Planning & Zoning Commission

Michael Joplin, Chairman
Jon Lavy
Virgil Lloyd
Janet Cummings Good
Michael Sanders
Steven Tiezzi
Errol Horner
Steven Merola
Keith Scherber

Alternates:
Louis Desjardins
Lynne Fredrickson
Stephen Sepowski



The Chester Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) has completed a comprehensive review of the Zoning, Subdivision, and Road Regulations. The goals of this review were to update existing regulations so as to respond to developing technologies, changing market conditions, and the increasing demands placed on the development and use of land. It must be noted that as development continues, the remaining parcels are often more marginal or difficult, and regulations must reflect these changing condition. Additionally, the Commission sought to weave together each of these 3 aspects of land use regulation into a more coordinated statement to guide P&Z decisions. It was a long and arduous task, taking approximately a year and half and culminating with the formal adoption of the amended regulations.

The P&Z Commission then undertook a review of the Village District Regulations, specifically the use of sidewalks downtown. There was extensive public input overwhelmingly in favor of allowing limited use of the village sidewalks by local merchants, and regulations were formulated and adopted.

Next the Commission turned its attention to the Plan of Conservation and Development for the required 10 year update. The revised Plan was adopted in early 2009.

The Commission works hard to articulate regulations that respond to contemporary demands while protecting our history as a community and our rich heritage. This is not achieved alone. Many thanks to the Board of Selectmen and CREPA - a continuous support and resource. One of the fundamental things that keeps this community vibrant and quality of life so strikingly high is the level of public interest, participation, and debate at the P&Z public hearings and at Town Meetings.

We look forward to another year of engaging discussions.


Judy Brown, Zoning Enforcement Officer
860-526-0013, Ext 208
Email: ZoningOfficial@chesterct.org