Stamford Zoning Board Meeting Summary

Date: April 14, 2026
Time: 6:33 PM (meeting called to order)
Location: Zoom video conference
Chair: David Stein

The Zoning Board held a hybrid public hearing meeting on April 14, 2026. The meeting began with the election of officers, followed by a discussion of potential revisions to the city's Below Market Rate (BMR) regulations, centered on the low number of on-site affordable units in 2025 and the appropriate fee-in-lieu balance. The board then heard public testimony and deliberated on several zoning text amendments and map changes, including updates to temporary sign regulations, a rezoning of two parks, and a package of minor text changes covering fence heights, public waterfront access, BMR increases, and new smoke shop limits. A coastal site plan review for a pool and patio project was approved, and an extension of time for a cannabis dispensary special permit was granted.

Election of Officers

• David Stein was elected Chair of the Zoning Board (motion by Roseanne McManus, seconded by Jerry Bozak; approved unanimously).
• Bill Morris was elected Secretary (motion by Jerry Bozak, seconded by Roseanne McManus; approved unanimously).

Discussion Items

• BMR Regulations Discussion: The board discussed potential revisions to the city's BMR (Below Market Rate) regulations, prompted by a report from Emily Gordon. Key issues raised included:

  • In 2025, almost no developers chose to provide on-site affordable units, instead using fee-in-lieu payments to satisfy their obligation.
  • A need for units affordable to households earning less than 50% of Area Median Income (AMI).
  • The AMI dropped 17.5% last year due to a change in federal census geography; the board froze rents and income limits to stabilize the program.
  • Members debated increasing the fee-in-lieu amount (including a suggestion to adjust it by the 17% AMI drop) and incentivizing on-site units through increased bonuses.
  • Concerns were raised about concentrating affordable housing in certain areas (Jerry Bozak emphasized the need for economic diversity across the city).
  • The board discussed the scarcity of land for affordable housing and the role of nonprofits like Charter Oak and St. John's, with some members cautioning against using trust fund money solely for renovations that do not add new units.
  • A suggestion was made to solicit developer input on how the fee-in-lieu influences their decisions.

• Application 226-06 – Zoning Text Change (Temporary Signs & Cleanups): Ralph Blessing presented a package of minor corrections to the zoning regulations (updating references from "master plan" to "comprehensive plan," correcting a footnote, updating department names) and a new definition and regulations for temporary signs. Key provisions:

  • Definition: a temporary sign is displayed for 3 months or less.
  • Signs displayed for less than 7 days do not need a permit (e.g., lawn signs).
  • Signs up for 7 to 30 days require a permit with location/size standards.
  • A bond is required to ensure removal after 3 months.
  • Only one temporary sign per property per calendar year.
  • The Planning Board had recommended disapproval, arguing the regulations were overly complicated, but staff noted that without regulation, temporary signs would still be treated as permanent signs and could not be used.

• Application 226-02 – Map Change (McKeithan Park & 0 Maitland Road): Ralph Blessing presented a proposal to rezone two city-owned parcels to the P (Park) district: McKeithan Park (currently R5) and 0 Maitland Road (currently R7.5). The change protects the land from future development and aligns zoning with actual use. A member of the public (David Adams) spoke in favor, noting the Maitland Road lot is a swampy area that would benefit from park status.

• Application 226-03 – Zoning Text Change (Minor Updates, PAAS, BMR, Signs, etc.): Ralph Blessing presented a comprehensive package of minor text amendments:

  • Definitions & Use Changes: Allowed taller fences in industrial districts, simplified residential fence height increases, added bus/hiking shelters as permitted obstructions, limited flagpole heights to 30 feet, added definition for "change of use."
  • Mobility Section: Moved the street tree planting requirement to a new sustainability section (9G), with location standards for trees relative to the street.
  • BMR Requirements: Proposed increase in BMR requirement for office-to-residential conversions from 7% to 8%, and increase in fee-in-lieu per square foot from $125 to $150. (Noted as a starting point for larger revisions.)
  • Publicly Accessible Amenity Spaces (PAAS): Expanded districts where waterfront public access is required, created two standards (built-up areas: 12-foot path; natural areas: 3-foot trail). Added sign standards with city logo.
  • Smoke Shops: Proposed limit of one smoke shop per 15,000 residents (from over 60 existing, likely resulting in 8–9; existing shops grandfathered). Supported by the Health Department.
  • A new text change on sustainability and tree protection was filed but not yet before the board.

• Application 226-04 – R6 District Zoning Text Change: Ralph Blessing presented amendments to the R6 (two-family) district regulations to align with the general zoning structure:

  • No changes to density, uses, or height.
  • New side yard requirement: one side must be 10 feet (instead of 6 feet both sides) to allow driveway parking, with front setback reduced from 25 to 15 feet, and rear setback increased from 30 to 35 feet.
  • Added lot coverage restrictions to limit impervious surfaces and improve stormwater management.
  • Added special standards for existing permitted non-residential uses (schools, houses of worship, etc.).

• Coastal Site Plan Reviews:

  • CSPR 1224 (106 Carter Drive): Approved for a pool, patio expansion, and landscaping. Staff noted a $1,000 performance bond for erosion control drew concern from a board member; bond is standard for that element.
  • CSPR 1229 (34 Saddle Rock Road): Approved for a new pool, pergola, and patio, removing existing tennis court, reducing impervious coverage by about 4,000 square feet.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Adams (Glenbrook Road) spoke in favor of the park rezoning (226-02), noting the Maitland Road lot is a swampy area that would benefit from park status and suggested naming it after a neighbor, Nina Sherwood.
• Sue Halpern (30 Craft Road) supported the park rezoning and praised the concept of creating microforests.
• David Adams also spoke during the R6 discussion, seeking clarification on commercial vehicle parking rules (distinction between light pickup trucks under 3/4 ton and heavier vehicles).

Key Outcomes

• Application 226-06 (Temporary Signs & Cleanups): Approved 5-0 (motion to take the agenda out of order and approve).
• Application 226-02 (Map Change – Parks): Public hearing closed; vote deferred to the next meeting.
• Application 226-03 (Text Change Package): Public hearing closed; vote deferred.
• Application 226-04 (R6 District Amendments): Public hearing closed; vote deferred.
• CSPR 1224 (106 Carter Drive): Approved 5-0 with standard conditions from EPB, Engineering, DEEP, and Harbor Management.
• CSPR 1229 (34 Saddle Rock Road): Approved 5-0 with standard conditions.
• Extension of Time for Application 223-4-6 (Butter Cannabis Dispensary): Approved 5-0, extending the special permit timeline to June 30, 2027.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for April 27, 2026 (special meeting at 6:30 PM via Zoom). The March 30, 2026 meeting minutes were not approved due to insufficient members present.