescribed for the district in which it is located.
Exception: A rear lot approved prior to the effective date of this chapter and having a dwelling thereon shall not be required to comply with the increased side or yard requirements. Regarding buildings or improvements on an existing or approved rear lot, the foregoing special exception shall not be required provided all other applicable provisions of this chapter are complied with.
D. 
Nonconforming lots, buildings, and uses.
(1) 
Nonconforming lots. Any lot (whether developed with buildings or not) which, on the effective date of the amendments set forth in this chapter existed a) in separate ownership, b) as part of a subdivision approved after November 1, 1953, and filed or recorded in the office of the Town Clerk, or c) as a part of a subdivision laid out and mapped before November 1, 1953, with roads which were approved by the Commission, and which lot, on said date, was in area at least 60,000 square feet but less than 65,000 square feet, and which otherwise conformed to this chapter, shall be deemed to be a conforming lot for all purposes. The owner of such a lot in a subdivision such as is referred to in c) above who desires that the status of the lot shall be established of record may file with the Commission a map of the same, and the Commission shall i) endorse upon the map a statement that the lot is a conforming lot under this section and ii) cause the same to be filed or recorded in the office of the Town Clerk. A lot in a subdivision such as is referred to in b) above, which lot is 120,000 or more square feet in area and at the time of such approval was intended by the subdivider to be later resubdivided, may, within 10 years after the effective date of the amendments set forth in this chapter, be resubdivided by the original subdivider or a grantee who took title for the purpose of resale, on the basis of a minimum area of 60,000 square feet but otherwise in conformity with this chapter, and the resulting lots shall be deemed to be conforming lots for all purposes.
(2) 
Existing nonconforming uses. Any building or use of land or building lawfully existing on the effective date of the amendments set forth in this chapter, or any amendments thereto, or authorized by a lawful permit issued prior to such effective date, which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter for the Use District in which it is located, is a nonconforming use and may be continued. Such use may not be extended, expanded, or enlarged in scope, area, or intensity except with the approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The only nonconforming use existing on the effective date of the amendments set forth in this chapter which may be continued hereunder is a use which was, at the effective date of this chapter (December 24, 1932), a valid nonconforming use by reason of existence prior to such effective date of this chapter, or prior to the effective date of any amendment thereof which caused the use to become nonconforming, and which use continued to be such up to the effective date of the amendments set forth in this chapter.
(3) 
Destruction of nonconforming use. Any nonconforming building or structure which is destroyed or damaged by fire or casualty may be reconstructed and structurally altered, provided the cost of such reconstruction or structural alteration is less than 60% of the fair market value of such property and such reconstruction or alteration is commenced within one year of the date of such damage or destruction. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the restoration of a wall or structural member declared unsafe by lawful authority.
(4) 
Vacant nonconforming uses. A building, structure or portion thereof, or premises nonconforming in use which has not been, or hereafter is not, used for such nonconforming use for a continuous period of 240 days shall not be occupied except by a use which conforms to the use regulations of the district in which it is located.
(5) 
Nonconforming use reverting to conforming use or change of use. No nonconforming use which is changed to a conforming use shall revert to a nonconforming use.
(6) 
Buildings with nonconforming bulk. Normal maintenance and repair, structural alteration in, and moving or reconstruction of a building with nonconforming bulk may be permitted by the Commission if the same dos not increase the degree of or create any additional nonconforming bulk in such building.
E. 
Building location.
(1) 
Specific to Zones T1, T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, Dev 1, Dev 2, BI, GB, GBA, and P:
(a) 
Buildings in the T1 Zone are not permitted except for limited public use and utility purposes.
(b) 
Principal building(s) shall be built with frontage along a public or private roadway. Accessory building(s) shall be built to the rear of the principal building and may be built on each lot as provided for in this chapter.
(c) 
Facades shall be built parallel to the street, as specified in Table 4.1. Setbacks for principal buildings shall be as shown in Table 4.1 and relevant transect tables that follow. Exception: In the case of an infill lot, setbacks shall match one of the existing adjacent setbacks.
