Stamford Zoning Board Meeting – June 10, 2025

The Stamford Zoning Board met on June 10, 2025, at 6:50 PM via video conference. The meeting included an executive session on pending litigation, approval of several site plans and minutes, and a detailed discussion of proposed zoning text and map changes for a University Related Overlay District (URORD). No votes were taken on the URORD proposal; discussion will continue at a future meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (May 19, 2025): Approved unanimously (4-0).

Discussion Items

• Executive Session – Butter Holdings LLC Litigation: The board entered executive session at 6:54 PM and returned at 7:03 PM to discuss settlement terms. A motion to approve the settlement terms passed 3-0 with one abstention. No other votes were taken during executive session. Participants included board members, Ralph Blessing, Venita Monter, and John Harness from the law department.
• Hubbard LLC Litigation: This item was removed from the agenda and not discussed.
• Public Hearing – AC Leonard LLC (80-68 Leonard Street): The hearing was rescheduled to June 30, 2025, due to incomplete notice requirements.

Discussion Items – URORD Text and Map Changes (Applications 225-09 and 225-10)

The board spent the majority of the meeting reviewing a proposed University Related Overlay District (URORD) aimed at supporting nonprofit cultural institutions and universities. Key topics included:

• Eligible Uses: List of uses eligible for a 25% density bonus and transferable development rights, including museums, theaters, art galleries, and affordable student/faculty housing. The board agreed to remove a requirement that affordable student housing rates be based on UConn’s lowest rate, broadening eligibility for other universities.
• Minimum Eligible Use Threshold: At least 50% of a building’s gross floor area must be used for eligible uses to qualify for the bonus; the bonus is prorated if less than 100%.
• Duration of Use: Discussion about requiring eligible uses to remain for at least 25 years to prevent abuse; no final decision was reached. Concerns were raised about enforcement and remedies if the use changes.
• Bonus Density: The board agreed to maintain the 25% bonus for all eligible uses, rejecting a proposal to limit it to 20% in the South End.
• Transfer of Development Rights: Originating sites must be in the same URORD and north-of-I-95 rights must stay north; receiving sites must be at least one acre and cannot receive city property tax reductions. The bonus itself may be transferable, but the board discussed potential complications if the eligible use ceases.
• Parking: For eligible uses in Parking Category One (downtown and South End), the board may reduce or waive parking requirements if within 1,200 feet of a public parking facility. Outside Category One, a 25% reduction is possible. Handicapped parking was debated but no changes were made; the board noted that ADA compliance is addressed through other city agencies.
• Building Height and Lot Coverage: Specific limits were discussed, including height increases (one additional story for buildings up to four stories, one per five stories above) and increased lot coverage (up to 10 percentage points for lot coverage, five for building coverage).
• Other Conditions: Requirements for bicycle parking, public Wi-Fi, signage, and BMR units were confirmed.

The board took a break at 9:03 PM; the transcript ends without a vote on the URORD amendments.

Key Outcomes

• Butter Holdings Settlement: Approved 3-0 (with one abstention).
• CSPR 1079 (Race Coastal Engineering, 35 Rogers Road): Approved unanimously with conditions from EPB, Engineering, DEEP, and Harbor Management Commission.
• CSPR 1211 (Stamford Yacht Club, 97 Ocean Drive West): Approved unanimously with conditions from EPB, Engineering, DEEP, and Harbor Management Commission.
• URORD Discussion: Continued to a future meeting; no vote taken.