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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTIONS PAGES
INTRODUCTION 3
1 PURPOSES 3
2 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT 3
3 SEVERABILITY AND VALIDITY 9
4 EFFECTIVE DATE 9
5 DEFINITIONS 10
6 ZONING DISTRICTS AND ZONING MAPS 23
7 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 24
8 CONFORMANCE AND NON-CONFORMANCE 28
9 USES PERMITTED IN DISTRICTS AND ZONES 32
9.1 Flood Plain Zone 32
9.2 Residence Districts 32
9.3 Resort District 34
9.4 Lake District 35
9.5 East Haddam Village District 36
9.6 C-3 District 42
9.7 IG District 43
9.8 Research & Development District 45
9.9 Conservation (Gateway) Zone 45
9.10 Commercial/Business/Light Industrial District (C/B/IG) 49
9.11 Eightmile River Watershed Overlay District 51
10 SCHEDULE OF LOTS AND BUILDINGS 55
10.1.4 Building Height 56
10.2.3 Accessory Dwellings 57
10.3 Schedule for Non-Conforming Lots 59
10.4 Minimum Buildable Land Requirements 59
10.5 Other Bulk Regulations 61
10.6 Interior Lot Regulations 62
11 GENERAL PARKING REQUIREMENTS 65
12 SIGNS 71
13 TRAILERS 78
14A SITE PLAN REVIEW 79
14B SPECIAL EXCEPTION 87
15 CAMP GROUNDS AND RECREATIONAL CAMPS 93
16 HISTORICAL PARKS 95
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17 FLOATING ZONES 97
18 SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AND AREA REGULATIONS 108
19 REGULATION OF EARTH MATERIAL OPERATIONS 124
20 COMMERCIAL CUTTING OF TIMBER 127
21 REGULATION OF OUTDOOR WOOD BURNING FURNANCES 129
22 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES 130
23 CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION 138
24 CONVERSION SEASONAL/YEAR ROUND 143
25 COLLECTION AND STORAGE OF JUNK MATERIALS, 144
ABANDONED VEHICLES, AND DEBRIS
26 MOBOLE FOOD UNITS 146
27 HOME OCCUPATION 148
28 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT 150
APPENDIX I AMENDMENTS 154
APPENDIX II LAND WITH LIMITATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT 156
APPENDIX III INVASIVE PLANTS LIST 161
APPENDIX IV RECOMMENDED PLANTS FOR CONNECTICUT 166
APPENDIX V STREETS LOCATED IN THE LAKES DISTRICT 169
APPENDIX VI SITE DESIGN AND COMPATIBLITY OBJECTIVES 171
AND GUIDELINES
APPENDIX VII STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION IN 190
THE IG DISTRICT
APPENDIX VIII BUILDING HEIGHT DIAGRAM 224
APPENDIX IX DEVELOPED AREAS IN THE 225
CONSERVATION ZONE
APPENDIX X EIGHTMILE RIVER WATERSHED 226
OVERLAY DISTRICT MAP
APPENDIX XI INSET MAPS OF ZONING DISTRICTS 227
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INTRODUCTION
The original Zoning Regulations were adopted on September 12, 1961. Since then, numerous revisions to the
regulations have been made. These revisions have been written in such a manner as to make them more clear and
concise. It is the hope that this will make the regulations easier to use for our citizens and taxpayers and any others
who may desire to use them.
The Zoning Regulations have been updated to include revisions to Sections 2, 5, 7, 8, 14A, 14B, incorporation of a
new Section 17 and repeal of Sections 21 and 26 through October 14, 1987.
All other Sections of the regulations include revisions made to December 1969 through June 1, 1979.
Addition listing of amendments can be found in Appendix I
SECTION 1 PURPOSES
Pursuant to the power and authority invested in it by the Connecticut General Statutes as amended, the Planning and
Zoning Commission of the Town of East Haddam hereby adopts the following regulations.
1.0 PURPOSES There is hereby established a comprehensive zoning plan for the Town of East Haddam,
Connecticut (hereinafter referred to as the “Town”) which plan is set forth in the text, maps, and schedule, which
constitutes these Regulations. Said plan is adopted for the purposes set forth in Chapter 124 of the Connecticut
General Statutes, as amended, for the protection and promotion of the public health, safety, and welfare.
1.1 Such regulations shall encourage the most appropriate use of the land in accordance with the comprehensive
zoning plan, with the purpose of: to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic, flood and other
dangers; to promote health and the general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding
of land, to avoid undue concentration of population and to facilitate the adequate provisions for transportation, water,
sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements. Such regulations shall be made with reasonable
consideration as to character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses with a view to conserving
property values, and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout East Haddam.
Zoning regulations may be made with reasonable consideration for the protection of historic factors and for the
protection of existing and potential public surface and ground drinking water supplies; proper provisions be made for
sedimentation and erosion control. The regulations also encourage energy- efficient patterns of development, the use
of solar and other renewable forms of energy, and energy conservation.
SECTION 2 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
2.1. Zoning Enforcement Officer(s). These Regulations shall be administered and enforced by such Zoning
Enforcement Officer or Officers as the Commission shall, by resolution, designate, including members and alternate
members of the Commission.
2.2. Enforcement and Penalties. These Regulations shall be enforced by the Zoning Enforcement Officer(s), or
his/her/their designee, who shall be empowered to cause any building, structure, place or premises to be inspected
and examined and to order, in writing, the remedying of any conditions found to exist therein or thereat in violation
of any provision of these Regulations, or any permit or approval issue hereunder. The owner or agent of a building,
structure, or property where such violation shall have been committed or shall exist, or the lessee or tenant of an
entire lot where such violation shall have been committed or shall exist, or the agent, architect, builder, contractor or
any other person who shall commit, take part or assist in such violation or who shall maintain any building or
premises in which such violations exist shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Chapter 124 of
the Connecticut General Statutes. Furthermore, the Commission may, at its sole discretion, direct the Town counsel
to commence criminal or civil action in State or Federal Court for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of these
Regulations.
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2.3. Certificate of Zoning Compliance. Upon the request of any property owner, or the Building Official, the
Zoning Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized to issue a Certificate of Zoning Compliance in the following
cases:
(a) For any site, building, or structure which has been reviewed and approved by the Commission or the Zoning
Board of Appeals, as the case may be, pursuant to any provision of these Regulations. Such Certificate
shall be evidence that such site, building, or structure has been developed in conformance with these
Regulations and to the requirements and conditions attached to any variance, Site Plan Approval or Special
Exception issued hereunder.
(b) For any legally existing use, building or structure for which no variance, Site Plan Approval, or Special
Exception is required under these Regulations. Such Certificate shall be evidence that such use, building or
structure conforms to all applicable provisions of these Regulations, or is a valid nonconforming use,
building or structure, as defined in these Regulations.
c) For any addition to, or expansion of, a legally existing single family dwelling, and/or any permitted
accessory buildings, uses or structures located on a non-conforming lot, which lot equals or exceeds one-
half (1/2) acre in area. Such Certificate shall be evidence that such use, building, or structure conforms to
all applicable provisions of these Regulations, other than required lot area or other required lot dimensions.
(d) For any single-family dwelling and permitted accessory buildings, structures and uses, on a conforming lot.
Such Certificate shall be evidence that such single-family home and permitted accessory buildings,
structures and uses conform to all applicable provisions of these Regulations.
Any use of land, buildings, or structures, or any expansion of such use, or the erection, extension, or alteration of any
building or structure, for which a Certificate of Zoning Compliance is not required under this Section or for which a
Special Exception is not required by these Regulations, shall require Site Plan Approval pursuant to Section 14A of
these Regulations.
Except as provided below, prior to the issuance of any Certificate of Zoning Compliance in coordination with a
Certificate of Occupancy, the property owner shall provide a plan accurate to the Standards of A-2 Classification as
defined in the Code of Practices for Standards of Accuracy of surveys and maps adopted December 10, 1975 as
amended by the Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors, Inc. Said plan shall show all required setbacks and
boundary lines and the location of all new construction and other important features, including, but not limited, new
buildings, structures, parking areas, sanitary disposal systems, wells, wetlands, flood plains and other information
required to determine compliance with these Regulations, the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations, or the East
Haddam Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations, or any permit issued thereunder. Corner boundary pins are
to be set prior to the issuance of the final Certificate of Zoning Compliance. Such plan shall not be required for any
addition to an existing single-family residential building or structure, nor for any permitted residential accessory
building or structure.
No Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall be issued if it is determined that a violation of these Regulations, the East
Haddam Subdivision Regulations, or the East Haddam Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations, the Town of
East Haddam Ordinance Book, or any permit issued thereunder, is proposed or exists. In accordance with
Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-3(f), no Building Permit or Certificate of Occupancy for any building, use or
structure shall be issued by the Building Official without the prior issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance. (
2.4. Building Permit. No Building Permit shall be issued for any activity or use which is not in conformance with
the provisions of these Regulations, and no such Permit shall be issued unless and until the Zoning Enforcement
Officer has issued a Certificate of Zoning Compliance indicating the plans submitted to the Building Official
conform to these Regulations and any Special Exception, Site Plan Approval, or variance issued hereunder. During
the course of construction, the Building Official and Zoning Enforcement Officer shall insure continued compliance
with these Regulations, and any such Special Exception, Site Plan, or variance, including, but not limited to, any
erosion control plan approved by the Commission or its authorized agent. The Building Official or Zoning
Enforcement Officer shall have the authority to require additional or different erosion control measures if those
previously approved are found to be inadequate, or if they are not being maintained in accordance with the approved
plan. Any construction activity which is found to be in violation of these Regulations or any Special Exception, Site
Plan Approval or variance issued hereunder may be ordered to cease and desist, at the sole discretion of the Zoning
Enforcement Officer or Building Official. In order to carry out the provisions of this Section, the property owner
shall allow any official of the Town of East Haddam free access to the site.
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2.5. Certificate of Occupancy. No building or structure shall be occupied or used, nor any use of land established,
nor shall any addition, extension, or alteration of any building, structure, or use be occupied or used until the
issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Official of the Town of East Haddam. Such Certificate of
Occupancy shall not be issued unless the subject site, building(s), and structure(s) conform to any Special Exception,
site plan approval, or variance, and any conditions attached thereto, issued by the Commission or the Zoning Board
of Appeals, as the case may be, in accordance with these Regulations. Similarly, no Certificate of Occupancy shall
be issued until an as-built plan of any septic system design reviewed by the Commission, pursuant to Section 14A of
these Regulations, has been submitted to the Town Sanitarian. Said as-built plan shall certify that the preparer
thereof personally inspected the installation of the septic system on the site, and that the septic system as installed
conformed to the approved design. If the subject septic system was designed by a Connecticut Registered
Professional Engineer, said as-built plan shall be certified by such and Engineer. All non-engineer designed systems
shall have as-built plans prepared and certified by either the system installer or a Connecticut Registered Professional
Engineer. The Building Official may issue a temporary Certificate of Occupancy where a portion of a building, site,
or structure is completed and ready for occupancy, in accordance with the bonding procedure set forth herein below.
As set forth in Section 2.3 of these Regulations, no Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued without the prior
issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, if such Certificate is required by these Regulations. (from Sec. 7.0.1,
7.0.2, 7.0.3)
2.6. Special Exceptions, Site Plan Approval, and Variances; Deviations, Amendments, Misrepresentations.
In accordance with Section 8-3d of the Connecticut General Statutes, no Special Exception shall be effective until a
copy thereof, certified by the Commission or the Zoning Board of Appeals, as the case may be, containing a
description of the premises to which it relates and specifying the nature of such variance or special exception,
including the Regulation which is varied in its application or to which a special exception is granted, and stating the
name of the owner of record, is recorded in the land records of the Town of East Haddam. No person who has
obtained a Special Exception, Site Plan Approval, or variance shall attempt to erect any building or structure, or
establish any use of land, which is not in substantial conformance with any element of the plans, descriptions,
applications and supporting materials, information, specifications submitted, or any representations of fact made,
before the Commission or the Zoning Board of Appeals, as the case may be, without an amendment as provided in
these Regulations, provided, however, that the construction of open unroofed porches and decks attached to a
residential dwelling may be added without application for, or amendment of, a Site Plan Approval. Likewise, no
person who has obtained a Special Exception, Site Plan Approval, or variance shall violate any condition imposed
thereon. Violation of this provision shall be grounds for the Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals, as the case
may be, to void said Special Exception, Site Plan Approval, or variance, and to take such other legal action as may
be required to secure compliance with said Special Exception or variance and the conditions attached thereto. The
Commission may by resolution permit the Zoning Enforcement Officer to authorize minor, non-substantial
deviations from approved Special Exceptions and Site Plan Approvals. Likewise, the Zoning Board of Appeals may
by resolution permit the Zoning Enforcement Officer to authorize minor, non-substantial deviations from approved
variances.
Substantial changes to Special Exceptions, Site Plan Approvals, and variances shall be treated as new applications
for approval, and shall be submitted and acted upon in accordance with these Regulations. Substantial changes are
considered changes that involve (a) alterations in use from that set forth in an approved statement of use and site
plan; or (b) alteration in an existing use, including such alterations that would:
1. Increased the parking demand of the use; or
2. Increase or change the hours of operation of the use; or
3. Increase the noise generation of the use or change the octave band frequency of such noise; or
4. Increase or change the emission of smoke, dust or other contaminants into the air, including both point sources
and fugitive emissions; or
5. Increase or change the demand for outdoor storage, truck or equipment traffic (type or volume), water
consumption, or effluent disposals; or
6. Involve the use of different equipment, processes, chemicals, or materials; or
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7. Increase the amount of lighting.
In the event that the Commission or the Board, as the case may be, determines or discovers that information
submitted to it in support of any application for Special Exception, Site Plan Approval, or variance was incorrect or
invalid, the Commission or Board may, after a hearing, void such approval, and shall state the reasons for such
action on the record.
(former Section 7.21, 11/1/78, 11/15/89r; also 14A.4, 3/1/79r; also 14B, 3/1/79r)
2.7. Completion of Construction. For any Special Exception, Site Plan Approval, or variance, the construction of
any building or structure, or the establishment of any use, shall be completed by the applicant, and a Certificate of
Zoning Compliance and Certificate of Occupancy, where required, shall be issued, within thirty-six (36) months of
the effective date for such approval. Any such approval not completed within the time limits contained in this
section shall be void. (former Section 14A.4, 3/1/79r; also 14B, 3/1/79r)
2.8. Performance Bonds. As a condition of the approval of any Special Exception, Site Plan Approval, or
variance, the Commission or the owners of the subject property post a bond, in such form and with such sureties as
the Zoning Enforcement Officer may prescribe, in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of construction of any street
improvements, drainage, septic facilities, erosion control measures, water supply, and any other improvements
required by the Commission/Board in connection with any such Special Exception, Site Plan Approval, or variance.
Such requirement for bonding shall be determined on the basis of the importance of the completion of such
improvements to compliance with the criteria of these Regulations, the extent and expense of such improvements,
and the potential for occupancy of the site or building in the absence of such improvements. All such improvements
shall be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and/or Certificate of Occupancy,
except as provided herein below.
In the event that certain improvements may not be installed at the time of occupancy of a site or building due to
weather conditions or other factors beyond the control of the applicant, the Zoning Enforcement Officer may require
a performance bond, is such amounts, form, and surety as he/she may deem necessary, to insure the completion of
such improvements in not more than six (6) months following such occupancy. In the event that the improvements
described herein above shall not be completed within the time limits contained herein, the Commission, Zoning
Board of Appeals, or the Zoning Enforcement Officer, as the case may be, shall be authorized to utilize the
performance bond to complete such improvements, and to compensate the Town for any administrative expenses
incurred in connection with the completion of such improvements.
A Performance Bond may be required to be posted by the Applicant/Owner prior to the commencement of
construction of any improvement or work on any lot to insure the completion of required improvements and utilities
in the event the Applicant/Owner shall fail to install same within six (6) months form the date of the occupancy. The
term of the Performance Bond may be extended by the Commission upon approval of a petition from the developer
to the Commission requesting an extension subject to agreement of such extension by the Surety.