(d) 
Rear setbacks for accessory buildings shall be five feet from the rear property line.
(2) 
Specific to Zones Dev 1, Dev 2, BI, GB, and GBA: The Commission may, by special exception, allow an addition to an existing building which does not comply with the frontyard setback/build-to-line as of the effective date of this chapter. The resulting structure shall be in keeping with the intent of this chapter.
(3) 
Specific to Zones Dev 1 and Dev 2: In the case of a development consisting of two or more lots in separate ownership with access and open spaces appurtenant to the collaborative development and shown on the building and site plans thereof, the land occupied by the group development shall have an aggregate area of not less than one acre (1 acre = 43,560 square feet) per building and individual use in the group. In the case of such a group development, the Commission may, by special exception, reduce the minimum lot width and yard requirements between buildings in such a group and permit the pooling of parking and loading spaces to the extent necessary to obtain a more advantageous grouping of structures.
F. 
Building massing.
(1) 
Specific to Zones T1, T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, Dev 1, Dev 2, BI, GB, GBA, and P:
(a) 
Buildings on corner lots shall have two frontages. Requirements for the second and third layers pertain only to the primary frontage. Requirements for the first layer pertain to both frontages. (See definition "layers and frontages, primary.")[2]
[2]
Editor’s Note: See § 495-11, Definitions.
(b) 
Building heights shall conform to Table 4.1.
(c) 
In a parking structure or garage, each level counts as a single story, regardless of the relationship to habitable stories.
(d) 
An applicant may propose a height limit 15 feet higher that the allowed height for nonhabitable spaces such as masts, chimney flues, water tanks, or elevator bulkheads.
(e) 
A spire, tower, or belfry on a religious institution or public building may exceed the height limitations of the underlying zone, but shall not:
[1] 
Exceed the allowed height by more than 20%;
[2] 
Exceed 10% of the roof area.
(f) 
All rooftop mechanical units shall be screened from view from the ground and adjacent buildings of equal or lower height.
(g) 
Sloped roofs are encouraged.
Transect Table T3-C
495 Transect Table T3-C.tif
495 T3-C Building Height.tif
BUILDING HEIGHT
Principal Building
35' - 0"max
Outbuilding
20'-0" max.
BUILDING LOCATION: SEE TABLE 4.1
SETBACKS - PRINCIPAL BUILDING
495 T3-C Setbacks Principal Building.tif
(g.1) Front Setback Principal
10 feet min.
(g.2) Front Setback Secondary
n/a
(g.3) Side Setback
6 feet min.
(g.4) Rear Setback
20% of depth of lot*
Frontage Buildout
n/a
SETBACKS - OUTBUILDING
495 T3-C Setbacks Outbuilding.tif
(h.1) Front Setback
10'- 0" min.
495 T3-C Parking and Trash Placement.tif
(h.2) Side Setback
5 feet
(h.3) Rear Setback*
5 feet min
*But need not exceed 20'- 0"
495 Transect Table T3-D.tif
495 T3-D Building Height.tif
BUILDING HEIGHT
Principal Building
35'-0" max.
Outbuilding
35'-0" max.
BUILDING LOCATION: SEE TABLE 4.1
495 T3-D Setbacks Principal Building.tif
SETBACKS - PRINCIPAL BUILDING
(g.1) Front Setback Principal
10 feet min
(g.2) Front Setback Secondary
n/a
(g.3) Side Setback
4 feet min.
(g.4) Rear Setback
20% of depth of lot*
Frontage Buildout
n/a
SETBACKS - OUTBUILDING
495 T3-D Setbacks Outbuilding.tif
(h.1) Front Setback
10' feet min.
495 T3-D Parking and Trash Placement.tif
(h.2) Side Setback
5 feet
(h.3) Rear Setback*
5 feet min
* But need not exceed 20'-0".
Transect Table T3-BB
495 Transect Table T3-BB.tif
495 T3-BB Building Height.tif
BUILDING HEIGHT
Principal Building
35'-0" max.
