PZC to Discuss Hen House and New Flood Regulations

The Planning and Zoning Commission will be discussing a couple of interesting topics tonight. The Commission meets at 7 p.m. at the Mystic Middle School at 204 Mistuxet Avenue. 

The meeting begins with discussion about modifications and technical standards but then it heats up first with potential conflicts between the town’s and FEMA regulations in flood hazard areas and then they’ll talk about the Director of Planning Position. 

First Selectman Edward Haberek Jr. is currently holding the position although he has stated that he’d like someone with greater expertise to take over the job sooner than later. 

Also, the commission will hear public comments on a regulation amendment to permit the keeping of hens as an accessory to residential uses in all zoning districts. The issue was introduced by Peg Moran back in May and tonight’s meeting is a continuation of a July 15 public hearing. According to an article in The Day, Peg Moran and the group Chicken Lovers Urge Change want the town to allow up to six hens or two per household member in residential and commercial areas. 

Currently the town allows residents to raise fowl but not hens, which are seen as grazing animals and restricted to lots of at least 130,000 square feet. The change would allow them would allow them on all lots in residential and commercial zones to live in fenced in areas or coops. 

And, the commission posted that on August 20, they’ll hear public comments on a zoning regulation text amendment to allow retail sales by Special Use Permit within the M-1 Zoning District under certain conditions. This item refers to the undisclosed retailer. According to an article in The Day, a national “marine-themed” retailer has their eyes set on an 11-acre parcel, which is currently zoned for manufacturing but they want to change the zone to tourism commercial. They’re hoping to amend a regulation that permits said sales and associated displays must be situated entirely within a building no greater than 15,000 sq. ft. in gross floor area and be located no more than one mile from an interstate highway interchange.