In computing the amount of the Bond, the Commission shall include the construction cost of the following items:
a) The construction cost of all required improvements, including storm drainage system, erosion and sedimentation
control measures, roads and pavements, sidewalks, and curbs, trees, plantings, grading, setting of monuments, and
any other requirements made as a condition for Site Plan or Special Exception approval or depicted on the endorsed
Final Plan, Plan and Profile, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan or any other plan as approved by the
Commission.
b) Estimated costs shall be those that would allow for the Town advertising, bid evaluation, and awarding a contract
for construction of the improvements along with the cost for engineering inspections of the construction.
c) Costs shall be projected to a point at the end of the Performance Bond term. Any extension of the term of the
Performance Bond may result in an adjustment as to the bond total.
d) The total estimated cost of the Performance Bond shall also include a 10% addition to cover contingencies and
Commission’s engineering. Per new statute.
e) Where a Site Plan or a Special Exception is to be developed in phases, the Applicant/Owner shall petition the
Commission in writing for permission to post a Performance Bond covering the costs itemized in paragraphs (6.a)
through (6.d) above, related to those improvements and utilities located within or required to serve one or more
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phases rather than for the entire development. Similar permission shall be obtained by the owner prior to
commencing development of any or all additional phases. Where the owner bonds in phases as authorized in this
paragraph, no improvement, as that term is defined in these Regulations, shall be commenced in any phase for which
no bond has been posted.
f) As used in these Regulations, the term “Performance Bond” shall refer to one of the following methods of assuring
completion of Site Plan or Special Exception Improvements:
1) Cash in the form of a certified check, or a passbook, assigned to the Town by assignment forms prescribed by the
Commission’s legal counsel. The issuing bank (“Surety”) shall be one maintaining offices in either Middlesex,
Hartford, or New London Counties. The check must be issued to: Town of East Haddam, 7 Main Street, East
Haddam, CT 06423. The amount of the performance bond must match the amount of the bond requirement set forth
by the Commission.
2) A Letter of Credit in favor of the Town in the form prescribed by the Commission, after review by its legal
counsel. Such Letter of Credit shall be issued only by a bank or comparable lending institution maintaining offices
in the State of Connecticut and governed by the law of the State of Connecticut. The issuing bank (“Surety”) shall be
one maintaining offices in Middlesex, Hartford, or New London Counties. The letter of Credit must be issued to:
Town of East Haddam, 7 Main Street, East Haddam, CT 06423. The amount of the performance bond must match
the amount of the bond requirement set forth by the Commission.
3) A surety bond that meet the following requirements:
A. The surety company must be rated “A” or above by Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s or equivalent rating
agency and shall be one approved by the Commission based upon the current Department of Treasury
Listing of Approved Sureties (Department Circular 570), with modifications based upon whether a
particular surety company has previously failed to honor bonds presented by the Town of East Haddam in
the past.
B. The surety company shall maintain permanent office within Middlesex, Hartford, or New London
Counties of the State of Connecticut.
C. The performance bond must be issued to: Town of East Haddam, 7 Main Street, East Haddam, CT
06423
D. The amount of the performance bond must match the amount of the bond requirement set forth by the
Commission.
E. The surety bond agreement shall contain the following provisions, at a minimum: (i) that payment shall
be made in full within sixty-five (65) days of written demand by the Commission or its agent; and (ii) that
failure to make full payment within such time shall automatically and without further demand result in a
penalty of one (1%) of the total outstanding bond for each calendar month or part there of that such
payment is delayed past the date of demand; and (iii) that if litigation is required to collect the said surety
bond, the surety company shall pay to the Commission the costs and expenses of such litigation; and (*iv)
the surety company shall agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Commission and the Town of East
Haddam against any and all claims of damage or injury sustained upon, or as a result of, the incomplete
public improvements during the period following the demand for payment on said surety bond, and for
restoration of any damage or deterioration (including, but not limited to, erosion and sedimentation
damages) resulting from such delay in payment; and (v) such other provisions as the Commission’s legal
counsel shall require.
F. The performance bond shall not expire until the project completion date. For subdivisions, the
performance shall not expire before the entire five-year period in which to complete the subdivision
pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-25 or the subdivision is completed and all public
improvements accepted. If the subdivision approval is extended for an additional five year period under
Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-25, the performance bond must be extended for that time period.
G. A sixty (60) day advance notice by the surety company of an expiration or non-renewal of the
performance bond must be provided to the Town of East Haddam.
4) A restrictive covenant, in a form prescribed by the Commission’s legal counsel, to be filed on the Land Records of
the Town of East Haddam, prohibiting the issuance of a certificate of occupancy of any building until such time as
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all improvements are completed in accordance with these Regulations, or until the incomplete portions of such
improvements are bonded by one of the methods in the preceding two (2) paragraphs.
The above referenced forms shall be as provided by the town and shall be the only ones acceptable to the
Commission. The amount of the bond shall be the sum which the Commission shall require. The completion date of
all required improvements shall be as required by the Commission, but in no event, longer than the period set forth in
Chapter 126 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
For all performance bond documents: If the Applicant is a corporation, then the corporate seal must be shown in
addition to the seal of the lending institution issuing the passbook assignment or Letter of Credit, and a corporate
resolution must be provided indicating that the corporate officer executing the bond documents has authority to do
so. If the applicant is a partnership, then a partnership resolution must be provided indicating that the partner
executing the bond documents has authority to do so. Any corporation shall provide a Certificate of Good Standing
from the Connecticut Secretary of the State; any limited partnership shall provide a Certificate of Legal Existence
from the Secretary of the State; out-of-state applicants shall present evidence from the Secretary of the State that they
are authorized to do business in Connecticut.
If at any time, the bond required by this Section shall not be in effect for incomplete or unaccepted improvements,
the Commission may file a caveat on the Land Records warning potential purchasers of such fact; or may void the
site plan or special exception following a public hearing with notice to the applicant and property owner(s).
2.9. Amendment. These Regulations, or the boundaries of any zone or district, may be amended by the
Commission, after public notice and public hearing, in accordance with Section 8-3 of the General Statutes. Such
amendment may be at the initiation of the Commission, or by the petition of any person. If petition shall be by any
person, such petition shall be:
(a) In writing;
(b) Signed by the property owner or owners requesting such a change;
(c) Outline specifically, by map or otherwise, the boundary changes and/or text changes which are requested;
(d) Fee as presented in the Town of East Haddam Ordinance Book under Fee Schedule.
In addition to any other requirement contained in these Regulations, the Commission may require that the applicant
provide additional information to establish that the proposed zoning regulation or zoning map amendment will
protect or enhance the public health code, safety, and welfare. Such additional information may include, but is not
limited to, the following:
For text amendment applications: Detailed or conceptual site plans of proposed uses, including points of access,
proposed uses, and other information which depicts and details the nature of the use designation sought for the parcel
in question, its density or intensity, and how it will be designed and built: where applicable, sample deed
restrictions, easements, or other legal documents which would be used to implement any restrictions, proposed by the
applicant, required to implement the development as proposed, or otherwise forming an inseparable part of the
proposal; studies analyzing the potential impacts of the proposed change on the public health, safety, and welfare,
such as traffic, environment, drainage, sewage disposal, water supply and quality, noise, dust, and similar impacts.
In approving any application for change of zone, the Commission may impose conditions or modifications which
protect the public health, safety, and welfare, including on-or off-site improvements which will prevent, mitigate, or
compensate for adverse impacts created, in whole or in part, by the development sought by the applicant; or may
condition the approval upon the granting of other permits or approvals, or taking or other required actions, by other
State or local agencies having jurisdiction. In the case of an affordable housing development sought pursuant to
Connecticut General Statutes 8-30g, the Commission may condition the approval of any change of zone upon
development in accordance with the requirements of that Section and with the applicant’s representations on the
record relative to the proposed development.
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SECTION 3 SEVERABILITY AND VALIDITY
3.0 Each and every separate part of the regulations adopted by this Commission is hereby declared to be
separate from each and every other part, to the end that if any part should be declared invalid for any reason
whatsoever, such decision shall not affect any other part of these regulations, which shall remain in full
force and effect. This paragraph is intended to apply to the present regulations and previously adopted, and
to all such additional regulations and amendments as this Commission may adopt from time to time in the
future.
SECTION 4 EFFECTIVE DATE
4.0 These regulations are effective as of September 5, 1961. Revisions or amendments and their effective dates
are indicated in each section, listed under the introduction, or noted in Appendix I.
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SECTION 5 DEFINITIONS
5.0 Intent and General Rules of Construction. In the interests of clarity and brevity, the following terms shall, unless
otherwise stated, have the meaning herein indicated for all the purposes of these Regulations. Words used in the
present tense shall include the future tense. When the context so requires, words in the masculine, feminine, or
neuter gender shall include any gender, and words in the singular or the plural shall include both singular and plural
numbers. The underlined captions set forth in these Regulations are for convenience and reference only, and shall
not be deemed to define or limit the provisions hereof or to affect in any way their construction or application.
Abutting: Separated by no intervening private property.
Accessory Building or Structure: Accessory Building includes buildings such as garages, sheds, gazebos, and
barns. Accessory structures include swimming pools, detached solar panels, wind mills, and similar structures.
Accessory buildings or structures shall be subject to the general requirements as to distance from the lot lines.
Accessory buildings may be used for dwelling purposes provided that the total number of family units is not greater
than permitted by these regulations and provided also that the living space, floor area and lot area per family unit
shall not be less than permitted by these regulations. An accessory building includes a small building or cabin which
is accessory to a commercial farming enterprise and which is used by one or more full time hired hands for sleeping
only. In the East Haddam Village District, Accessory Buildings need not be located on the same lot as the Principle
Building when both buildings are submitted as a single development proposal.
Accessory Use: A use, in addition to the principal use, which is clearly subordinate to, and customarily incidental
to, and located upon the same lot as, the principal use. In the East Haddam Village District, Accessory Uses need
not be located on the same lot as the Principle Use when both Uses are submitted as a single development proposal.
Accessory uses, as defined in these Regulations, are permitted in all zones, provided, however, that if the principle
use requires Site Plan Review, Special Exception, variance, or other review under these Regulations, then the
accessory use will require the same review.
Agriculture: Means “agriculture” as defines in the §1-1(q) of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended: Except
as otherwise specifically defined, the words “agriculture” and “farming” shall include cultivation of the soil,
dairying, forestry, raising or harvesting any agricultural or horticultural commodity, including the raising, shearing,
feeding, caring for, training and management of livestock, including horses, bees, poultry, fur bearing animals and
wildlife, and the raising or harvesting of oysters, clams, mussels, other molluscan shellfish or fish; the operation,
management, conservation, improvement, or maintenance of a farm and its buildings, tools and equipment, or
salvaging timber or clearing land of brush or other debris left by a storm, as an incident to such farming operations;
the production or harvesting of maple syrup or maple sugar, or any agricultural commodity, including lumber, as an
incident to ordinary farming operation, or the harvesting of mushrooms, the hatching of poultry, or the construction,
operation, or maintenance of ditches, canals, reservoirs, or waterways used exclusively for farming purposes;
handling, planting, drying, packing, packaging, processing, freezing, grading, storing, or delivering to storage or to
market, or to a carrier for transportation to market, or for direct sale any agricultural or horticultural commodity as
an incident to ordinary farming operations, or, in the case of fruits and vegetables, as an incident to the preparation
of such fruits or vegetables for market or for direct sale. The term “farm” includes farm buildings, and accessory
buildings thereto, nurseries, orchards, ranges, greenhouses, hoop houses, and other temporary structures or other
structures used primarily for the raising and, as an incident to ordinary farming operations, the sale of agricultural or
horticultural commodities. The term “aquaculture” means the farming of the waters of the state and tidal wetlands
and the production of protein food, including fish, oysters, clams, mussels, and other molluscan shellfish, on leased,
franchised, and public underwater farm lands. Nothing herein shall restrict the power of a local zoning authority
under chapter 124 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Accessory Uses to Agriculture: The following activities are recognized as a normal part of agriculture uses and are
therefore allowed as a Permitted Use: 1) retail sale of agricultural products produced on a Farm, including dairy
products, vegetable, fiber, poultry, beef, and other customary, agricultural products. No less than twenty-five (25)
percent of the products (both by volume and by product type) shall be raised or produced on the Farm. The
maximum square footage of a Farm Stand, including both enclosed and outdoor display areas, shall be seventy-five
(75) square feet for each acre of land on the same lot with the Farm which is under cultivation.
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Other activities that may have greater public participation such as corn mazes, horse shows, seminars/meetings, a
tasting or sampling room, on site tours for the public to see the operation or production of the product, training and
lessons for individuals, public events (such as rentals for weddings, showers, etc.), and artist exhibitions shall require
a Special Exception Review and approval as an accessory use by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Such
activities are to be complementary and subordinate to the principal agricultural use. The Commission will be
reviewing the proposed frequency of events, event traffic, parking, lighting, noise levels, and the sanitation facilities
needed. The accessory activities may be permitted as a Special Exception provided the activity is in harmony with
the surrounding properties with respect to scale and density of development, shall not depreciate surrounding
property values, and shall blend with the historical character of surrounding buildings and landscape.
Aisle: The driving portion of the Parking Area. The aisle provides access to each Parking Space.
Acre: An acre shall be defined for these Regulations as an area of 43,560 continuous square feet of land.
Aggregate Maximum Lot Average The total acres to be sold as building lots divided by the number of such lots.
Alteration: As applied to a building or structure, means a change or rearrangement in the structural parts thereof,
the movement of all or any part thereof, or the substantial reconstruction thereof, so as to produce a substantial
change in appearance, character, or construction; also means an enlargement, whether by increasing in height,
coverage, volume or floor area. As applied to a use, means a change or enlargement in the character, area occupied
by, intensity, or scope of the use, including, but not limited to, the extension of hours of operation, the addition of
other activities, equipment, functions, or processes, or the extension into additional land or building area.
Angled Parking: Any Parking Space that is not parallel to the curb or perpendicular to the Aisle.
Antiques Sales: Establishment engaged in selling goods or merchandise classified as antiques to the general public
for personal or household consumption and render services incidental to the sale of such goods. Storage of antiques
shall be confined to the interior of the designated building.
Attic: The space between the ceiling beams of the top story and the roof rafters.
Auto Court: A building or group of two or more detached or semidetached buildings containing rooms or
apartments with automobile parking or storage space serving such rooms or apartments provided directly or closely
in connection therewith, which buildings or group of buildings is designed, intended, or used primarily for the
providing of sleeping accommodations for transient automobile travelers including buildings designated as auto
cabins, motels, motor lodges and similar designations.
Awning: A roof-like cover that is temporary and collapsible in nature and that projects from the wall of a building
for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window from the elements.
Basement: The floor in a building below the principal floor, having its lowest level wholly or partly below the
finished grade adjacent to said building.
Barber Shop: Premises Used for cutting and dressing hair which is licensed under Chapter 386 of the General
Statutes.
Bed and Breakfast: A building, or existing group of buildings, a portion of which is occupied by the owner thereof
as a permanent residence, and which building(s) is/are designed or used for the short-term rental of not more than
eight (8) guest rooms for 16 transient persons and limited to the first or second floor of the structure, and capable of,
as an accessory use, the serving of breakfast and such related food service only, and exclusively to persons
occupying the facility and their guests, and is subject to approval as a Special Exception Review and is permitted in
the Residential Districts (R-4, R-2, R-1, R, R-1/2, & LR) and Commercial Districts (C-1, C-3, & C/B/IG) The
provisions of the Special Exception Review in respect to Appropriateness of Use, Architectural Character, and
Historic Preservation will be major components of any application.
Bedroom: Bedroom means those areas within a residential building that have the potential to be utilized as a
sleeping area on a consistent basis. In order to be deemed a bedroom the room must meet all of the following
standards:
1. Be habitable or planned habitable space per the Building Code requirements. Planned habitable space
would include those areas which contain the appropriate “rough-in” mechanicals, such as, heating
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ducts, hot water lines, plumbing waste lines, etc., but are not currently “finished” to meet Building
Code requirements for habitable space.