Outbuilding
35'-0"max.
BUILDING LOCATION: SEE TABLE 4.1
SETBACKS-PRINCIPAL BUILDING
495 T3-D Setbacks Principal Building.tif
(g.1) Front Setback Principal
20 feet min
(g.2) Front Setback Secondary
n/a
(g.3) Side Setback
10 feet min.
(g.4) Rear Setback
25 feet min.
Frontage Buildout
n/a
SETBACKS-OUTBUILDING
495 T3-D Setbacks Outbuilding.tif
(h.1) Front Setback
20'-0" min.
495 T3-D Parking and Trash Placement.tif
(h.2) Side Setback
10 feet min.
(h.3) Rear Setback*
25 feet min.
(2) 
Specific to Zones Dev 1, Dev 2, B1, GB, and GBA:
(a) 
Awnings, arcades, and galleries may encroach on the sidewalk to within two feet of the curb but must clear the sidewalk vertically by at least eight feet and shall not exceed 14 feet in height.
(b) 
Stoops, lightwells, balconies, bay windows, and terraces may encroach on the first layer 100% of its depth.
(c) 
Loading docks and service areas shall not be permitted in the first layer.
(d) 
In the absence of a building facade along any part of a frontage line, a streetscreen shall be built in the same plane as the facade.
(e) 
Streetscreens should be at 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 feet in height. The streetscreen may be replaced by a hedge or fence. Streetscreens shall have openings no larger than necessary to allow for pedestrian and one-way automobile access.
G. 
Special requirements.
(1) 
Specific to all zones: High-pressure pipelines, building setback requirement. No person, firm, or corporation shall erect a building within 40 feet of any high-pressure pipe line which is used for the transmission or distribution of natural or artificial gas or any other inflammable substance.
(2) 
Specific to zones Dev 1, BI, GB, and GBA: Unless otherwise approved by the Commission, the following special requirement shall apply regarding a shopfront facade: A facade that is provided on average every 30 feet along the frontage. The shopfront shall be no less than 70% glazed in clear glass and shaded by an awning overlapping the sidewalk. The first floor shall be confined to retail or commercial use for a minimum depth of 20 feet from the frontage line. Lobbies for motels and offices may be considered as part of the required retail frontage, provided that any such lobby occupies no more than 50% of said building.
(3) 
Specific to Zone GBA: Multiple-family dwellings, when accessory to a legal nonresidential use, shall be permitted by special exception in the GBA Zone subject to the following conditions:
(a) 
Dwelling units (du) shall be no greater than 650 square feet each, with a minimum of one parking space per bedroom;
(b) 
Maximum of eight dus per acre;
(c) 
All parking and dumpsters shall be located behind primary structure; and
(d) 
Separate entrances and exits shall be provided for the residential and nonresidential portions of the building;
(e) 
The applicant shall provide vegetative screening, fencing or other visual buffers to provide adequate buffering for surrounding uses.
(f) 
The location and size of use and the size of the lot in relation to it are such that the proposed use will be in harmony with the appropriate and orderly development of the GBA Zone.
(g) 
The parking is adequate and properly located for the proposed use and the entrance and driveways are laid out for maximum safety.
Table 4.2
Shared Parking Factor
495 Table 4.2.tif
H. 
Density and parking calculations.
(1) 
Specific to Zones T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, Dev 1, Dev 2, BI, and GB: Density on a lot shall be determined by the actual parking provided within the lot as applied to the uses permitted in Table 3.1, as well as landscaping, open space, building coverage, and pervious surface regulations.
(2) 
Specific to Zones Dev 1, Dev 2, BI, GB, and GBA:
(a) 
Maximum density on a parcel shall be determined by the availability of effective parking in conjunction with Table 4.1 as it may apply. Such parking shall be provided:
[1] 
Within the lot;
[2] 
Along the parking lane corresponding to the lot frontage;
[3] 
By purchase or lease for 25 years from a parking lot within 300 feet; or
[4] 
In a public parking garage or lot available within 300 feet of the property line.
