Danbury Zoning Commission Workshop & Organizational Meeting – January 14, 2026

The Danbury Zoning Commission convened on January 14, 2026, at 6:11 p.m. for a regularly scheduled meeting that included a training workshop on zoning procedures and statutory requirements, followed by organizational business, including the election of a chairman and vice chairman. The meeting drew on the expert presentations of Corporation Counsel attorneys Dan Casagrani and Robin Edwards, who covered legal foundations, meeting conduct, public hearing protocols, and ethical considerations.

Workshop Session: Zoning Commission Procedures & Statutory Requirements

• Attorney Robin Edwards opened by explaining that zoning derives from Connecticut General Statutes §8‑1 and the Danbury Charter, giving the commission both legislative (amending regulations/maps) and administrative (deciding special permits) functions.
• She outlined the constitutional origins of zoning (citing Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co.), the requirement that regulations be uniform and reasonably related to police power purposes, and the importance of consistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).
• Attorney Dan Casagrani covered special permits (issued by the Zoning Commission) vs. special exceptions (issued by the Planning Commission), emphasizing that applicants must meet all site plan regulations before a permit can be granted.
• He stressed that decisions must be based on substantial evidence in the record, not speculation, and warned against prejudgment or ex parte communications.
• The presenters noted that Public Act 21‑29, which limits denials based on district character unless explicitly articulated, has not removed the commission’s discretion to assess compatibility.
• They reviewed hearing procedures: opening by the chair, staff reports, applicant presentation, public comment (favor, then opposition), applicant rebuttal, and closing. Commissioners were instructed to direct all questions through the chair.
• Post‑hearing evidence is not permitted; only staff or counsel may provide post‑hearing analysis based on existing record.
• Site visits must be noticed, with owner permission, and observations placed on the record.
• Commissioners who miss a public hearing cannot vote unless they affirm on the record that they have reviewed the full record.
• Conflicts of interest must be disclosed; when in doubt, a member should recuse.

Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman

• Commissioner Botello nominated Ted Haddad for chairman, citing his deep understanding of zoning regulations and experience with the POCD and TOD frameworks. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner O’Neill. Haddad consented. No other nominations were made. By roll‑call vote, Haddad was elected chairman (7‑0, with Fuchs absent and James absent).
• Chairman Haddad nominated Commissioner Jowdy for vice chairman, seconded by Commissioner Botello and consented to by Jowdy. No other nominations were made. The vote was unanimous (7‑0), and Jowdy was elected vice chairman.

Appointment of ZBA Subcommittee

• The commission reappointed Commissioners Jowdy and Botello and appointed Commissioner Bennett to a three‑member Zoning Board of Appeals subcommittee. The motion carried unanimously.

Effective Date for Approvals

• The commission voted to maintain the existing effective date: the day after publication in the News Times. Motion by Commissioner Botello, seconded by Commissioner O’Neill, passed unanimously.

Minutes Approval

• The commission approved the minutes of November 25, 2025, by a voice vote of those present at that meeting (Commissioners Bennett, Botello, Jowdy, O’Neill, and Hadad). Commissioner O’Laughlin noted that alternates are seated on a rotating basis when a regular member is absent.

Next Meeting

• The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. (all future meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m., except this special training meeting). The agenda includes a public hearing on a petition by Salem Plaza LLC to amend sections 5A2, 5A5, and 11B3 of the zoning regulations.