2. Provide privacy to the occupants.
3. Full bathroom facilities (containing a bathtub or shower) are conveniently located to serve the bedroom
served.
4. Entry is from a common area, not through a room already deemed a bedroom.
Beauty Shop: A Premises Used for hair dressing, facials, and manicures are done, including hairdressers and
cosmeticians licensed under Chapter 387 of the General Statutes.
BMPs(Best Management Practices): structural, vegetative, or managerial practices designed to treat, prevent, or
reduce degradation of water quality due to stormwater runoff and snow-melt.
Board: Wherever the term “Board” shall appear in these Regulations, it shall refer to the East Haddam Zoning
Board of Appeals.
Boardinghouse: A building where lodging and/or meals for no more than four (4) persons are provided to long-
term residents, only, for compensation, utilizing one central kitchen facility. A boardinghouse shall be occupied by
the owner of the building, and all elements of the boardinghouse use shall be confined to the principal building on
the lot.
Buffer / Buffer Strips Open spaces, landscaped areas, fences, walls, berms, or any combination thereof used to
physically separate or screen one use or property from another so as to visually shield or block noise, lights, or other
nuisance or serve as a filter to protect natural resources from potential adverse impact of adjacent land uses..
Building: Any structure having a roof and intended for shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals, or
materials. Any other structure more than eight (8) feet high shall be considered a building, including a fence or wall,
but excluding an electric transmission line, an electric light, power, or telephone pole, a highway or railroad bridge,
or flagpole.
Building Area/Building Coverage: The area of the ground beneath a building (i.e., drip line), including the area of
all covered porches, eaves, and similar roofed portions of the building.
Building Height: See Section 10.1.4,
Building Line: A line parallel to a street at a distance equal to the required front yard for the subject zone, or at a
greater distance when otherwise established.
Building Official: The Building Official, also known as the Building Inspector, of the Town of East Haddam.
Building Permit: A permit for construction issued by the Building Official pursuant to the East Haddam Building
Code and these Regulations.
Building, Principal: That single building, or inter-related group of buildings, in which is conducted the principal
use of the lot on which the building is situated.
Building Supplies - Materials used for the construction and repair of structures. This does not include cement or
asphalt plants or facilities that manufacture or produce raw supplies.
Building Trade: Persons who are involved in the construction, repair or supervises the construction or repair of
structures.
Camper Coaches or Travel Trailers: Any self-propelled or portable unit, whether or not currently operable,
originally designed and constructed to be mounted on wheels and to be used for recreation, travel, camping,
vacationing, temporary office, or other shelter for one or more persons. [former Section 5.8, 10/15/69a]
Campground: A plot of ground used for recreational purposes which can accommodate camping units and
accessory buildings in which individuals sites or locations are rented for a period of time to transient individuals or
groups that primarily set up their own camping units is permitted. Campgrounds may conduct organized activities,
including but not limited to recreational activities, sports, water-based recreational, “arts and crafts”, team building
activities, outdoor pursuits, adventure-type activities, group activities, communal eating, and other activities
associated with recreational camping.
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Camping Unit: “Camping Unit” means a portable structure, shelter, or vehicle having a gross trailer area not
exceeding 400 square feet designed and intended for occupancy by persons engaged in recreational camping.
Camping units include but are not limited to recreational vehicles, recreational park trailers, camping cabins,
housekeeping cabins, tents, tepees, yurts, and other rental accommodations that have no hard electrical wiring and
permanent drainage plumbing.
Cemetery: Land used for the burial of the dead, and dedicated for cemetery purposes, excluding columbariums,
crematories, mausoleums, and mortuaries, established and operated by an ecclesiastical society or cemetery
association.
Child Day Care Services:
a. Child day care center: A facility which offers or provides a program of supplementary care to more than
twelve related or unrelated children outside their homes on a regular basis for part of the twenty-four hours
in one or more days in the week.
b. Group day care home - A residential home which offers or provides a program of supplementary care to not
less than seven nor more than twelve related or unrelated children on a regular basis for part of the twenty-
four hours in one or more days in the week.
c. “Family day care home” - A residential home which consists of a private family home caring for not more
than six children, including the provider’s own children not in school full time, where the twelve hours
during a twenty-four-hour period and where care is given on a regularly recurring basis. During the regular
school year, a maximum of three additional children, shall be permitted, except that if the provider has more
than three children who are in school full time, all of the provider’s children shall be permitted.
Club, Lodge, or Community House: Land, buildings and facilities owned or operated by a non-profit entity for a
social, educational, or recreational purpose, to which membership is required for participation and not operated
primarily for profit nor to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.
Commercial Self-Storage Building: A commercial Principle Use where a Building is divided into individual
spaces which are rented or otherwise made available to Persons for the storage of household, business, or other
articles, but excluding the storage of any live animals, any explosive, toxic, radioactive, or hazardous substance; or
any material which would require insurance at higher than standard commercial rates. All storage in a Commercial
Self-Storage Building shall be fully enclosed within the Building. “See Warehouse”
The term “commercial” is used in order to create a clear separation between the use the committee is describing, and
a business or homeowner that has a building for storage of its own materials. The essence of the “self- storage” use
is that it is conducted as a commercial enterprise in its own right, and not as an accessory to some other existing use.
Note that the term “Person” is defined in this section to include corporations, partnerships, etc. Thus, the “person”
renting a space at a “commercial self-storage building” could be another business, not just a private individual.
So a stable is not a “commercial self-storage building”, and neither is a chicken coop or pigeon coop.
Commercial Trailer: Any vehicle designed to serve exclusively as a temporary office or storage area for any
construction project for which a building permit has been issued, for any period up to an including 18 months.
Commission: The Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of East Haddam, Connecticut.
Conservation Area: Environmentally sensitive areas with characteristics such as wetlands, floodplains, unprotected
elements of the natural landscape such as steep slopes, mature or productive forestland, contiguous open space or
connective green belts, prime farmland, land that protects critical or threatened natural communities and species as
identified by the Department of Environmental Protection, areas that have recreation value as recommended in the
Recreation and/or Open Space Plan component of the Plan of Development, wildlife habitats, and cultural features
such as historic and archeological sites, and scenic views.
Conservation Development A form of development that permits a reduction in lot area and bulk requirements,
provided there is no increase in the number of lots permitted under a Conventional Subdivision, and the remaining
land is devoted to open space, active recreation, preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, or agriculture.
Conservation Easement Conservation Easement shall mean the grant of a property right transferred to a non-
profit or government entity where the landowner retains the legal title and all rights associated with the land except
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where the land shall remain in its natural state and preclude future development as set forth in the standard
“Conservation Easement” approved by the Town of East Haddam, including easements preserving agricultural and
forestry rights.
Conservation Zone: is defined in Section 25-102e of the Connecticut General Statues as it now exists or may there
after be amended. Such zone is governed by the standards promulgated by the Gateway Standards. See Section 9.9
and 10 of these Regulations.
Conventional Development A form of development that permits the division of land in the standard form provided
by the Town for the District in which it is located, other than Planned Residential Development and Conservation
Developments.
Country Inn: A building, a portion of which is occupied by the owner thereof as a permanent residence, and which
building is designed or used for the short-term rental of not more than fourteen (14) guest rooms for up to 28
transient persons and limited to the first or second floor of the structure. Country Inn shall not include any facilities
for cooking in rooms, but may include meals served by the owner to guests. Meals for dinner and Sunday brunch
can be offered to the general public as an accessory use. A Country Inn shall be designed so that normal access and
egress are from a centralized point, as distinguished from Auto Court. The application is subject to a Special
Exception Review and is permitted in the C-1, C-3, R Districts. The provisions of the Special Exception Review in
respect to Appropriateness of Use, Architectural Character, and Historic Preservation will be major components of
any application.
Cul De Sac: A proposed street, or any extension of an existing street, or any combination or pattern of streets or
extensions thereof having only one outlet to a through State or Town road.
Cutting, Commercial: Any cutting or removal of forest tree species which is not covered under the definition of
non-commercial cutting contained in these Regulations.
Cutting, Non-Commercial: The cutting or removal of forest tree species on a lot for the purpose of preparing a site
for the construction of a building or other structure, and/or cutting for customary maintenance and lot improvement.
Sale of cordwood or other incidental forest products resulting from such non-commercial cutting shall not, in and of
itself, constitute commercial cutting. The cutting of firewood for the personal consumption of the owner(s) of the lot
shall also be deemed to be non-commercial cutting.
Development: Any man-made change to real estate, including but not limited to, the construction of buildings or
structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations.
District: See “Zone.”
Drive-In: A use, or an establishment designed or operated for such use, where a patron is served while seated in an
automobile parked in an off-street or on-street parking area.
Dwelling: Any building designed and/or used for human habitation.
Dwelling, Single Family (1-F): A single detached building on one lot used for residential purposes designed and/or
used for occupancy by one family living independently of any other family on this same lot. See Section 10.2.3.
Accessory Dwelling Unit.
Dwelling, two-family (2-F): A single detached building on one lot used for residential purposes designed and/or
used for occupancy by two families living independently of each other.
Dwelling, three family (3-F): A single detached building on one lot used for residential purposes designed and/or
used for occupancy by three (3) families living independently of each other.
Dwelling, four family (4-F): A single detached building on one lot used for residential purposes designed and/or
used for occupancy by four (4) families living independently of each other.
Dwelling, multiple family: A single detached building on one lot, used for residential purposes designed and/or
used for occupancy by five (5) or more families living independently of each other, having separate or joint
entrances, services and facilities.
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Dwelling Unit: One room, or rooms connected together, constituting a separate, independent housekeeping
establishment for owner or renter occupancy, and containing independent cooking, sleeping, and toilet facilities.
Easement: A right, established in deed or other legal means, of one party to use a designated portion of a second
party’s land for a specific limited purpose.
Earth Material Operations: Earth Material Operations shall include (1) Any operations involving excavating,
grading, filling or removal of earth, sand, stone, gravel, soil, minerals, loam, fill, clay, peat moss, and any other earth
products in the Town of East Haddam, and (2) The transportation of such products in such operations across private
property located in the Town, regardless of weather the operation itself is within the Town or in adjacent Town. See
Section 19 of these Regulations.
Enlargement, or to Enlarge: Any addition to the floor area of an existing building, an increase in the size of any
other structure, or an increase in that portion of a tract of land occupied by an existing use. “To enlarge” is to make
an enlargement.
Eightmile River Watershed: The Watershed is defined as all water and land surfaces that drain into the Eightmile
River, the boundary of which is delineated on a map in Appendix X.
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan: A plan which sets forth measures to be undertaken for the control of
erosion and sedimentation, in accordance with Section 14A.2.C of these Regulations.
Eaves: The projecting lower edge of a roof overhanging the wall of a building.
Extend, or to Make an Extension: An increase or amplification, as distinguished from establishment or inception.
“Extension” shall be deemed to include the use of a non-conforming seasonal use, or the use of a seasonal cottage on
a non-conforming lot, for year-round use; and any increase in the normal days or hours of operation, or any increase
in the scope of services offered, of any non-conforming, non-residential use or land, buildings, or structures.
Family: (a) An individual, or two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, living together as a
single housekeeping unit; or (b) A group of not more than five (5) persons, not so related by blood, marriage, or
adoption, living together as a single housekeeping unit.
Farm: see Agriculture
Farm Stand: see Accessory Uses to Agriculture
Feed and Grain - Food for livestock, mixtures prepared for livestock
Fence: A structure for enclosure or screening, including a wall.
Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate (Fire): Establishments such as banks and savings and loans associations,
investment companies, and offices for brokers and dealers of securities and commodities, insurance agents, and
travel and real estate agents, and real estate developers.
Fire Marshall: The legally designated head of the East Haddam Fire Department or his authorized
representative(s).
Flood (or Flooding): See Definition in Section 18.3.10 of these Regulations.
Floor Area: The sum of the areas of the several floors of a structure, as measured by the exterior faces of the walls,
including covered porches and the like as measured at the exterior limits thereof, but excluding garage space which is
in the basement of a building or, in the case of garage space which is accessory to a dwelling unit, is at grade.
Grade: The finished ground level adjoining the building at all exterior walls.
Grade Plane: A reference plane representing the average of the finished ground level adjoining the building of the
exterior walls as measured at the corners. The lowest finished grade measurement shall be no higher than the
existing natural grade. (The Commission will not consider platforms built above the natural grade as a valid low
point measuring point)
Grocery: Establishment engaged in selling goods or merchandise classified as grocer items (food staples, meats,
produce, dairy products, and the usual household supplies) to the general public for personal or household
consumption and render services (such as butcher, baker) accessory the sale of such goods. “Grocery” may include,
as an accessory use, the sale of sandwiches, soups, and other prepared foods for consumption off premises, provided:
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(a) there is no seating or table space for patrons; (b) there is no separate entrance for such use; (c) the area dedicated
to such use does not exceed 10% of the square footage of the grocery use.
Gross Floor Area: The total Floor Area of a Building, including those spaces excluded from the definition of
“Floor Area.”
Habitable Space: Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitary facilities. Closets, halls,
storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces.
Hardware: Materials such as tools, utensils, fittings, or cutlery.
Height, Story: The vertical distance from the top to top of two successive tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces;
and, for the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists or, where there is not a
ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters.
Health Officer: The legally designated health authority of the Town of East Haddam or his authorized
representative(s).
Home Occupation: Accessory uses of a building or lot which are carried on within a dwelling or an accessory
building and which are: (a) permitted by Special Exception or as a matter of right under Section 27 of these
Regulations; or (b) existing with the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission under any provisions of these
regulations in effect prior to the effective date of said Section 27; or (c) otherwise legally existing on the effective
date of these regulations.
Hotel: A building or buildings designed and used primarily for temporary occupancy by short term rental of not less
than six (6) rooms for transient persons. Hotels shall not include any facilities for cooking in rooms, but may include
meals served by the owner to guests and the general public. A hotel shall be designed so that normal access and
egress are from a centralized point. Rooms for public assembly, conference facilities and recreational facilities may
be included. The application is subject to a Special Exception Review and is permitted in the EHVD High,
Moderate, & Main Street Districts. The provisions of the Special Exception Review in respect to Appropriateness of
Use, Architectural Character, and Historic Preservation will be major components of any application.
Illegal Use Of Land, Building or Structure: Any use, whether of a building or other structure, or of a tract of land;
or, the erection of any building or structure, in/on which a violation of any provision of these Regulations has been
committed or shall exist, or which use is not specifically listed as permitted in these Regulations. Such violation
shall be determined as of the date of establishment of such use, as nearly as the same may be determined.
Impervious surfaces: Impervious surfaces are any paved, hardened or structural surfaces that substantially prevent
the natural capture and storage of rainwater.
Inland Wetland: Those areas designated and defined as inland wetlands by the East Haddam Inland Wetlands and
Watercourse Commission, pursuant to its Regulations, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Intermittent watercourse: An intermittent watercourse shall be delineated by a defined permanent channel and
bank and the occurrence of two or more of the following characteristics: (a) evidence of scour or deposits of recent
alluvium or detritus, (b) the presence of standing or flowing water for a duration longer than a particular storm
incident, and (c) the presence of hydrophytic vegetation.
Invasive plants: Invasive plants are those listed on the most recent version of the Connecticut Invasive Plant List
(as authorized by CT Public Act 03-136). Listed species as of January 2004 are found in Appendix IX.
Land-disturbing activity: A land-disturbing activity is any use or activity that causes significant changes in
vegetation or soil structure. These activities may include, but are not limited to, grading, scraping, excavating, filling
of land, clearing or cutting of vegetation, and any construction, rebuilding, or significant alteration of structures.
Landscaping and Landscaping Products: A use involving the sale of goods or merchandise classified as
landscaping supplies to the general public for business or households use, and rendering services accessory to the
sale of such goods. “Landscaping supplies” are those used to enhance the natural setting of a premise including the
creation of lawns, walls, fences, patios, gardens, and the like using natural material such as trees, plants, shrubs, rock,
soil, and wood chips and decorative features including sculptures, walkways, fountains, and outdoor furniture.