(b) 
Parking requirements shall be adjusted according to the shared parking factor in Table 4.2 to determine the effective parking. The shared parking factor is available for any combination of uses within any pair of adjacent blocks.
(c) 
Based on the effective parking available, the density of the projected use shall be determined according to Table 5.5.
(d) 
The Commission may further reduce the effective parking by up to 30% within a transit-oriented development (TOD). (See definition of TOD in Section 2.[3])
[3]
Editor's Note: See § 495-11, Definitions.
(e) 
Exception: Liner buildings that are less than 30 feet deep and no more than two stories shall be exempt from parking requirements.
(3) 
Specific to Zones T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, Dev 1, Dev 2, BI, GB, and GBA: Parking calculations. Table 5.5 summarizes the parking requirement for each use by Zone. This table also enables the calculation of allowable building square footage and the number of dwelling units allowed on each site given the parking available. To use the shared parking factor, divide the number of required parking spaces by the sharing factor to find the actual number of spaces required.
A. 
Specific to Zones T1, T2, Dev 1, Dev 2, Bl, GB, and GBA: Surface parking lots shall be screened from view from the street by a building or streetscreen.
B. 
Specific to Zones T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, and Dev 2.
(1) 
Surface parking lots shall be located in the second and third lot layers. However, driveways and dropoffs may be located in the first lot layer and shall be limited to five spaces. These five spaces may be used for temporary parking only.
(2) 
Garages shall be located in the third lot layer. However, side- or rear-entry garages may be allowed in the first or second layer by special exception.
C. 
Specific to Zones T3C, T3D, T3BB, Dev 1, Dev 2, Bl, GB, and GBA.
(1) 
Driveways at frontages of single-family residential uses shall be no wider than 12 feet in the first layer.
(2) 
Driveways at frontages of mixed-use and/or nonresidential uses shall be no wider than 18 feet in the first layer.
D. 
Specific to Zones Dev 1, Dev 2, BI, GB, and GBA.
(1) 
All parking areas and garages shall be located in the third layer.
(2) 
A minimum of one single bicycle stall shall be provided for every 10 actual vehicular parking spaces.
E. 
Specific to Zone Dev 2.
(1) 
All parking lots, garages, and parking structures shall be located in the third layer.
(2) 
Vehicular entrances and exits to parking lots, garages, and parking structures shall be no wider than 18 feet at the frontage.
(3) 
Pedestrian exits from all parking lots, garages, and parking structures shall be directly to a frontage line (i.e., not directly into a building) except on underground levels that may be exited by pedestrians directly into a building.
(4) 
A minimum of one single bicycle stall shall be provided for every 10 actual vehicular parking spaces.
Table 4.3 Design Speed Table for Private Roadways
Design Speed
(mph)
Travel Lane Width
(feet)
T1
T2
T3
Dev
P
Below 20
8
*
*
*
*
*
20-25
9
*
*
*
*
*
25-35
10
*
*
*
*
*
25-35
11
*
*
Above 35
12
*
*
Design Speed
Parking Lane Width
20-25
(Angle) 18
*
25-35
(Parallel) 7
*
*
25-35
(Parallel) 8
*
*
*
Above 35
(Parallel)9
*
Design Speed
Parking Lane Width
20-25
5-10
*
*
*
25-35
10-15
*
*
*
*
*
25-35
15-20
*
*
*
*
*
Above 35
20-30
*
*
*
(See also § 495-31, Landscape; screening; buffer areas.)
A. 
Specific to Zones T2, T3C, T3D, T3BB, Dev 1, Dev 2, BI, GB, GBA, and P. The first layer may not be paved, except for sidewalks and driveways as specified in §§ 495-31 and 495-34.
B. 
Specific to Zones T1, T2, and P.
(1) 
A minimum of two trees shall be planted within the first layer for each 30 feet of frontage line or portion thereof;
(2) 
Trees may be of single or multiple species as shown on Table 5.2; and
(3) 
Trees shall be naturally clustered.
