- The development process can take several paths depending on the type of project proposed.
- Property owners have a right under Connecticut law to propose a development through the town’s application process. The town’s application process is established and governed by state law and local regulations.
- Town staff, under the direction of the First Selectman, help guide and manage this process.
- The Economic and Community Development Director often meets with businesses, developers, brokers, and property owners early in the process to get a sense of interest in a particular site, building or location.
- The Town Planner and other town officials (Building Official, Town Engineer, Fire Marshall, EMS Director and Police Chief) may provide input to the proposed business or developer in order that they understand the regulations/laws that apply to their project. Specifically, town staff help clarify the development and permitting process.
- While town staff provides input to Land Use Boards; most matters related to project approvals are decided by the elected or appointed Land Use Boards.
- The “Land Use Boards” in Trumbull are as follows:
- Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (IWWC)
- Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z)
- Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
- Property owners may request a pre-application meeting with the P&Z Commission to receive general feedback regarding a possible development. This meeting is public; however, it is informal and not binding on any party.
- When a property owner files a formal application, then the application must follow the process required by law.
- Not all projects go to all Land Use Boards. The path a project follows depends on issues related to the specific site and proposal.
- Connecticut state law (CT General Statutes Section 8-30g) permits affordable housing applications to circumvent local zoning regulations where the need for affordable housing exists in a town. The application must set aside 30% of the units as affordable housing.
- A project could also be reviewed by other town boards such as:
- Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA)
- Police Commission
- Some projects may require additional approvals from state departments such as:
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Office of State Traffic Authority (OSTA)
- Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
- Some applications require a public hearing(s) before one or more Land Use Boards. Not all applications require a public hearing. If there is a public hearing, then the board or commission must accept public comment for the record.
- Land Use Boards frequently request information from the applicant to help determine impact to traffic, schools, and town services.
- Land Use Boards can request an independent/third party review of data provided by the applicant.
- Local property owners may receive notice about an application in accordance with state laws and/or the local regulations. Regional planning authorities and neighboring municipalities may also receive notice in accordance with state law.
- Anyone can attend any meeting of any board or commission. If there is a public hearing, then individuals may make their opinions known during the public hearing portion of the meeting. Written correspondence can be submitted prior to a public hearing whether or not a person attends the hearing. Once the public hearing is closed, no new material can be submitted by the public to a Land Use Board.
- Once the public hearing portion of an application is closed, the Land Use Board then deliberates on the matter and makes a decision.
- The land use process should be objective and Land Use Boards operate within specific guidelines when rendering decisions. In most cases Land Use Boards will review the project to make sure it meets regulations, is compatible with the Plan of Conservation and Development (“POCD”), has appropriate infrastructure and meets safety standards. The POCD is a general guide for development within the Town and is adopted by the P&Z Commission once every ten years.
- Each Board renders decisions within timeframes determined by state law.
- Once a Land Use Board renders a decision, there is an appeal period provided by state law whereby the applicant or any other person or entity with standing (such as an abutting neighbor) can bring an appeal to the Connecticut Superior Court.
For more information on Trumbull Zoning Regulations: https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1323/Zoning-Regulations---Town-of-Trumbull-PDF
Minutes of all meetings are kept and are available to the public in the Town Clerks Office or Town website: https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/agendacenter
Residents can register online to receive the agendas for upcoming land use boards at https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/list.aspx