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Light Industrial - light manufacturing; processing; assembly; storage or warehousing; product testing; research and
development; laboratory; distribution; and accessory office and other uses customarily accessory to the principal use,
provided, however, that this definition shall not be construed to permit any use which is dangerous by reason of fire
or explosion hazard, injurious or detrimental to the community or neighborhood by reason of the emission of dust,
odor, fumes, smoke, wastes, refuse matter, noise, vibration, radiation, or any other objectionable element. Further,
no use within this definition shall be permitted to store, process, or otherwise locate or use any product or material
except in an enclosed building.
Logging: See “Cutting”.
Live Theater Support Personnel (LTSP) Housing: Housing designed for congregate living arrangements to
support the needs of a Live Theater.
Liquor Store: A place of business that primarily sells alcoholic beverages for off site consumption and licensed in
accordance with Chapter 545 of the General Statutes.
Lot: One or more adjacent parcels of land under unified ownership, and separately described in a deed of record,
which is occupied or capable of being occupied by one principal building and the accessory buildings or uses
customarily incidental to it, including such open spaces as are required by these Regulations, and which, in addition,
meets the minimum area, width, and other applicable requirements of these Regulations for the zone in which such
parcel is located, or is a legal non-conforming parcel, as defined in these Regulations. In the case of multiple or two
family dwellings, a group of buildings under the same ownership shall be considered as occupying the same lot. The
term “lot” includes the terms “plot” and “parcel”, but those terms do not include the term “lot”.
Lot Area: The area of a horizontal plane bounded by the front, side, and rear lot lines.
Lot Coverage: The ratio between the Building Area and the Lot Area, expressed as a percent.
Lot Frontage: The lot line adjoining the street line.
Lot Impervious Surface Coverage: The ratio between the Building Area plus the Paved Area, and the Lot Area,
expressed as a percent {i.e., (Building Area + Paved Area) / Lot Area = Lot Impervious Surface Coverage.}
Lot interior: A lot that does not have the required minimum lot width for the District as required in the Zoning
Regulations but does have street frontage, and is situated generally behind a lot or lots fronting on the street. See
Section 10.1.4.
Lot, Interior Access Strip: a fee simple parcel of land connecting an interior lot to the road frontage from which it
obtained access. See Section 10.1.4.
Lot width: shall be measured at the required building setback line which line shall be measured parallel to and at
the distance from the street right-of-way line which establishes the minimum required front yard.
Lot of Record: A lot for which a deed has been recorded in the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of East
Haddam, which lot met the requirements of these Regulations and of the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations, as
the same were in force at the time of such recording.
Lot Width: See Sections 10.1.1, 10.1.2, and 10.1.3 of these Regulations.
Lumber yard: A use where stocks of Building Supplies are kept for sale.
Manufacturing Buildings or land may be used and buildings may be erected or altered for the manufacture,
processing, assembling, repair, remanufacture, or storage of products as long as such use is not dangerous by reason
of fire or explosion hazard, nor injurious, noxious or detrimental to the community or neighborhood by reason of the
emission of dust, odor, fumes, smoke, wastes, refuse matter, noise, vibration, or because of any other objectionable
feature. Such uses shall be subject to approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission as a Special Exception.
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Mean Roof Height: The average of the highest roof eave height and the height to the highest point on the roof
surface, except that for roof angles equal to or less than 10 degrees, the highest surface of the eave shall be deemed
to be the “mean roof height”.
Mill Shop: A building provided with machinery for manufacturing of finished building products such as custom
windows, doors, and cabinets.
Minimum Lot Width: shall be measured at the required building setback line which shall be measured parallel to
and at the distance from the street right-of-way line which establishes the minimum required front yard. For signage,
see Section 12.3.12
Mixed Use: A development that provides multiple compatible Uses in close proximity to one another; and/or a land
use pattern that seeks to increase concentrations of population and employment in well-defined areas with a mix of
diverse and compatible land uses.
Museum: An institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value.
Non-Conforming Building: A building legally existing on the effective date of these Regulations, which met all
requirements of the effective date of these Regulations, which met all requirements of the Zoning Regulations then in
force, if any there were, on said effective date, but does not meet the current requirements of these Regulations; or a
building legally existing on the effective date of any amendment hereto which caused such building to cease to meet
the requirements of these Regulations.
Non-Conforming Lot: A Lot of Record, subject to the requirements of Section 8.1 of these Regulations.
Non-Conforming Use: The actual use of land, buildings, or premises which is not a use permitted by these
Regulations for the zone in which such use is occurring, but which was legally existing and conformed to all
requirements of the Regulations then in force, if any, on the effective date of these Regulations or on the effective
date of any amendment hereto which caused the use to cease to meet the requirements of these Regulations.
Nursery: Land or greenhouses used to raise flowers, shrubs, and plants for sale. See Greenhouse.
Observation Test Pit: A hole dug for the purpose of observing the depth to the seasonal water table, and the depth
to ledge, below the existing natural grade of the land. Such Observation Test Pits shall be in accordance with the
Connecticut Public Health Code, and the Technical Standards for Subsurface Disposal Systems published pursuant
thereto, as the same shall be amended from time to time, and as the same shall be administered by the Town
Sanitarian.
Occupy: To take possession or enter upon for the purpose using. When applied to a trailer or camper coach/travel
trailer, to use for sleeping and dwelling purposes.
Off-Street Parking: Parking Spaces provided outside of the right-of-way of a Street
On-Street Parking: Parking Spaces provided within the right-of-way of a Street.
Parcel: Any contiguous piece of land, including one or more contiguous lots of record, unified under the same
ownership, whether or not every said piece of land was acquired at the same time; excluding, however, any parcel
which is a “lot”, as that term is defined in these Regulations.
Park: An area set apart for recreation of the public, to promote its health and enjoyment, and owned and operated
by a public or non-profit agency; excluding, however, the term “Resort”, as defined in these Regulations.
Parking Area: That portion of a Lot set aside, marked, posted, or intended for parking, including total of
circulation areas, loading and unloading areas, parking spaces and aisles, landscaped areas, bikeways, and walkways.
Parking Stall or Space: A space in which a single car is parked.
Parking Structure: A Building or Structure consisting of more than one level and Used as a Parking Area.
Paved Area: An area covered with an impervious material such as concrete, asphalt, packed gravel, or bituminous
concrete to be used for the storage, passage, or conveyance of products, motor vehicles or pedestrians, including, but
not limited to, streets, parking lots, driveways, loading areas, sidewalks, outdoor storage areas or impervious surface
drainage swales.
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Percolation Test Pit: A hole dug, and a test performed, to determine the permeability of soils for on-site effluent
disposal. Such Percolation Test Pits shall be in accordance with the Connecticut Public Health Code, and the
technical Standards for Subsurface Disposal Systems published pursuant thereto, as the same shall be amended from
time to time, and as the same shall be administered by the Town Sanitarian.
Person: An individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, club, corporation, estate, trust, receiver,
syndicate, or other entity or combination thereof.
Premises: Any lot or combination of contiguous lots held in single ownership, together with the development
thereon; a condominium complex constitutes one premises.
Principal Use: The primary purpose or function for which a premise is used, designed, or intended to be used.
Professional Office: The place of business of a person engaged in any occupation, vocation, or calling, not purely
commercial, mechanical, or agricultural, in which a professed knowledge or skill in some department of science or
learning is used by its practical application to the affairs of others, either advising or guiding them in serving their
interests or welfare, including, but not limited to, businesses in which the primary person providing the service is
required by law to acquire a governmental license or permit as a pre-condition of activity.
Public: Used or controlled exclusively by any department or branch of a governmental unit; excludes clubs,
associations, and other private entities which may serve a public purpose.
Public Facilities and Services: Any activity or use, carried out by the Town of East Haddam or its duly authorized
agents, such as public utilities, refuse disposal areas, schools, pollution control plants, highway garages, Town Halls,
Town Office Buildings and other similar uses.
Religious Use: A Building or Premises in which worship, ceremonies, rituals, and education pertaining to a
particular system of religious beliefs are held.
Refuse: Waste, junk, garbage, debris, rubbish or trash, but not including sewerage collected or disposed of in
facilities duly licensed by the State of Connecticut or any agency thereof.
Recreational Camp: Recreational camping shall include the following activities, when undertaken under the
supervision of, and with support services provided by, paid staff members and conducted primarily for the enjoyment
of persons who register for a term of occupancy: living in “cabins” or other structures for temporary periods,
conducting organized camping activities, including but not limited to recreational activities, sports, water-based
recreational, “arts and crafts”, team building activities, outdoor pursuits, adventure-type activities, group activities,
communal eating, and other activities associated with supervised recreational camping, and shall include both over-
night or day camping.
Resort: Buildings, structures, and land designed, arranged, and used or to be used for recreational, athletic,
educational, or social activities on a non-profit or profit basis. “Resort” may include, as accessory buildings and
uses, restaurants, banquet facilities, stables, meeting rooms, pavilions, houses of worship, lodging for transients, or
other similar facilities for the use of persons attending principal resort activities. “Resort” shall not include
carnivals, fairs, circuses, live concerts or shows, gambling, horse- or car-racing, or other special events advertised
and open to the public at large, except as a Special Exception in accordance with Section 14B of these Regulations.
(See Section 7.8 of these Regulations.)
Restaurant: The retail sale of food to the general public for consumption on the premises, with food service
primarily to customers seated at tables or at counters in an enclosed building. A restaurant shall not include drive-in,
window counter, or other outdoor service, other than outdoor tables.
Retail of crafts and products associated with East Haddam’s traditional agricultural heritage: A Principle
use, or an Accessory Use to Farm, for the retail sale of hand-made products at least twenty-five (25%) of which shall
be produced on the premises from raw material locally grown or produced, or comparable to raw materials available
in East Haddam, such as wood, plants, plant products, minerals, clay, wool, natural dyes, or animal products. Such
crafts and products may include, by way of illustration, ornamental planters, ornamental iron work, sign carving, and
woodworking.
Right of Way: A servitude imposed by law or by convention, and by which one has a right to pass through the real
property of another.
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Seasonal: Any use of land, buildings, or structures which was originally designed or intended to be used exclusively
during the 200-day period extending from April 15th through October 31
st
, and for which no approval required by
these Regulations has been granted to permit year-round use.
Seasonal Cottage: A dwelling which was originally designed or intended to be used for residential purposes only
during the 200-day period extending from April 15th through October 31
st
, and for which no approval required by
these Regulations has been granted to permit year-round use. (See Section 7.27)
Service Building: A building housing separate toilet and bathing facilities for men and women and also having
laundry facilities and a slop water closet.
Sign: Any structure, or part thereof, or any device attached to a building or structure or painted or represented
thereon which displays or includes letters, words, symbols, trademarks or any other graphic representation which is
in the nature of an announcement, direction or advertisement for commercial purposes or otherwise; similarly, any
natural object, such as a tree, stone, or the earth itself, which is painted or arranged so as to represent or display any
of the aforesaid graphic representations; any building feature, including roof lines which serve to identify the use or
occupancy of any building or site through a recognized motif or symbol. The term “sign” shall not include the flag
of any nation, state, or other political unit.
Sign face or Area: The plan defined by one continuous perimeter of that rectangle, triangle, or circle having the
smallest area which encompasses all the lettering, wording, design, or symbols together with any background
different from the balance of the wall on which it is located, if such background is designed as an integral part of and
related to the sign. Such perimeter, however, shall not include any structural elements lying outside the limits of
such sign and not forming an integral part of the display. For the purposes of these Regulations, two-sided signs
shall be considered to have only one sign face.
Site: Same as lot.
Soil Conservation Service: The Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, the
Middlesex County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Agricultural Extension Service, or any comparable
successor agency or agencies
Story: That portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or
roof next above.
Story Above Grade: Any story having its finished floor surface entirely above grade, except that a basement shall
be considered as a story above grade where the finished surface of the floor above the basement is:
1. More than 6 feet above grade plane.
2. More than 6 feet above the finished ground level for more than 50 percent of the total building perimeter.
3. More than 12 feet above the finished ground level at any point.
Street: An improved right-of-way or fee simple parcel of land accepted for public use by lawful procedure and
suitable for vehicular travel; or a proposed street shown on a subdivision plan approved by the Commission.
Street Line: The line separating a street from the abutting non-public property.
Structure: Anything which is constructed or erected and the use of which requires more or less permanent location
on ground or water areas to attachment to something having permanent location on ground or water areas, not,
however, including wheels; an edifice or a building of any kind; any production or piece or work, artificially built up
or composed of parts and joined together in some definite manner, including fences or walls in excess of eight (8)
feet in height, a wharf or dock, an above-ground tank, or a detached solar panel.
Studio: The workshop of an artist, sculptor, photographer, or craftsperson.
Subdivision: The definition of the term “subdivision” as used in these Regulations shall be the same as that term is
defined in the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations.
Tag Sale: The temporary use of land or the buildings thereon for the purpose of the public sale of personal
household goods by the owner or resident thereof in conjunction with the cleaning-out or vacating of residential
premises. In no way does the term “tag sale” encompass the sale of any goods brought to the premises for the
purpose of public sale except where more than one family may cooperatively enter into such a sale at one location.
The term “tag sale” shall include garage sale, yard sale, barn sale, attic sale, and similar term or activity.
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Tavern: A Premises Used primarily for the serving of liquor by the drink to the general public and where food is
sold as an Accessory Use to the Principal Use, and licensed under Chapter 545 of the General Statutes
Tract: See “Parcel”.
Tenancy: The use, possession, occupancy, or habitation of land or buildings, regardless of the legal form thereof, as
a separate, identifiable residential or commercial use. In identifying and calculating the area of a Tenancy, the
following factors shall be considered, but shall not be determinative: Partitions between uses within the same
building with no connecting doorways or passageways; separate building with no common wall; separate name and
signage for each use, differences in the type of products or services sold; separate business names, advertising,
hiring, and management; separate property tax accounts with the Assessor’s Office; separate Federal and State
taxpayer identification numbers; and separate corporate entities with different officers, directors and shareholders,
and each with its own leasehold or other property interest. The purpose of this definition is to implement maximum
square footage of each tenancy where the regulations require such limitations.
Theater, Movie: A Building or Premises Used for the showing motion pictures to the general public for an
admission fee.
Theater, Live: A Building or Premises Used: For dramatic, dance, musical, or other live performances open to the
general public for an admission fee.
Use: Any purpose for which a building, structure, or premises may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained, or
occupied; or, any activity, occupation, business, or operation actually carried on in a building or other structure or on
a lot or premises.
Warehouse: A facility whose predominant use in the storage, wholesale and distribution of manufactured
products, supplies and equipment, but excluding truck terminals and bulk storage of materials that are explosive or
that create hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions and whose structure is designed principally to
accommodate such use. “Warehouse” shall also exclude so-called “self storage” facilities where storage is offered to
the general public, as opposed to commercial and industrial patrons. See, “Commercial Self-Storage Buildings.”
Watercourse: Those areas designated and defined as watercourses by the East Haddam Inland Wetlands and
Watercourses Commission, pursuant to its Regulations, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Watercourse Boundary: The boundary of regulated watercourses is determined by the established stream bank.
Specifically, the boundary is located where the presence and action of water are so common as to produce soil and/or
vegetation types which are distinct from that of the abutting upland.
Wetland: See “Inland Wetland”.
Wholesale Associated with a Farm: An Accessory Use on a Farm for the wholesaling of agricultural products
produced on a Farm, including, but not limited to, dairy products, vegetables, fiber, poultry, beef, and other
customary agricultural products; but excluding the sale of agricultural equipment, rendering of fat or lard, or other
industrial processing of agricultural products not customarily carried on a Farm. The slaughtering of livestock and
poultry, as an accessory use to a Farm, is permitted, provided that in normal operation all stock slaughtered is raised
on the Farm.
Yard: An open space, other than a court, on the same lot with a building, unoccupied and unobstructed from the
ground upward, except for projections expressly permitted by Regulations.