C. 
Specific to Zones T3C, T3D, T3BB, Dev 1, Dev 2, BI, GB, and GBA.
(1) 
A minimum of one tree shall be planted within the first layer for each 30 feet of frontage line or portion thereof; and
(2) 
Trees shall alternate species between two species in a manner that matches the species of street trees on the public frontage, or as shown on Table 5.2.
A. 
Description and purpose. The purpose of the Dev 2 is to improve the existing character of the area by:
(1) 
Making the zone complete by allowing for a mix of uses for playing, learning, and working;
(2) 
Providing for alternatives to the use of an automobile by improving safe access within and through the zone for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians;
(3) 
Developing land in harmony with natural systems by employing sustainable, green technologies, and land-use practices;
(4) 
Coordinating floodplain mitigation with development of infrastructure; and
(5) 
Locating parks, neighborhood amenities, aesthetic streetscapes, native habitat areas, and community gardens that will enhance the quality of life including:
(a) 
Playgrounds and open spaces; and
(b) 
Uses incidental thereto.
A. 
Purpose. This section is intended to promote the public safety and welfare by providing standards to control the location, area, number, illumination, and overall design of signs in order to prevent undue distraction to motorists and pedestrians, to ensure compatibility of signs with permitted land uses, to provide reasonable standards by which uses within the various districts may relate their function to the public, and to aid in preserving and enhancing the aesthetic and historical values of the community.
B. 
Applicability. No sign, billboard, signpost, or structure designed to advertise the sale, rental, construction, or improvement of said building or premises or both, or designed to advertise the business conducted upon the premises in the Business Industrial District, in the General Business or Development Districts, or designed to sell products permitted by this chapter to be produced on the premises in a Residence District which is visible and legible from a public street shall be erected, attached to, or maintained on property subject to this chapter, except as permitted by the provisions of this section.
C. 
Prohibited signs.
(1) 
A-framed sandwich-board signs, except as allowed by Table 4.6(5) and Table 4.7(14), and other signs not affixed either to a building or to the ground in a permanent manner, except as permitted by Table 4.7(10), shall be prohibited for use by businesses.
(2) 
Any sign, legally existing at the time of the adoption of these Sign Regulations, which becomes nonconforming with the adoption of this chapter, may be maintained but shall not be increased in size of sign, size of lettering, or the extent it projects or is illuminated as the same exists at the effective date of this chapter. Each such sign shall be completely and totally removed at such time as the place of business which such sign advertises shall change in use, subsequent to the effective date of this chapter.
D. 
Permit required. Pursuant to Tables 4.6 and 4.7 and Section 4.5.H, a zoning permit or special exception for a sign shall be obtained from the Commission or its duly authorized officer prior to the erection or installation of any sign except for:
(1) 
Any sign face of an existing sign meeting the requirements of this section, provided the sign area is not increased;
(2) 
The routine maintenance of any sign meeting the provisions herein; and
(3) 
A sign listed in this § 495-21 as not requiring a zoning permit or special exception.
E. 
Signs permitted in any zone. The signs in Table 4.4 are permitted in any District without a Zoning permit provided that any such sign shall comply with other provisions this § 495-21.
F. 
Signs permitted in residential zones.
(1) 
The signs in Table 4.5 are permitted for residential uses in a residential district provided that such sign shall comply with other provisions this § 495-21.
(2) 
The signs in Table 4.6 are permitted for nonresidential uses in any residential district (such as religious institutions, libraries, museums, art centers, historical societies, schools, municipal uses, and nonprofit agencies) provided such sign shall comply with other provisions this § 495-21.
G. 
Signs permitted in GB, GBA, Dev 1, Dev 2, and P Zones. The signs in Table 4.7 are permitted in GB, GBA, Dev 1, and P Zones provided that any such sign shall comply with other provisions this § 495-21.
H. 
