Danbury Zoning Commission Meeting – January 28, 2026

The Danbury Zoning Commission convened on January 28, 2026, to consider a petition by Salem Plaza LLC to amend zoning regulations to allow limited self-storage in the CG20 commercial zone. Due to the absence of several commissioners, the public hearing was continued to February 10, 2026, at the applicant's request to ensure a full commission could hear the presentation.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the minutes of January 13, 2026, by voice vote.

Discussion Items

• Staff Report: The Planning Director summarized the petition: a proposed amendment to allow up to 15% of an existing warehouse building (minimum five acres, accessed from an RTL state road, adjacent to IL40 or IG80 zones) in the CG20 zone to be used for self-storage. The amendment would also waive future variance requests. The Planning Commission gave a negative recommendation, citing inconsistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and reversal of the city's 2025 self-storage restrictions. The Director noted the application was very specific but conflicted with the goal of preserving commercial land.
• Applicant's Request: Attorney Tom Beecher, representing Salem Plaza LLC, requested a continuance to the next regular meeting on February 10, 2026, because only six commissioners were present. He argued that a presentation with a full body was preferable to having absent members rely solely on the recording. The Chairman agreed, noting that a supermajority (six affirmative votes) is required regardless of attendance, and that restarting the hearing later would allow all members to participate in discussion and public testimony.
• Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Trotter asked why the commission was considering an amendment for a zone where self-storage is not currently allowed. Chairman explained that the petition was properly submitted, and discussion would follow after hearing all evidence. Commissioner O'Neill asked about the number of properties citywide that could qualify; the Chairman noted this was a citywide amendment, not site-specific.
• Objection: A non-commission member (identified as "Councilman") objected to continuing the hearing after the staff report had been presented, arguing the public should have an opportunity to speak that night. The Chairman and other commissioners stated the commission had the authority to continue the hearing and would restart the entire process—including staff presentation—on February 10.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public testimony was taken, as the hearing was continued before opening the floor to the public.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Continue: Commissioner O'Neill moved to continue the public hearing to February 10, 2026; seconded by Commissioner Botello. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
• Next Steps: The zoning amendment petition will be heard from the beginning on February 10, 2026, with a full commission expected. No decision was made on the substance of the amendment.