Yard, Front: A yard between any building and the front lot line, extending the full width of the lot, measured by the
minimum horizontal distance between any building and the front lot line; or, in the case of a corner lot, a similar
open space extending along all streets. The front lot line shall be that property along an adjacent street, or on the
side of the lot nearest to the street from which the lot obtains access.
Yard, Rear: A yard extending across the full width of the lot between the rear-most portion of any building and the
rear lot line, measured by the minimum horizontal distance between any building and the rear lot line; or, in the case
of a corner lot, a similar yard extending across the side of the lot opposite the street on which the building has its
street address, or is otherwise the designated front of the lot.
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Yard, Side: A yard between the side lot line and any building, extending on both sides of the lot from the front lot
line to the rear lot line; or, in the case of a corner lot, a similar yard extending across the side of the lot opposite the
street on which the building does not have its street address, or is otherwise not the designated front of the lot.
Youth Camp: Any parcel or parcels of land having the general characteristic of a camp as the term is generally
understood, used wholly or in part for recreation or educational purposes and accommodating five or more children
under eighteen years of age for a period of, or portions of, two days or more and including a site that is operated as a
day or as a residential camp but excludes a Family Day Care Home, Group Day Care Home, or Day Care Center.
Compare to "Camp Ground".
Zone: An area within which certain uses of land and buildings are permitted, certain others are prohibited, and
certain others are designated as uses requiring a Special Exception or Special Permit from the Commission or the
Board; yards and other open spaces are required; lot areas, building height limits, and other requirements are
established; all of the foregoing being identical for all property located within the zone to which they apply.
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SECTION 6 ZONING DISTRICTS AND ZONING MAPS
For the purpose of these Regulations, the Town is hereby divided into various types of Districts and Zones, and to be
known, and designated as follows: See maps in Appendix V
RESIDENCE DISTRICTS
R-4 District R-1/2 District
R-2 District R District (Resort)
R-1 District L District (Lake)
COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
East Haddam Village District EHVD formerly C-1 District
C/B/IG District (Moodus Center Area) formerly C-2 District
C-3 District (Moodus Plains Road Area)
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
IG District IG-1, IG-2, IG-3
C/B/IG District (Light Industrial)
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
R & D District
ZONES
Conservation Zone
Flood Plain Zone
Eight Mile River Zone
6.1 The boundaries of the various districts/zones except as indicated in other parts of and amendments to these
Regulations, are hereby established as shown on the map entitled “Zoning Map of the Town of East Haddam,
Connecticut” dated September 1, 2016 and is hereby declared to be a part of these Regulations.
Revised 2016
6.2 The district boundary lines are intended generally to follow the center lines of streets, and similar rights-of-way,
rivers, lot lines, or Town boundary lines, all as shown on the Zoning Map; but where a district boundary line does
not follow such a line, its position is shown on said Zoning Map by a specific dimension expression its distance in
feet from a street line of other boundary or lot line as indicated.
6.3 In case of uncertainty as to the true location of a district boundary line in a particular instance, the determination
thereof shall be made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. An appeal may be taken to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
6.4 Conservation Zone In accordance with Section I of Public Act No. 73-349, as amended, “an act concerning the
Preservation of the Lower Connecticut River Area”, the “Conservation Zone” is designated as shown on the Town of
East Haddam, Connecticut, Zoning Map, dated February, 1966, as revised July, 1974. The “Conservation Zone” is
in addition to and superimposed upon those zone(s) and district(s) into which the Town is divided under Section 6.0
of the East Haddam Zoning Regulations.
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SECTION 7 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
7.1. Accessory Buildings or Structures: Accessory buildings or structures shall be subject to the height and yard
requirements for the zone in which such building or structure is located. Accessory buildings may be used for
dwelling purposes provided that the total number of family units is not greater than permitted by these Regulations
for the subject zone, and provided also that the living space, floor area, and lot area per family unit shall not be less
than permitted by these Regulations for the subject zone. In addition, occupancy of an accessory building which is
accessory to a commercially-operated farming enterprise and which is used by one or more full-time hired hands for
sleeping only shall be allowed, as per Section 10.1.4.9 of these Regulations.
Accessory Uses to Agriculture: The following activities are recognized as a normal part of agriculture uses and are
therefore allowed as a Permitted Use: 1) retail sale of agricultural products produced on a Farm, including dairy
products, vegetable, fiber, poultry, beef, and other customary, agricultural products. No less than twenty-five (25)
percent of the products (both by volume and by product type) shall be raised or produced on the Farm. The
maximum square footage of a Farm Stand, including both enclosed and outdoor display areas, shall be seventy-five
(75) square feet for each acre of land on the same lot with the Farm which is under cultivation.
Other activities that may have greater public participation such as corn mazes, horse shows, seminars/meetings, a
tasting or sampling room, on site tours for the public to see the operation or production of the product, training and
lessons for individuals, public events (such as rentals for weddings, showers, etc.), and artist exhibitions shall require
a Special Exception Review and approval as an accessory use by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Such
activities are to be complementary and subordinate to the principal agricultural use. The Commission will be
reviewing the proposed frequency of events, event traffic, parking, lighting, noise levels, and the sanitation facilities
needed. The accessory activities may be permitted as a Special Exception provided the activity is in harmony with
the surrounding properties with respect to scale and density of development, shall not depreciate surrounding
property values, and shall blend with the historical character of surrounding buildings and landscape.
7.2. Auto Courts: No auto court shall be constructed or set up unless prior approval is received from the
Commission as a Special Exception.
7.3. Buildable Area: For the purpose of determining minimum lot area or parcel size, maximum lot coverage, and
maximum building coverage in all zones and districts, including floating zones, the following shall be excluded: the
high water level of areas covered by water (such as lakes, rivers, streams, ponds and swamps), as opposed to areas
designated as inland wetlands by the East Haddam Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations, but not covered
by water.
7.4. Building Coverage: No building or buildings shall occupy in the aggregate a greater percentage of lot area
than indicated under the heading “Building Coverage” in the tables applicable to the district or zone in which such
building is located.
7.5. Camper Coaches or Travel Trailer: No camper or travel trailer shall be used as a permanent or seasonal
dwelling unit.
7.6. Child Day Care Center - Subject to the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission as a Special
Exception following Site Plan Review and meeting the following criteria: (1) A minimum of one space for every
three children shall be provided with a minimum of ten spaces provided for any site. (2) Site requirements should
show access road and adequate loading and turn around area in the parking area. (3) If any nourishment is going to
be provided it should be stated on the site plan. (4) Play area and accessory uses shall be located to the rear of the
building and screened from the highway. (5) The site plan shall state all other uses. (6) Days and hours of
operation shall be stated on the plan.
7.7. Commercial Radio and Television Towers: Commercial radio, television and radio towers, and other
transmitting or relay antenna towers, and towers designed for wind energy conversion systems, when permitted, shall
be set back from all abutting streets and adjacent properties a distance of not less than one and one-half times the
height of the tower.
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7.8. Conflicting Regulations: When any provision of these Regulations imposes more stringent requirements,
regulations, restrictions, or limitations than are imposed or required by the provisions of any other existing
ordinance, statute or law, or the approval of any other governmental agency, including other agencies of the Town of
East Haddam, the provisions of these Regulations shall apply and govern.
7.9. Construction Prior to Adoption of Regulations: Nothing in these Regulations shall require any change in the
plans, construction or designated used of a building for which the construction shall have been commenced prior to
the adoption of these Regulations or of any pertinent amendment thereto, provided that such building shall be
completed within one year of the adoption of such regulation or amendment.
7.10. Conveyance of Land: The Town Clerk shall be requested to promptly advise the Commission or its Zoning
Enforcement Officer of any conveyance of land submitted to him or her for recording in which the grantor conveys
less than the entirety of any tract or parcel than owned by such grantor. The designation by a landowner or any
person, surveyor or official of portions of any tract or parcel as so-called separate “lots” shall be ineffective for the
purposes of these Regulations with the exception of lots included in any subdivision plan which shall have been duly
filed and approved by the Commission, or any lots exempt from the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations and
complying in all respects with the requirements of these Regulations.
7.11. Corner Traffic Safety. On a corner lot, no wall, fence or other structure shall be erected and no hedge,
shrub, tree or other growth shall be maintained between the building line and the street line so as to create a traffic
hazard by obstructing the view. On a corner lot in any district hereafter designated as a residential district, no fence,
wall hedge or other structure or planting more than three (3) feet in height shall be erected, placed or maintained
within the triangular area formed by the intersecting street lines and a straight line joining said street lines at points
which are fifty (50) feet distant from the point of intersection, measured along said street lines. When strict
enforcement of this section would work genuine hardship upon the owner of a lot which may be legally used under
all other provisions of these Regulations, the Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a variance to the extent that such
variance does not create a public hazard. Such hardship must be substantial and not concerned merely with
convenience or aesthetic preference. In all decisions under this section, the public interest shall be paramount.
7.12. Covenants Not Annulled: These Regulations are not intended, and shall be construed, to abrogate or annul
any easement, covenant, or other private agreement which may touch and concern the land within the Town of East
Haddam.
7.13. Division or Conveyance of Land: No lot or parcel of land, as defined in these Regulations, existing on the
effective date of these Regulations shall be divided, nor shall any easement be granted to any private person, which
has the effect of creating a new parcel which will be non-conforming under the provisions of these Regulations.
Similarly, no lot or parcel shall be decreased in size, by sale, gift, devise, descent or otherwise, so that it or any part
of it will be non-conforming under the provisions of these Regulations. (See Section 8)
7.14. Double Frontage. In the case of a lot with frontage on more than one street, a building or structure thereon
shall be set back the required distance from each of said streets.
7.15. Frontage and Access - No building shall hereafter be built on any lot unless such lot has a frontage of at least
twenty-five feet on either a public street, or, on a private street approved by the Commission to serve such lot as part
of a subdivision approved pursuant to the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations; unless, in the case of a lot of
record, it has an unobstructed easement of access or private right-of-way at least twenty-five feet wide to a public
street. In the case of an existing lot, under separate ownership as of March 14, 1961, which has no frontage on a
public street and which has access to a public street only by a private street which is less than twenty-five feet in
width, and where the widening of such street would entail genuine hardship, the Zoning Board of Appeals may
authorize the permit-issuing agent to waive the requirement as to the width of said road, but in no case shall such
access way serve more than one single-family or one two-family residence or one non-residential building.
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7.16. Group Day Care Home and Family Day Care Home - In residential zones subject to site plan review in
Section 14A. Site plan should show parking, screening, and road access. Applicant shall follow the requirements of
the Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-77 as amended.
7.17. Home Occupations - shall be subject to processes set forth in Section 27 of these regulations.
7.18. Liquor Permits: (1) The following liquor permits are permitted in any district and/or subject to the State
Liquor Commission approval; Temporary Permit for beer only, Charitable Organization Permit; Temporary Alcohol
Permit; (2) Nightclub permits are prohibited in all districts and/or zones; (3) Additionally, the consumption of
alcoholic liquors is addressed in Section 9 of these Regulations (Uses Permitted in Districts and Zones).
7.19. Lots in More Than One District: In the case of a lot lying in more than one district, the provisions of the
less restrictive district may be applied for a distance of not over thirty feet into a more restrictive district, provided
that such lot has frontage on a street in the less restrictive district. In any case in which the strict application of this
thirty foot limitation would result in a substantial hardship, the affected owner may apply to the Zoning Board of
Appeals for a variance as provided in the Connecticut State Statutes.
7.20. Minimum Floor Area: Every building designated or intended for human habitation, hereafter erected, moved
or reconstructed, shall have living space according to Section 10.1 chart figures. Living space shall be included in
the computation only if it has minimum headroom of seven feet, and where located above the first floor, only if
accessible by a permanent inside stairway. Porches, basement rooms and any part below the grade, garages and
other attached accessory structures shall not be computed in the living space.
7.21. Minimum lot width shall be measured at the required building setback line which line shall be measured
parallel to and at the distance from the street right-of-way line which establishes the minimum required front yard.
For signage, see Section 12.3.12
7.22. More Than One Principle Use: There may be more than one principle use in principle building in the R, C-
1, 2, 3, IG and R&D Districts subject to the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission as a Special
Exception. [See Section 22 for addition regulation pertaining to towers]
7.23. Permitted Area, Yards or Lot Coverage; Building Projections. No building or structure shall be erected or
enlarged except in conformity with the area, yards and lot coverage regulations for the zone in which the building or
structure is located, except as provided in Section 8 (Conformance and Non-Conformance) of these Regulations.
Nothing in these Regulations shall prohibit the projection not more than one foot into a required open space of
pilaster, columns, belt courses, sills, cornices, or other similar architectural features, nor the planting or landscaping
or such open spaces.
7.24. Permitted Uses: No building or structure shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed, or structurally
altered in such a manner as to be designed, arranged, or intended for any purpose other than the uses permitted in the
zone in which the building or structure is located, except as provided in Section 8 (Conformance and Non-
Conformance) of these Regulations. Likewise, no parcel of land shall be used, designed, or arranged for any purpose
other than the uses permitted in the zone in which that parcel of land is located, except as provided in Section 8 of
these Regulations.
7.25. Prohibited Uses: Any use of land, buildings, or structures not specifically set forth in these Regulations as a
permitted use, shall be deemed to be a prohibited use.
7.26. Resort Dimensions: Any resort hereafter established shall be located only upon a lot having a minimum
frontage of two hundred (200) feet, a minimum depth of two hundred (200) feet, and such resort shall have no
structure less than one hundred (100) feet from the center of any adjacent street.
7.27. Restoration of Unsafe Buildings: Nothing in these Regulations shall be construed to prevent the
strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any part of any building or structure declared to be unsafe by the
Building Official or where required by any lawful order.
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7.28. Seasonal Cottage: Seasonal cottages or other seasonal dwelling or seasonal uses shall be occupied
exclusively during the 200-day period extending from April 15th through October 31
st
7.29. Special Requirements for Nursing/Rest Home: No home for the aged, nursing home, or rest home shall
hereafter be established unless the lot area thereof shall be equal to at least 2,500 square feet per patient capacity and
unless all buildings so used are not less than 100 feet from any property or street line.
7.30. Trailers. The trailer ordinances which were adopted by the Town of East Haddam at a Town Meeting held
June 27, 1957 and amended at a Town Meeting held June 28, 1971, are hereby adopted into these Regulations and
continued in full force and effect, in addition to other provisions of these Regulations relative to trailers.
7.31. Use Variance Prohibited: Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-6, as amended by Public Act
77-509, Section 5, the East Haddam Zoning Board of Appeals is prohibited from granting any variance which would
permit a use in any zone not set forth in Section 9, Uses Permitted in Districts and Zones, as a permitted use in the
subject zone. The term “permitted use” as used herein shall include a use which is permitted by special exception,
site plan review, or permitted by right.
7.32. Waiver of Front Yard Setback: Where two or more occupied dwelling houses already stand on the same
side of and face the same street, and wherever a new dwelling is to be erected on a site between any two such
existing dwelling houses neither of which is more than seventy-five feet distant from the proposed new dwelling, the
Zoning Board of Appeals may waive the required setback and front yard standards to such extent as to permit the
new dwelling to be so located that its front yard will have a depth no less than that of the front yard of the adjacent
dwelling which has the larger front yard or setback.
7.33. Yards and Open Space: Except as specifically provided herein, no part of any yard or open space required
about any building may be counted as part of a yard or other space required for any other building.
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SECTION 8 CONFORMANCE AND NON-CONFORMANCE
Intent. It is the intent of these Regulations to reduce all non-conforming uses, lots, buildings, and structures to
conformity as quickly as possible and in no way to allow the extension or enlargement of the non-conformity unless
specifically authorized in these Regulations. It is also the intent of these Regulations, however, to minimize undue
hardship for those whose purchase, ownership, or use or property predated applicable provisions of these
Regulations.