Signs permitted in T1 and T2 Zones. The signs in Table 4.8 are permitted in T1 and T2 Zones provided that any such sign shall comply with other provisions this § 495-21.
I. 
Eleemosynary signs permitted.
(1) 
Subject to the general limitations prescribed in this section, eleemosynary signs may be located either on the premises as the event to which they refer occurs or off-premises from such site.
(2) 
Eleemosynary signs shall be:
(a) 
Not posted for more than two weeks before the event.
(b) 
The event is limited to an activity scheduled for specific dates and not for continuous activities or ongoing programs.
(c) 
The sign(s) shall be removed within 48 hours of cessation of the event.
(d) 
The area of any one side of the sign shall not exceed six square feet.
J. 
Sign area, location, and construction.
(1) 
Determination of sign area.
(a) 
The area of sign shall be considered to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs or symbols, together with any background different from the building whether painted or applied when it is designed as an integral part of and obviously related to the sign.
(b) 
When the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to, or painted on, a building wall or window, the area shall be considered that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letter or symbols.
(c) 
In the case of a freestanding sign, or a sign that can be seen from both sides, the area shall be determined from the outside dimensions of the sign, not including the vertical, horizontal, or diagonal supports which affix the sign to the ground, unless such supports are evidently designed to be part of the sign.
(2) 
No sign, other than official street or highway signs, shall be erected or maintained within street or highway rights-of-way.
(3) 
No sign shall project over any private property line without the express written permission of the affected property owner.
(4) 
No sign shall be placed so as to:
(a) 
Interfere in any way with the vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, traffic signals or signs; or
(b) 
Endanger traffic on a street or public way by obscuring a clear view of, or by confusion with, official street signs, highway signs, or signals.
(5) 
No sign shall be affixed to the roof of any building; nor shall any sign affixed to any wall of any building project above the top of said wall.
(6) 
All signs shall be designed, constructed, erected, and maintained in accordance with the standards specified in the State Building Code.
(7) 
Permanent signs are encouraged to be carved.
(8) 
No sign shall consist of, contain, or appear to contain rotating, vibrating, or moving materials such as paper, cloth, or metal, whether attached to a fixed sign or used independently thereof.
(9) 
No sign shall be constructed, illuminated, or function in a way so as to appear to rotate, vibrate, move, or otherwise be animated.
K. 
Sign illumination.
(1) 
The illumination of permitted signs shall be nonanimated and nonflashing.
(2) 
Neon signs are permitted by special exception.
(3) 
No sign shall be illuminated by other than white incandescent or white fluorescent lights, unless specifically approved by the Commission.
(4) 
Any internally illuminated sign shall consist of a dark or opaque background with lighter colored lettering unless specifically approved by the Commission.
(5) 
Light sources shall be so located to preclude light trespass into the street or any adjoining property.
(6) 
Spotlights or floodlights for signs shall be shielded so that:
(a) 
The source of light shall not be visible from any point off the premises on which the sign, building, or structure being illuminated is erected; and
(b) 
Only one sign is directly illuminated thereby.
L. 
Sign design and review procedure.
(1) 
All signs shall be designed so as to be harmonious and compatible with the architectural character of the building(s) or premises to which they refer and with due consideration to the protection and enhancement of Woodbridge historic character and tradition.
(2) 
New freestanding signs within the Woodbridge Gateway Project on Amity Road shall be minimized in height so that no tree removal is required for them to be visible.
(3) 
The Commission shall only issue a special exception for a sign after a public hearing has been held and upon demonstration of conformity with this § 495-21 of this chapter.
Table 4.4. Sign Allowed in all Zones Without a Permit
Type of Sign
Maximum Number of Signs
Maximum Size/Area
1.
Traffic control signs required or approved by the Woodbridge Traffic Authority or by the State of Connecticut.
n/a
n/a
2.
Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets, and the like, when carved into or made of stone, wood, bronze, aluminum, or other permanent materials, and made an integral part of the construction.
n/a
n/a
3.
Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by, or on the order of a public official in the performance of a public duty, such as safety signs, memorial plaques, or signs of a historical interest.
n/a
n/a
4.
