Danbury Zoning Commission Meeting - February 11, 2026

The Danbury Zoning Commission met on February 11, 2026, at 7:05 PM via Zoom to consider a petition by Salem Plaza LLC to amend zoning regulations to allow limited self-storage in an existing warehouse in the CG20 (General Commercial) zone. The meeting included a public hearing, staff report, applicant presentation, and commission discussion. The petition was ultimately approved by an 8-1 vote after a motion to deny failed.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the January 27, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Petition of Salem Plaza LLC to amend Sections 5A2, 5A5, and 11B3 of the Zoning Regulations: The applicant, represented by Attorney Tom Beecher, proposed allowing up to 15% of the gross floor area of existing warehouse buildings on lots of at least five acres to be used for self-storage, provided vehicle access is from an arterial state road and the lot is adjacent to an IL40 or IG80 industrial zone. The proposal would apply to the Salem Plaza property at 127-131 West Street (over 5.5 acres, six buildings, 124,500 sq ft gross floor area), specifically targeting an outdated 15,000 sq ft warehouse built in 1962. The applicant argued the building is obsolete for warehouse use, cannot be leased, and the conversion would involve no exterior changes. The Planning Commission had given a negative recommendation (3-0) on January 7, 2026, citing inconsistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and a reversal of the 2025 decision to remove self-storage from commercial zones. West Cog deemed the proposal of primarily local interest. Director Al Bakri noted the 2025 amendment removed self-storage from CA80 zones, not CG20, and that the proposal was a limited, site-specific solution. Commissioner Botello moved to deny the petition, citing: oversupply of self-storage, inconsistency with the CG20 zone's purpose (commercial employment and economic development), lack of consistency with the POCD, no change in circumstances, speculative market arguments, and risk of precedent. The motion failed 1-8 (only Botello in favor). Commissioner Nijam then moved to approve with reasons: the POCD encourages flexibility as markets change, the proposal adds new life to an existing building, will not affect health/safety/welfare, is narrowly tailored to avoid widespread application, and will not alter the building's structure or appearance. The motion passed 8-1 (Botello opposed), meeting the required six-vote supermajority.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the petition to amend Sections 5A2, 5A5, and 11B3 of the Zoning Regulations to permit limited self-storage in existing warehouse buildings in the CG20 zone under strict conditions (minimum 5-acre lot, existing warehouse, max 15% of gross floor area, 250-ft setback from arterial road, no variances allowed, and subject to special exception from Planning Commission).
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2026.
• The commission was reminded of state-mandated zoning changes (including middle housing requirements) due by July 1, 2026, to maintain eligibility for state funding.