8.1. Existing Non-Conforming Lots:
8.1.1. No Increase in Non-Conformity. No lot or parcel shall hereafter be decreased in size, by sale, devise,
descent, gift, or otherwise, so that it or any part of it, or so that any structure or building thereon, shall fail to comply
with these Regulations or shall increase the extent of any non-conformity.
8.1.2. Use of Non-Conforming Lots, Merger. The construction of a permitted building or structure, or the
establishment of a permitted use, on a non-conforming lot or parcel may be allowed by the Commission, following
Site Plan Approval in accordance with Section 14A of these Regulations; provided, however, that whether or not any
application for Site Plan Approval or any other type of permit has been sought, if title to a non-conforming parcel or
lot, whether improved or not, was, at anytime after the adoption of zoning regulations in the Town of East Haddam
(September 5, 1961), or is now, vested in any person(s) that own(s) any parcel or parcels of land contiguous to it,
then so much of said contiguous land (including the non-conforming parcel) as is required to conform to these
Regulations shall be deemed to be a single parcel for zoning purposes, and thereafter may not be divided, sold,
transferred, or improved in any manner which would create or result in a non-conformity or in an increased or further
non-conformity. In the event that all contiguous lands of said person(s) are together insufficient to meet the
minimum requirements of these Regulations, than all said contiguous land shall be considered as a single non-
conforming parcel for the purposes of this Section. The designation by a landowner or any person, including a
surveyor or Town official other than the Zoning Enforcement Officer, of any one tract or parcel as so-called separate
“lots” shall be ineffective for the purpose of these Regulations, with the exception of lots included in any subdivision
which shall have been approved by the Commission under the Subdivision Regulations then in effect and duly filed
with the Town Clerk.
8.1.3. Identification and Notice of Merged Lots/Parcels by Zoning Enforcement Officer: The Zoning
Enforcement Officer identified in Section 2.1 of these Regulations is hereby authorized to undertake a program, as
time and personnel permit, to systemically identify parcels and lots which have merged pursuant to the preceding
Section 8.1.2 Upon determining that any parcel(s) and/or lot(s) have so merged, the Zoning Enforcement Officer
may issue a written ruling to that effect to the owner(s) of record, which ruling shall advise the recipient of the right
of appeal to the East Haddam Zoning Board of Appeals, per Conn. Gen. Stats. 8-6. Upon a failure to appeal such
ruling to the Board within the Statutory time limits, or upon the affirmance of the ruling by the Board, the Zoning
Enforcement Officer shall provide written notice to the property owner(s); and shall also use his/her best efforts to
provide notice of merger of the subject lot or parcel to prospective purchasers. Such notice to prospective
purchasers may be provided by amendment to the records of the Town Assessor, with the consent of the Assessor; by
suitable notation in the records in the East Haddam Land Records; by notification of real estate professionals, land
surveyors, engineers, and attorneys; and/or by any other means determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer to
fulfill the purposes of this Section. The absence of any such notice shall merely indicate that no determination has
been made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer, and shall not be deemed to be evidence that any lot or parcel has not
merged with any other lot or parcel. In the absence of any ruling under this Section, any property owner may request
such ruling and the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall comply with such request as time permits.
8.1.4 More Than One Dwelling On A Parcel. In any situation in which there are two (2) or more dwellings on
one parcel of land, both or all of which have existed prior to March 14, 1961, which are so situated that they cannot
be sold separately in conformity with these Regulations as to lot areas and other requirements, the Commission may,
by Special Exception pursuant to Section 14B of these Regulations, permit the separate sale of such dwellings;
provided, however, that such division provides adequate provision of water and effluent disposal, in compliance with
the State Health Code, as the same may be amended from time to time, and provided further that all standards set
forth in Section 14B of these Regulations are met.
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8.1.5 Voluntary Merger of Lots Separated by a Street or Other Roadway
The Commission may by Special Exception Application in accordance with Section 14B of these Regulations,
permit the merger of Lots or Parcels which are separated only by a Street (as defined in Section 5 of these
Regulations as a public highway) or by a private roadway, specifically including roadways located upon rights of
way or owned in fee simple by a public or private entity. Such merger may be allowed in conformance with the
procedures and standards of Section 14B and, in addition, the following requirements:
a) The lots or parcels to be merged shall have at least twenty-five (25) feet of their respective
frontages directly opposite each other, separated only by the intervening Street or other roadway.
b) For purposes of determining compliance with the Schedule of Conforming Lots and Buildings in
Section 10 of these Regulations, the following shall apply:
i) The required side and rear yards setbacks of Section 10 shall apply to the side and rear
lots lines of both lots or parcels individually, notwithstanding their merger.
ii) The required front yard setbacks of Section 10 shall apply to the side of each lot or parcel
having frontage on the intervening Street or other roadway.
iii) For new construction, the maximum Lot Coverage and maximum Lot Impervious Surface
Cover of Section 10 shall be applied to the entire, merged parcels; provided, however,
that neither of the component lots or parcels shall exceed 25% Lot Coverage nor 45%
Lot Impervious Surface Cover.
iv) For the purposes of implementing and enforcing these provisions, the map or plan of the
proposed merger shall depict the Street or roadway and its boundaries; the area of the
individual component lots or parcels and their cumulative area; the setbacks required by
this Section, and other information in order to conform compliance with the provisions of
these Sections.
c) Upon approval of a merger in accordance with this Section, the applicant shall file a Declaration of
Covenants and Restrictions, in a form acceptable to the Commission’s legal counsel, which shall
prohibit, in perpetuity, the severance of title of the merged lots or parcels, or any reduction in the
area thereof, without the prior approval of the Commission as a modification of the Special
Exception.
f) The Commission may impose additional conditions, or may modify any proposed merger under this
Section, where the Commission deems such conditions or modifications to be necessary for the public
health, safety, and welfare and to further the purposes of these Regulations as contained in Section 1.
Such conditions and modifications may include, but are not limited to: limitations on building height
below those permitted in the subject zone; limitation of the number or size of accessory buildings;
limitation of the size of the principal building; limitation on curb cuts or relocation thereof;
improvements to sight lines or the existing Street or roadway; buffering or screening from adjoining
properties by landscaping, fencing, berms, or other measures; installation, elimination, or modification
of lighting; and submission of easements or other documents to confirm the rights for utilities to cross
the intervening Street or roadway.
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8.2. Non-Conforming Uses:
8.2.1. No Extension or Enlargement. Any Non-Conforming use, as defined by these Regulations, shall be
permitted to continue, notwithstanding any other provision of these Regulations or any amendment hereof, provided,
however:
a). Such use was lawfully existing at the time of its establishment, and has not been abandoned, as defined herein.
b). Such use shall not be enlarged or extended, as those terms are defined in these Regulations;
c). Such use shall not be altered, as that term is defined in these Regulations, in such manner as to increase the non-
conformity of such use.
d). No non-conforming use shall be moved to any portion of a building, structure, or any part of a parcel of land
where such use did not previously exist.
8.2.2. Restoration and Repair of Buildings Containing Non-Conforming Use. A building or structure
containing a non-conforming use may be altered or improved, but not extended or enlarged, and may be repaired or
reconstructed as made necessary by normal wear and tear or deterioration. Any building or structure containing a
non-conforming use, which has been destroyed or damaged by fire, explosion, flood, or any act of God or public
enemy may be restored to the same dimensions, floor area and cubic volume lawfully existing immediately prior to
such damage or destruction, provided such restoration is completed within three (3) years of such damage or
destruction.
8.2.3. Substitution. Any non-conforming use may be replaced with another non-conforming use, as a Special
Exception in accordance with Section 14B of these Regulations, provided that such replacement use is consistent
with the public health, safety and welfare; with the character of the neighborhood, adjacent properties and zones;
with the appropriate and orderly development of the neighborhood, adjacent properties and zones, in terms or
parking, volumes and types of traffic, property values, hours of operation, exterior appearance of the building,
structure, or lot, or any other factors to be considered by the Commission pursuant to Section 14B of these
Regulations.
8.2.4. Abandonment by Non-Use or Change or Use. Any non-conforming use shall lose its non-conforming
status and shall thereafter conform to these Regulations if said use ceases for a period of three (3) years or more, or if
it is altered to a conforming use. Such period of cessation, unless extended as provided herein, shall constitute
conclusive evidence of an intent to abandon the non-conforming use by the owner or operator thereof. For any non-
conforming use which has ceased operation or existence for any period of time, the Zoning Enforcement Officer may
require evidence that the use was in fact carried on within the said three-year period prior to the issuance of a
Certificate of Zoning Compliance. Refusal or granting of such a Certificate of Zoning Compliance. Refusal or
granting of such a Certificate may be appealed by any aggrieved party to the Zoning Board of Appeals, as provided
by State Statutes.
8.2.5. Voluntary Abandonment. A person who has the right of re-establishment or reconstruction as provided in
this Section 8 may elect voluntarily to abandon such right, in which case the right shall cease to exist. Such
abandonment must be evidenced by a document filed in the Land Records of the Town of East Haddam.
8.3. Non-Conforming Buildings and Structures;
8.3.1. No Enlargement or Alteration. Any non-conforming building or structure existing as the effective date of
these Regulations shall be permitted to continue notwithstanding any provision of these Regulations or any
amendment hereof, provided, however, that such non-conforming building or structure shall not be enlarged or
altered in such manner as to increase the non-conformity of such building or structure.
8.3.2. Restoration and Repair of Non-Conforming Buildings and Structures. Nothing in these Regulations
shall be deemed to prohibit the repair and maintenance of a non-conforming building or structure, provided such
repairs or maintenance do not increase the non-conformity of such building or structure. Any non-conforming
building or structure which has been destroyed or damaged by fire, explosion, flood, or any act of God or public
enemy may be restored to the same dimensions, floor area, cubic volume, density, and site location as existing
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immediately prior to such damage or destruction, provided such restoration is completed within three (3) years of
such damage or destruction.
8.4. Illegal Use. Nothing in these Regulations, including the provisions of this Section 8, shall be interpreted as
authorization for or approval of the continuation of the use of land, buildings or structures which are in violation of
any zoning regulations in effect prior to the effective date of these Regulations.
8.5. Special Exceptions and Variances. Nothing in these Regulations or any amendment hereof, nor any change
in zoning classification, shall be deemed to require any change in the plans, construction, or designated use of any
building, structure, or property for which a Site Plan Approval, Special Exception, or variance has been obtained and
filed as required by these Regulations or the Connecticut General Statutes, as the case may be, prior to the effective
date of these Regulations or such amendment or change in zoning classification, provided, however, that the
construction of said building or structure, or the start of the establishment of such use, shall have been completed
within three (3) years from the issuance of such Site Plan Approval, Special Exception or variance. No extension of
the above time periods may be issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Commission.
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SECTION 9 USES PERMITTED IN DISTRICTS AND ZONES
Intent: No building or structure shall be erected, moved, converted, enlarged or altered, nor shall any building or
structure or land be used for any purpose other than the uses permitted in the districts or zones in which the building,
structure or land is located, except as provided in Section 9 of these regulations. (Non-conforming lots Section 8 of
these regulations.)
9.1. Flood Plain Zone
9.1.1. Agriculture, farming
9.1.2. Parks and playgrounds operated by a governmental unit, non-profit corporation, or community association.
9.1.3. Accessory uses customarily incidental to a permitted use on the same lot; except home occupation in
accordance with Section 9.1.8.
9.1.4. Dwelling, single family, subject to the approval of the Commission as a Site Plan Review and with additional
criteria as found in Section 18.
9.1.5. Parking area, Commercial, subject to the Commission approval as a Site Plan Review and with additional
criteria as found in Section 18.
9.1.6. Aircraft landing field, subject to the Commission approval as a Special Exception and with additional criteria
as found in Section 18.
9.1.7. Marina, subject to the Commission approval as a Special Exception and with additional criteria as found in
Section 18.
9.1.8. Customary Home Occupation, subject to the Commission approval as a Special Exception and with additional
criteria as found in Section 27.
9.1.9. Retail Trade of Marine Craft, Aircraft and Accessories subject to the Commission approval as a Special
Exception and with additional criteria as found in Section 18.
9.1.10. Public Facilities and Services, subject to the approval of the Commission as a Special Exception and with
additional criteria as found in Section 18.
9.1.11. Tag Sales, subject to the requirements as found in Section 9.2.15.1 through 9.2.15.5.
9.2 Uses Permitted in Residence, R-4, R-2, R-1, R-1/2 Districts.
9.2. Uses Permitted in Residence, R-4, R-2, R-1, R-1/2 Districts
9.2.1 A Single Family Dwelling, except for conversion to year-round dwellings of seasonal cottages which are non-
conforming lots, which conversion shall be subject to Section 24 of these Regulations.
9.2.2 A dwelling for two, three or four families in accordance with the following table:
Note: 2-F = two family dwelling, 3-F = three family dwelling, etc.
R-1/2 R-2
2 - F = 1 acre 2-F = 4 acres
3 - F = 1-1/2 acres 3-F = Not Permitted
4-F = 2 acres 4 - F = Not Permitted
R-1 R-4
2-F = 2 acres 2-F = 8 acres
3-F = Not Permitted 3-F = Not Permitted
4-F = Not Permitted 4-F = Not Permitted
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All 2, 3, and 4 dwellings units require Special Exception approval in accordance with Section 14B of these
Regulations.
All accessory dwelling units require a Special Exception Review. See Section 10.2 – Accessory Dwelling Units
Existing interior lots require double the acreage of the underlying district.
Examples of minimum acreage requirements
Frontage lot R-1 District Single Family Dwelling = 1 acre, Two Family Dwelling = 2 acres
Existing Interior lots Single Family Dwelling = at least 2 acres, Two Family Dwelling = at least 4 acres]
9.2.3. Home Occupations - shall be subject to processes set forth in Section 27 of these regulations.
9.2.4. The letting of rooms or furnishing of board by the resident of the premises to not more than four persons
provided that no accessory building is used for this purpose.
9.2.5. Educational, religious or philanthropic use by a non-profit corporation or government unit. Such use shall
be subject to approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission as a Special Exception.
9.2 6. A bonafide club, lodge or community house not operated for profit. Such use shall be subject to approval
of the Planning and Zoning Commission as a Special Exception.
9.2.7. Accessory uses customarily incidental to a permitted use on the same lot, including buildings used for
permitted home occupations (Section 27.2.3). Accessory buildings may be used for dwelling purposes provided that
the total number of family units is not greater than permitted by these regulations and provided also that the living
space, floor area and lot area per family unit shall not be less than permitted by these regulations.
9.2.8. Parks and playgrounds operated by a governmental unit, non-profit corporation or community association.
9.2.9 Agriculture and farming provided that all buildings designed for those uses shall be built not less than one-
hundred (100) feet from the street line and seventy-five (75) feet from the nearest line of a lot under separate
ownership.
9.2.10 – Farm and garden produce: The display and sale of farm and garden produce raised on a residential
property. For such purposes one stand not over two-hundred (200) square feet in area and not more than two signs
aggregating not over twelve (12) square feet in area advertising such produce may be erected. Such stand or signs
shall be on the premises and not less than ten (10) feet from any street line.
9.2.11. A cemetery established and operated by an ecclesiastical society or cemetery association located in Town.
Such use shall be subject to approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission as a Special Exception.
9.2.12. Home for the Aged, Nursing Home, Rest Home. Such use shall be subject to approval of the Commission
as a Special Exception.
9.2.13. Public facilities and services. Such use shall be subject to the approval of the Planning and Zoning
Commission as a Special Exception.
9.2.14. Historical Park. Such use shall be subject to a special permit under Section 16 of these regulations.
9.2.15. Tag Sales
1. Such a sale shall: total no more than 8 days per owner in one calendar year; and occur no more than 4 times per
owner in one calendar year.
2. Any sale exceeding these limits shall be considered a permanent business and subject to all regulations regarding
such.
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3. Signs advertising tag sales are subject to Section 12.1.2 of the East Haddam Zoning Regulations and Section 23-
65(a) of the State of Connecticut Statutes. Signs shall indicate the dates of sale and shall be removed upon
termination of the sale.