Temporary political signs
n/a
n/a
5.
Real estate signs advertising the sale, rental, or lease of premises, provided that the maximum height of said sign does not exceed 5 feet.
1 sign per premises.
a. In any residential district, not more than 4 square feet on each of 2 sides; and
b. In any business or development district, not more than 25 square feet on each of 2 sides.
6.
Signs for professionals, including but not limited to carpenters, painters, roofers, etc., on the premises where the work is being performed, provided that:
a. No such sign exceeds 4 feet in height; and
b. Such sign is removed promptly upon completion of the work.
1 sign per premises.
a. In any residential district, not more than 4 square feet on each of 2 sides; and
b. In any business or development district, not more than 25 square feet on each of 2 sides.
7.
Temporary street signs within subdivisions prior to road acceptance.
n/a
8.
Signs no closer than 75 feet apart along the property line, bearing notification of restriction on trespassing, hunting, fishing, or dumping upon the premises on which it is located.
n/a
Not more than 1 square foot per side
9.
Permanent signs erected and maintained by a church or civic or fraternal organization exempt from federal income tax under the provisions of Section 501(C) of the Internal Revenue Code for the purpose of notifying the public of the presence in the Town of such church or organization.
n/a
n/a
10.
Temporary or permanent signs erected and maintained by the Town or any agency thereof pursuant to the performance of a government function.
n/a
n/a
Table 4.5 Signs Permitted in A, B, and T3 Zones
Type of sign
Maximum Number of Signs
Type of Sign
1.
A sign bearing the name and/or street address, and/or permitted residence office of the resident. (No permit required.)
1 for each permitted use or dwelling
2 square feet in total area.
2.
A garage or tag sale sign, advertising a sale to be held within 3 days following the erection of such sign, of personal property and effects which are owned by the owner or tenant of the premises and used for residential or domestic household purposes. Such sign shall be removed upon completion of the advertised event. (No permit required.)
Table 4.6 Signs Permitted for Nonresidential Uses in A, B, and T3 Zones
Type of Sign
Maximum Number of Signs
Maximum Size/Area
1.
1 or more wall signs provided that the total area of all wall signs does not exceed 20 square feet. (Zoning permit required.)
1 sign per street frontage
20 square feet in total area.
2.
1 or more wall signs when the total area of all wall signs exceeds 20 square feet. (Special exception required.)
1 sign per street frontage.
1 sign per street frontage.
3.
A freestanding sign erected or placed perpendicular or parallel to the public street or highway to which the building or structure fronts or abuts provided that the sign does not exceed 5 feet in height or 40 square feet in area. (Special exception required.)
1 freestanding sign per street frontage.
20 square feet in total area per side.
4.
A sign for a nonconforming use. (Special exception required.)
As determined by the Commission.
As determined by the Commission.
5.
A temporary A-framed sandwich board sign solely for use by the business establishments established by special exception or as an existing nonconforming use in accordance with Section 5.1.1[1] of this chapter.
1 temporary sandwich sign for advertising use per business or occupant which can be used up to 6 different times in 1 calendar year (January-December) for a cumulative total of no more than 6 weeks during a calendar year. (Zoning Permit required.)
6 square feet in total area on each of 2 sides.
Table 4.7 Signs Permitted in Dev 1, Dev 2, BI, GB, GBA, and P Nonresidential Zones
Type of sign
Maximum Number of Signs
Maximum Size/Area
1.
1 wall sign displaying the name and/or street address of the owner or occupant of the premises and/or the activity conducted thereon. (Zoning permit required.)
1 sign per tenant, except as may be allowed by Section 4.5.1.3.[2]
1 square foot per linear foot of facade of the tenant space but not more than 25 square feet or not more than 1 square foot per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater.
2.
1 projecting sign displaying the name of the owner or occupant of the premises and/or the activity conducted thereon provided there is at least 14 feet of clearance under the sign for vehicular traffic and at least 7 feet of clearance under the sign otherwise. (Zoning permit required.)