4. Permits for such a sale shall be obtained from the Zoning Enforcement Officer and such application shall outline
off-street parking which is mandatory. No fee is to be charged.
5. These regulations regarding tag sales are not intended to limit the duration of frequency of religious, fraternal, or
other non-profit organization’s sales, bazaars, auction, etc. for the purpose of raising funds. State tax laws shall
apply.
9.2.16. Private Schools: subject to the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission as a Special Exception.
9.2.17. Kennel, Commercial, subject to the approval of the Commission as a Special Exception, and subject to the
additional requirements that all structures be located at least 100 feet from the street line and 100 feet from the
nearest lot line under separate ownership.
9.2.18. Veterinary Clinic or Hospital. Subject to approval of the Commission as a Special Exception, and subject
to the following additional requirements.
a). Minimum 250’ frontage and access to and exit from the Veterinary facility must be on State maintained highway
with a minimum paved width of 24’, and that the lot contain at east 5 acres. Maximum building coverage 5%.
b). All structures be located at least 100’ from all lot lines.
c). That at least one parking space be provided for every 150 square foot of building area.
d). If kennel facilities are going to be offered to healthy animals, the applicant must also apply and obtain approval
under Section 9.2.17.
e). If outdoor runs are proposed for animals under treatment, allowable hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
f). The volume of noise shall be so controlled as to prevent objectionable and excess noise emanating from the
premises.
g). The applicant must be a Connecticut State Licensed Veterinarian, and furnish the Commission with proof of a
State license to operate a Veterinary Clinic or Hospital.
h). A suitable buffer strip for purposes of visual and auditory screening shall be provided. Normally, this would be
a strip of 100 feet from the nearest public highway or land under other ownership, but in cases where there is natural
or planned screening, a narrower strip may be adequate.
9.2.19. Bed & Breakfast: Subject to Special Exception Review in the R-4, R-2, R-1, R-1/2, R, LR, EHVD, C-3, &
C/B/IG See Section 5
9.3. R District (Resort)
9.3.1. Any use permitted in other Residence Districts except that no activity which gives rise to objectionable smells
shall be conducted between June 15
th
and September 15
th
.
9.3.2. Resorts as defined in these regulations. Use shall be subject to approval of the Planning and Zoning
Commission as a Special Exception.
9.3.3. Auto courts as defined in these regulations.
Such use shall be subject to approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission as a Special Exception.
9.3.4. Campground. Such use shall be subject to the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission under
Section 15 of these regulations.
9.3.5. Public Facilities and Services. Such use shall be subject to the approval of the Planning and Zoning
Commission as a Special Exception.
9.3.6. Planned Recreational Development. Such use shall be subject to the approval of the Planning and Zoning
Commission under Section 17 of these regulations.
9.3.7 Sale of Alcoholic Liquor For On-Premises Consumption, as an accessory use, by Special Exception
approval of the Commission.
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9.3.8. Studios and Associated Shops - To be used by craftspeople for the production and sales of, and classes in,
handmade arts and crafts. Such use shall be subject to the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission as a
Special Exception.
9.3.9. Bed and Breakfast: Subject to Special Exception Review - See Section 5
9.3.10. Country Inn: Subject to Special Exception Review - See Section 5
9.4. Uses Permitted in Residence L District (Lake)
9.4.1. Dwelling, single family. Subject to Commission approval as a Site Plan Review.
9.4.2. Dwelling, seasonal cottage, as defined in these regulations. Such use shall be subject to the approval of the
Commission as a Site Plan Review.
9.4.3. Dwelling, two family. Subject to the approval of the Commission as a Special Exception Review and with
the additional requirement that the subject parcel be two acres in area.
9.4.4. Home Occupation - Home Occupations shall be subject to processes set forth in Section 27 of these
regulations.
9.4.5. Letting of rooms or furnishing of board by the resident of the premises to not more than four persons
provided that no accessory building is used for this purpose.
9.4.6. Educational, religious or philanthropic use by non-profit corporation or governmental unit. Such use shall
be subject to the approval of the Commission as a Special Exception.
9.4.7. A bonafide club, lodge or community house not operated for profit. Such use shall be subject to the
approval of the Commission as a Special Exception.
9.4.8. Parks and playgrounds operated by a Governmental unit, non-profit corporation or community association.
9.4.9 – Agriculture and farming provided that all buildings designed for those uses shall be built not less than one-
hundred (100) feet from the street line and seventy-five (75) feet from the nearest line of a lot under separate
ownership.
9.4.10 – Farm and garden product: The display and sale of farm and garden products raised on a residential
property. For such purposes one stand not over two-hundred (200) square feet in area and not more than two signs
aggregating not over twelve (12) square feet in area advertising such produce may be erected. Such stand or signs
shall be on the premises and not less than ten (10) feet from any street line.
9.4.11. Cemetery established and operated by an ecclesiastical society or cemetery association located in Town.
Such use shall be subject to approval of the Commission as a Special Exception.
9.4.12. Home for the Aged, Nursing Home, Rest Home. Such use shall be subject to approval of the Commission
as a Special Exception.
9.4.13. Public Facilities and Services. Such uses shall be subject to the approval of the Commission as a Special
Exception.
9.4.14. Historical Park. Such use shall be subject to a Special Permit under Section 16 of these regulations.
9.4.15. Tag Sales. Subject to the requirements as found in Section 9.2.15.
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9.4.16. Seasonal commercial uses are permitted as a Special Exception of the Commission. The rental of rowboats
and canoes, summer camps, commercial enterprises of a seasonal nature such as gift shops, souvenir shops, soda
fountains and refreshment stands.
Additional Requirements:
9.4.16.1. The rental of boats, soda foundations, and refreshment shops and variety or general stores are the only
seasonal commercial uses permitted.
9.4.16.2. No seasonal or other commercial uses are permitted within 2500 feet of another seasonal or commercial
uses.
9.4.17. Accessory uses with the exception of those to be used for dwelling purposes.
9.4.18. Bed and Breakfast: Subject to Special Exception Review See Section 5
SECTION 9.5 East Haddam Village District (Formerly the C-1 District and areas of R-1)
9.5.1 Boundaries The East Haddam Village District is defined as follows;
Southern Boundary
Beginning at a point on the southerly side of the property now or formerly identified as Assessor’s Map 17, Lot 8 at
the Connecticut River, thence crossing easterly along the property line and across Lumberyard Road and including
the properties that front Lumberyard Road and crossing Whippoorwill Terrace. The line continues south on
Whippoorwill Terrace and includes the southern edge of a property identified as Assessor’s Map 17, Lot 77.
Eastern Boundary
Continuing at the southeast point of Assessor’s Map 17, Lot 77, the line runs north and includes the properties that
front Whippoorwill Terrace and Creamery Road. The line follows the eastern edge of Assessor’s Map 17, Lot 48
until it reaches Ray Hill Road, then continues north to the intersection of Ray Hill Road and Norwich Road. The line
moves across the street and southwest behind the properties fronting Norwich Road and crossing west on the north
side of a property identified as assessor’s Map 17, Lot 37. The eastern border continues north along the backside of
the lots fronting Main Street until the line meets Bonfoey Road. The line runs east along Bonfoey to the intersection
of Bonfoey and Porges Road and continues north along Porges Road until it crosses Porges Road and runs behind
the first four properties on Landing Hill Road.
Northern Boundary
From the Northeast point of the fourth property, now or formerly identified as Assessor’s Map 26, Lot 28, up
Landing Hill Road the line runs directly west across Landing Hill Road and Route 149 to the Connecticut River.
Western Boundary
The line runs south from the above point along the Connecticut River to the original start point.
Please refer to the map entitled East Haddam Village District to determine the Sub-sets of the village.
9.5.2 Description of East Haddam Village
East Haddam Village was originally settled as two separate villages, Goodspeed Landing and Upper Landing, which
competed for commercial enterprises. Historically, the area has always supported mixed/commercial/residential use
and was the location of ship building yards, docks, lumberyards, and warehouses as well as stores, shops and
residences. Overtime, the separate villages grew together as one and the village supported mills along Lumberyard
and Creamery Roads and east up Succor Brook to Boardman Road, and a large music school (Maplewood). Hotels
and banks grew up around the merchant activity along the river as steamships and trains brought commerce, visitors
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and new residents to town. Ferry service operated between Haddam and East Haddam until the opening of the
Swingbridge in 1913. The village once supported two local schoolhouses, and several churches and meeting halls.
Many of East Haddam’s influential families built grand houses in the Village District. With the decline of the river
based commerce and the decline of the mills, the village, while still encouraging mixed use, went through a period
when it was more residential in character. Today, with the resurgence of the Opera House and the Gelston House,
the village is poised to once again become an area of vibrant economic and cultural activity.
Architecturally, the village reflects its long history including within mill buildings, framed sheds and outbuildings,
and more formally, Federal, Georgia, and Greek revival, various Victorian styles (Second Empire, Carpenter Gothic,
Italianate) and contemporary post World War II structures. Many structure exhibit characteristics from several
periods. Archaeologically, the village retains evidence of its history in the extensive underground storm drains in the
upper landing area, and the many dry rock walls and foundations of former structures which indicate that the village
was more densely populated in the past.
East Haddam Village is situated on the east bank of the Connecticut River south of the mouth of the Salmon River
and just north of Chapman’s Pond. The Village is framed to the east by steep hills and the property from the east
shore of the Connecticut River to the peaks of these hills is part of the Connecticut River Gateway Conservation
Zone. This Conservation Zone consisting of 25,000 acres spread over eight towns was created to protect the natural,
historic, and aesthetic values of the lower Connecticut River Valley. The lower Connecticut River is part of one of
the richest and most complex ecological systems in the northeastern Untied States. In 1993, the International
Chapter of the Nature Conservancy designated the Lower Connecticut River Tidelands as one of the “Last Great
Places” in the world. The Lower Connecticut River area was designated at The Ramsar Convention as a “Wetlands
of International Importance”, and especially important for migratory waterfowl habitat and bald eagles. In 1998, the
US Fish and Wildlife also designated the Connecticut River and its tributaries as the Silvio O. Conte National Fish
and Wildlife Refuge. The United States Council on Environmental Quality selected the Connecticut River as one of
the ten “American Heritage Rivers” in the United States. The multiple designations awarded to this watershed area
emphasize the unique and abundant natural resources around East Haddam Village.
9.5.3 Intent
These regulations shall protect the distinctive character, landscape and historic structures within the district and may
regulate, on and after the effective date of such regulations, new construction, substantial reconstruction and
rehabilitation of properties within such district and in view from public roadways, the Connecticut River, and public
pedestrian walkways, including, but not limited to,
(1) The design and placement of buildings,
(2) The maintenance of public views,
(3) The design, paving materials and placement of public roadways, and
(4) Other elements that the Commission deems appropriate to maintain and protect the character of the village
district.
In adopting this regulation, the Commission shall consider the design, relationship and compatibility of structures,
plantings, signs, roadways, street hardware and other objects in public view.
9.5.4 Permitted Uses, Lot Coverage, Lot Impervious Surface Coverage, Side yard, and Height
Any new use of premises, buildings, or structures, or any Substantial Reconstruction or Rehabilitation of an existing
premises, building, or structure shall require review by the Commission, the type of review being in accordance with
the following table. For the purposes of this Section 9.5, the phrase “Substantial Reconstruction and Rehabilitation”
is in accordance with: the meaning and use of the terms 8-2j(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes, and shall be
defined as the threshold at which any and all reconstruction or rehabilitation becomes of such a degree as to likely
noticeably affect the character of the structure in relation with the East Haddam Village District, as reflected through
the Objective and Guidelines enumerated in Section 9.5.6 and Appendix VI.
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The Use areas indicated in the table below are illustrated on East Haddam Village District Map, Appendix X to these
Regulations.
Highest Use Moderate Use Lower Use Lower Use
Theater/Town Office EH Village/Norwich Rd Main Street Creamery
Restaurant Section of Main Lumberyard
Permitted Uses
Single Family Home SP SP SP SP
2 family home SE SE SE SE
3 family home SE SE
4 family home SE SE
PRUD-LTSP housing SE SE SE* SE
Antique Sales SE SE SE SE
Bed and Breakfast SE SE SE SE
Country Inn SE SE SE SE
Hotel SE SE SE
Beauty and Barber Shop SE SE SE
F.I.R.E. SE SE SE SE
Groceries SE SE
Liquor Store SE SE
Museum SE SE SE SE
Professional Offices SE SE SE SE
Public Facilities SE SE SE SE
Public/Private parking SE SE SE
Religious use SE SE SE SE
Restaurant SE SE
Retail Trade SE SE
Studio Artist/Crafts SE SE SE SE
Tavern SE SE
Theater, Movie SE
Theater, Live SE SE
Accessory to SE SE SE SE
permitted use
* EHVD - PRUD housing - not actor housing
Highest Use Moderate Use Lower Use Lower Use
Theater/Town Office EH Village/Norwich Rd Main Street Creamery
Restaurant Section of Main Lumberyard
Lot Size .25 acre .25 acre 1 acre .25 acre
Building Coverage ** ** 15% 20%
Lot Impervious Surface
Coverage ** ** 30% 30%
Maximum Building Height *** *** *** ***
Front, side, and rear yard requirements for Live Theaters: Live Theater Uses - Five percent (5%) of the lot shall be
assigned to the front, side, or rear yard setback area.
Front, side, and rear yard requirements for Uses other than Live Theaters: The yard requirements is that any
building shall have yard dimensions sufficient to insure proper design and placement of a building as determined in
the site plan review process and shall generally adhere to the setbacks of the surrounding properties which are in
keeping with the historic layout of the neighborhood.
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** - Lot and Building coverage shall have dimensions sufficient to insure proper design and placement of buildings
and other surfaces (parking, patios, walkways, etc.) as determined in the site plan review process and shall generally
be in keeping with the historic layout of the neighborhood. For Live Theaters, Lot Impervious Surface Coverage
shall be (95 %) and Building Coverage shall be (95 %).
SE = Requires Special Exception Review See Section 14B
SP = Requires Site Plan Review See Section 14A
*** Maximum Building Height: See Section 10.1.4. For Live Theaters, Maximum Building Height shall have a
maximum peak height elevation of 92.5 feet based on National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD).
9.5.5. Historic Preservation
These regulations shall encourage the conversion, conservation, and preservation of existing buildings in a manner
that maintains the historic or distinctive character of the district. New construction shall also incorporate in the
design elements that will maintain the historic or distinctive character of the district.
The conversion, conservation, and preservation of existing buildings and sites shall be consistent with:
(A) The “Connecticut Historical Commission - The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and
Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings”, revised through 1990, as amended:
Available at http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/tax/rhb/stand.htm , the Historic District Commission, or the East Haddam
Land Use Office
Please note: For those Buildings, Structures, or Lots located within the Village District which are also within the
boundaries of the East Haddam Historic District, the Planning and Zoning Commission may decline to regulate such
items and will accept all aspects of a development which are within the legal jurisdiction of the Historic District
Commission. Evidence of approval by the East Haddam Historic District Commission shall be provided at the time
of application to the Planning and Zoning Commission, which shall not over rule or modify any aspect of a
development plan which has been approved by the Historic District Commission and is within the jurisdiction of that
Commission.
9.5.6. Site Design and Compatibility Objectives
Applications shall provide a narrative, site plans, and design that demonstrate that the application is in compliance
with subsections 9.5.5 and 9.5.6, including the approval of the East Haddam Historic District Commission where
applicable, per Section 9.5.5. All development in the village district shall be designed to achieve the following
compatibility objectives to the greatest extent possible. It is recognized that not all applications may be able to
achieve each and every objective or in some cases a particular objective may not be applicable to the project. In
cases where there is no change in the exterior appearance to the building or landscape the application shall still
include a narrative and site plan of the existing conditions. These objectives are further defined in Appendix VI “Site
Design and Compatibility Objectives and Guidelines”
1. that proposed buildings or modifications to existing buildings be harmoniously
related to their surroundings and to the terrain in the district and to the use, scale and architecture of existing
buildings in the district that have a functional or visual relationship to a proposed building or modification,
2. that all spaces, structures and related site improvements visible from public
roadways, the Connecticut River, and public walkways be designed to be compatible with the elements of the area of
the village district in and around the proposed building or modification,
3. that the color, size, height, location, proportion of openings, roof treatments, building materials and landscaping of
commercial or residential property and any proposed signs and lighting be evaluated for compatibility with the local
architectural motif and the maintenance of views, historic buildings, monuments and landscaping, and
4. that the removal or disruption of historic traditional or significant structures
or architectural elements shall be minimized.