1 sign per tenant.
12 inches by 18 inches in total area on each of 2 sides.
3.
1 additional wall sign or projecting sign displaying the name of the owner or occupant of the premises. (Special exception required.)
1 additional sign.
4.
An entrance identification sign for a rear entrance into a building or tenant space from a parking area. (Zoning permit required.)
1 sign
4 square feet in area.
5.
Sign(s) identifying store hours and nonadvertising notices. (No permit required.)
n/a
1 square foot in total area per tenant space.
6.
For a residence in a nonresidential zone, a sign bearing the name and/or street address; and/or permitted residence office of the resident. (No permit required.)
1 for each permitted use or dwelling
2 square feet in total area.
7.
Permanent window sign(s) on store windows for a permitted use provided that a permanent window sign permit has been obtained. (Zoning permit required.)
2 window surfaces
25% of the window area where it is located. Note: Signage for larger window area may be granted by the Commission by special exception for good cause shown.
8.
A freestanding sign erected or placed on the premises provided that the maximum height of such sign does not exceed 10 feet. The height of the sign must be proportional to the setback of the sign from the property line. (Special exception required.)
1 freestanding sign per premises
24 square feet in total area on each of 2 sides.
9.
Professional tenant directory sign, identifying tenants, shall be allowed. The sign shall be located away from the road frontage of the property. (Special exception required.)
1 freestanding sign
No portion of the sign shall be more than 6 feet above the average level of the rough grade within a radius of 10 feet. Each tenant shall be allowed a two-square-foot sign on the directory sign, displaying only the tenant's name. In addition to the names, the directory may contain a layout of the center which shall not exceed 6 square feet.
10.
A temporary banner sign announcing special events directly related to the activity or use conducted within the premises, provided that no more than 4 permits per tenant for such special events signs shall be issued in any 1 calendar year. (Zoning permit required.)
1 sign per business or occupant for up to 2 weeks, but no more than 1 sign per property at any 1 time.
12 square feet in total area.
11.
Temporary window sign for a permitted conforming use (Zoning permit required.), provided that: a) Such sign will not be displayed for more than 15 consecutive days; b) If such use has only window and such window contains a permanent window sign, then the temporary sign shall not exceed 15% of the total window surface.
1 temporary sign.
25% of the window surface where it is located.
12.
Barber pole sign. (Zoning permit required)
1 per hair cutting establishment in addition to other permitted signs.
A barber pole may not exceed 3 feet in height, excluding the supporting structure.
13.
Awning signs, provided that the area of the sign shall be computed as part of the total sign area for the subject building and lot. (Zoning permit required)
14.
Temporary A-frame sandwich-board signs (Zoning permit required.)
1 temporary sandwich sign. For advertising use per business or occupant which can be used up to 6 different times in 1 calendar year (January - December) for a cumulative total of no more than 6 weeks during a calendar year.
6 square feet in total area on each of 2 sides.
15.
A directory sign on a Class A road established in Figure 2.2 of this chapter, for businesses not on a Class A road. Proof must be provided that such a sign is in the public welfare and that the applicant has the legal right to erect such a sign. (Special exception required.)
1 sign.
Table 4.8 Signs Permitted in T1 and T2 Zones
Type of Sign
Maximum Number of Signs
Maximum Size/Area
1.
Name plate or sign for permitted uses giving only the name of the occupant or use of the premises.
1 sign or name plate.
Sign shall not exceed a total surface area of 1 1/2 square feet
2.
Bulletin boards and signs on the premises of churches, schools, and similar nonprofit institutions.
1 sign.
Signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in total area and may be part of the architecture of the building.
3.
Signs advertising the use of a premises for special exception uses.
1 sign
Signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in total area
4.
Freestanding signs.
1 sign.
Signs shall be no more than 6 feet in height and shall comply with § 495-38 and applicable setback regulations.
[1]
Editor's Note: So in original.
[2]
Editor's Note: So in original.