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5. The building and layout of buildings and included site improvements shall reinforce existing buildings and
streetscape patterns and the placement of buildings and included site improvements shall assure there is no adverse
impact on the district;
6. proposed streets shall be connected to the existing district road network, wherever possible;
7. open spaces within the proposed development shall reinforce open space patterns of the district, in form and
siting;
8. locally significant features of the site such as distinctive buildings or site lines of vistas from within the district,
shall be integrated into the site design;
9. the landscape design shall complement the district’s landscape patterns;
10. the exterior signs, site lighting and accessory structures shall support a uniform architectural theme if such a
theme exists and be compatible with their surroundings; and
11. the scale, proportions, massing and detailing of any proposed building shall be in proportion to the scale,
proportion, massing and detailing in the district.
9.5.7. Architectural Review and Landscape Design
All special exception and site plan review applications for new construction and substantial reconstruction within the
district and in view from public roadways, the Connecticut River, and public pedestrian walkways shall be subject to
review and recommendation by an architect or architectural firm, landscape architect, or planner who is a member of
the American Institute of Certified Planners selected and contracted by the Commission and designated as the village
district consultant for such application. (Note- see fee schedule)
The village district consultant shall review an application and report to the Commission within thirty-five days of
receipt of the application.
Such report and recommendation shall be entered into the public hearing record and considered by the Commission
in making its decision.
Failure of the village district consultant to report within the specified time shall not alter or delay any other time limit
imposed by the regulations.
9.5.8. Additional Reviews and Recommendations
The Commission may seek the recommendations of any town or regional agency or outside specialist with which it
consults, including but not limited to the East Haddam Historic District Commission, the Midstate Regional Planning
Agency, the East Haddam Historical Society, the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, and the University of
Connecticut College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
9.5.9. Compliance with Regulations
If a Commission grants or denies an application, it shall state upon the record the reasons for its decision.
If a Commission denies an application, the reason for the denial shall cite the specific regulations under which the
applicant was denied.
Notice of the decision shall be published in a newspaper having a substantial circulation in the municipality.
An approval shall become effective in accordance with subsection (b) of section 8-3c.
9.5.10. Endorsement and Filing
Within sixty-five (65) days of the Commission/Board approval, the applicant shall submit one (1) set of the final
plan(s) on mylar, reflecting all conditions or modifications required by the Commission, with the approval letters of
the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Inland/Wetland and Watercourse Commission
printed on them and accompanied by signed, sworn statements of the applicant’s land surveyor, engineer, architect,
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and any other professional who has participated in the preparation of the application materials, to the effect that the
plans submitted are the same as those approved by the Commission, except for the depiction of modifications and
conditions required by the Commission in approval vote. If, upon considering the statements and reviewing the
plans submitted, the Commission /Board shall find them to be in accordance with the final approval, they shall be
endorsed by the signature of the Chairman or Secretary of the Commission. Thereafter, it shall be the responsibility
of the applicant to file one (1) set of endorsed Mylar plans in the office of the Town Clerk, and two paper copies in
the Office of the Zoning Enforcement Officer. In accordance with Section 8-3d of the Connecticut General Statutes,
no Special Exception shall be effective until the final, endorsed plans are filed with the Town Clerk, and any plans
not so filed within ninety (90) days following the Commission’s vote of approval shall become null and void. Any
Special Exception site plan filed in the Town Clerk’s Office without the endorsement of the Commission’s Chairman
or Secretary shall likewise be void.
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C-3 MOODUS PLAINS ROAD COMMERCIAL AREA
9.6 Uses Permitted In Commercial C-3 District:
In order more adequately to maintain and perpetuate the historic character which contributes so much to East
Haddam’s charm, there hereby is established a special type of Commercial District as C-3.
9.6.1.1. Dwelling(s) Units
Dwelling, Single Family (1F) - ½ acre
Dwelling, two, three and four family
(provided the lot area for 2F – is at least 1 acre - max. 4 bedrooms
( “ “ “ “ “ 3F – is at least 1 ½ acre - max. 6 bedrooms)
(provided the lot area for 4F – is at least 2 acres - max. 8 bedrooms)
Any additional bedrooms require area of ¼ acre per bedroom.
All 2, 3, & 4 family dwelling units require a Special Exception Review Approval in accordance with Section 14B of
these Regulations.
9.6.1.2. The following uses are permitted by Special Exception approval of the Commission:
Professional Offices
Insurance and Real Estate
Retail Trade - Apparel & Accessories, Jewelry, Antique Shops
Business Services - such as Advertising, Employment
Bed & Breakfast
Country Inn
Child Day Care Center
Accessory uses customary with or accessory to a permitted use.
Education, religious or philanthropic - use by a non-profit corporation or government unit.
Additional Standards:
In order to further the Intent and purpose of the C-3 District, the Commission shall consider the following criteria, in
addition to those set forth in Section 14A and 14B of these Regulations, when reviewing any Special Exception
application in the District and the Town of East Haddam:
a. The extent to which the application preserves or restores an existing building or buildings which reflect(s) and
enhance the architectural and historic character of the District and the Town of East Haddam;
b. The extent to which the application proposes new buildings(s) and site improvements which reflect(s) and
enhance the architectural and historic character of the District and the Town of East Haddam;
c. The extent to which the application preserves existing large trees, stone walls, topography, and other natural or
man-made features which provide character to the site and District;
d. The extent to which the application proposes amenities, such as walkways, plazas, benches, ornamental lighting,
and other improvements to both public and private spaces which reflect(s) and enhance the streetscape, architectural
and historic character of the District and the Town of East Haddam, and provide opportunities for pedestrian
circulation, rest, and relaxation by persons living or working in and around the District.
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9.7. IG District
9.7.1. Purpose: The original, single IG District has evolved as an area where potentially incompatible uses have
become intermingled without any comprehensive plan or adequate consideration for how the various uses and
parcels will function. The District now contains residential, agricultural, industrial, office, personal service and
commercial uses. The District is intended to allow as a diverse center of employment opportunities that will enhance
the tax base of the Town of East Haddam and provide space for the products and services which Town residents
require. The Commission has created three (3) separate IG Districts designed to form a unified pattern of
development, and has imposed special architectural and site guidelines to balance the need for economic growth,
diversity of uses, and protection and enhancement of the Town’s historical, architectural, and environmental quality.
9.7.2. Requirements for All IG Districts: The following shall apply to all IG Districts:
9.7.2.1. Bulk Requirements: Bulk requirements for each of the IG Districts is as set forth in Section 10.1 of these
regulations.
9.7.2.2. Special Exception Requirement: All uses in the IG District shall be permitted only by Special Exception
in accordance with Section 14B of these Regulations, except for the Principle Use of a Farm, which shall be a
Permitted Use. Where a Use requires a Special Exception when conducted as a Principal Use, it shall also require a
Special Exception when conducted as an Accessory Use, including Accessory Uses to a Principal Use as a Farm.
9.7.2.3. Additional Standards: In order to further the Intent and purpose of the New District, the Commission
shall consider the following criteria, in addition to those set forth in Section 14A and 14B of these Regulations, when
reviewing any Special Exception application in the District:
a. The extent to which the application preserves or restores an existing building or buildings which reflect(s) and
enhance the architectural and historic character of the District and the Town of East Haddam;
b. The extent to which the application proposes new buildings(s) and / or site improvements which reflect(s) and
enhance the architectural and historic character of the District and the Town of East Haddam; Existing structures
located within and immediately adjacent to the District typify East Haddam’s historic and architectural character.
New buildings or structures should be in harmony with buildings constructed between 1700 and 1900 and enhance
these existing buildings and the historic character of the Town. Architectural Guidelines for all IG Districts are
contained in Appendix II of these Regulations, and are incorporated herein by reference.
c. The extent to which the application preserves existing large trees, stone walls, agricultural features, topography,
and other natural or man-made features which provide character to the site and District;
d. The extent to which the application proposes amenities, such as walkways, plazas, benches, ornamental lighting,
and other improvements to both public and private spaces which reflect(s) and enhance the streetscape, architectural
and historic character of the District and the Town of East Haddam, and provide opportunities for pedestrian
circulation, rest and relaxation by persons living or working in and around the District.
e. To the extent in which the application proposes the use of appropriate vegetation (trees, plants, shrubs, bushes)
and / or natural fencing (rock walls, embankments, wood fencing) and / or existing structure(s) to screen the
proposed addition and / or new structure(s)
f. Those properties on Matthews Drive which do not have frontage on Route s 82 and 151 have already been
developed in a pattern which does not reflect the more traditional and historic character of other properties in the
District. Therefore, the Commission may permit greater design flexibility for new buildings or structures on those
properties, and may allow more diversity and contemporary designs; provided, however, that design quality of these
sites, buildings, and structures shall otherwise comply with the goals of Section 14A and 14B, and these Additional
Standards
g. No Special Exception approval is required for roof mounted solar panel units that are not visible from any street
or highway and no Special Exception approval is required for roof mounted solar panel units that are mounted flush
and match the roof pitch. Mounting bracket shall be no higher than twelve inches above the roof. If the building is
on the National Historic Register or in a Historic District, approval will be required by the Historic District
Commission.
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9.7.3 IG Districts, Uses by subsection (See map for property boundaries)
9.7.3.1 IG-1 District, Uses (Special Exception unless indicated otherwise)
No changes in the language for IG-1
Light Industrial
Manufacturing, sales/repairs Architectural Review and Landscaping Required
Warehouse See Appendix VII – Standards for Construction in
Commercial Self-Storage Buildings the IG District
Health club
Retail as an accessory use.
9.7.3.2 IG-2 District, Uses (Special Exception unless indicated otherwise)
Former IG 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, and a portion of 10.
Professional Office
F.I.R.E. – Financial, Insurance, Real Estate
Health Care – products and service
Dance Studio, Health Club
Restaurant
Bed & Breakfast, Country Inn
Retail Sales, Antique Sales
Retail of Crafts and Products Associated with East Haddam’s Traditional Agricultural Heritage Arts
Craft & Art Galleries
Farm (Permitted use), Greenhouse, Nursery, Wholesale Associated with a Farm, Farm Stand
Landscaping Product
Grocery, Bakery, Liquor Store – new use
Beauty and Barber Shop
Public Facilities and services Architectural Review and Landscaping Required
Light Industrial See Appendix VII – Standards for Construction in
Manufacturing sales/repairs the IG District
Sales & repair of Industrial Machinery
Warehouse
Commercial Self storage buildings
Recreational / Open Space
Dwelling, Single or multi family only if in existence on the effective date of this amendment,
Dwelling, Single family, only as an accessory use to Permitted or Special Exception Use.
[No single building area shall exceed 10,000 sq. ft ]
9.7.3.3 IG-3 District, Uses (Special Exception unless indicated otherwise)
Former IG 8 and a portion of IG-10 Same language as existing IG-8 except for single & multi-family homes
Building Trade and storage, repair, and office Accessory to Building Trade.
Retail sales accessory to Building Trade (cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and other consumer products capable of owner
installation).
Retail Sale of Landscaping Products. Architectural Review and Landscaping Required
Light Industrial See Appendix VII – Standards for Construction in
Warehouse the IG District
Public Facilities and Services
Commercial Self storage buildings
Dwelling, Single or multi-family only if in existence on the effective date of this amendment,
Dwelling, Single family, only as an accessory use to Permitted or Special Exception Use.
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9.8 R & D District (Research & Development)
9.8.1 The following uses are permitted subject to approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission as a Special
Exception:
Research and Development Facility
Laboratory
Consumer Product Testing
Public Facilities and Services.
Buildings or land may be used and buildings may be erected or altered as long as such use is not dangerous by reason
of fire or explosion hazard, nor injurious, noxious or detrimental to the community or neighborhood by reason of the
emission of dust, odor, fumes, smoke, wastes, refuse matter, noise, vibration, or because of any other objectionable
feature.
Accessory uses clearly subordinate to, and customarily incidental the principle use.
9.9 Conservation Zone (Gateway)
9.9.1 Setback
Within the Conservation Zone, no building or other structure shall be constructed, reconstructed, enlarged,
extended, moved or structurally altered within one hundred (100) feet of the high tide line, as defined in the
Connecticut General Statutes, of the Connecticut River or any of its tributaries or associated wetlands. At its
discretion, upon determination of functional need, the local commission having jurisdiction may issue a special
permit to reduce the setback for structures that require direct access to the water as an operational necessity such as
piers, docks, and boathouses.
9.9.2 Signs
No sign shall be constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, extended, moved or structurally altered in such a manner so as
to move or rotate mechanically or be illuminated by a light source which visibly flashes, oscillates or otherwise
automatically changes in intensity or color, nor shall any sign be permitted which calls the attention of the general
public to any commercial activities, services or products not available on the premises where the sign is located.
9.9.3 Building Height
No building or other structure shall be constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, extended, moved or structurally altered
in such a manner as to exceed a height of thirty-five (35) feet. However, spires, cupolas, towers, flagpoles, and other
similar architectural features occupying not more than ten(10) percent of the building footprint and not designed or
used for human occupancy may be constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, extended, moved or structurally altered to a
reasonable and necessary height upon the granting of a special exception by the Commission, provided that the
architectural features will not have a significant visual impact on the River scene. Exceptions to the height
limitations within the East Haddam Village District will be by Special Exception, and governed by the
standards of the District.
9.9.4 Cutting of Timber
1. Required Vegetative Buffer
Within the Conservation Zone, there shall be no cutting of vegetation within a strip of land extending fifty(50) feet in
horizontal distance inland from the high tide line, as defined in the Connecticut General Statutes, of the Connecticut
River or any of its tributaries or associated wetlands, except as provided in this section.
a. There shall be no clear cut openings, and a well distributed stand of trees and other vegetation, including existing
ground cover, shall be maintained. Existing vegetation less than three (3) feet in height and other ground cover shall
not be removed except to provide for a footpath or other permitted uses. Pruning of tree branches on the bottom
third of trees is permitted. Fields which have reverted primarily to shrubs, trees or other woody vegetation shall be
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regulated under the provisions of this section. Cleared openings legally in existence on the effective date of these
regulations may be maintained but shall not be enlarged.
b. There shall be no timber harvesting within the buffer area except to remove safety hazards. When removal of
storm-damaged, diseased, unsafe or dead tree results in the creation of cleared openings, these openings shall be
replanted with native tree species unless existing new tree growth is present. Prior to cutting of diseased or damaged
trees, a determination about the conditions of such trees shall be made to the zoning enforcement officer by a public
or consulting forester.
c. In no event shall an opening be cleared for development, including but not limited to surface regrading,
stormwater drainage structures, construction of retention walls, construction of principal or accessory structures,
driveway construction, sewage disposal areas, and lawns and gardens.
d. A footpath not to exceed five (5) feet in width is permitted provided that a cleared line of sight to the water
through the buffer strip is not created.
e. Stairs or similar structures may be allowed with a permit from the Inland Wetlands and WatercoursesCommission
to provide shoreline access in areas of steep slopes or unstable soils, provided that the structure is limited to a
maximum of five (5) feet in width and does not extend below or over the high tide line of the Connecticut River or
its tributaries or the upland edge of a wetlands, and the applicant demonstrates that no reasonable access alternative
exists on the property.
f. A vegetated buffer shall not be required for areas within the Conservation District which have been mapped and
designated by the Planning and Zoning Commission as “developed areas”. In such developed areas, property owners
are encouraged, where feasible, to maintain a vegetated area of trees and shrubs immediately adjacent to the water to
avoid erosion and enhance the scenic quality of the River scene.
Developed Area; An area adjacent to the Connecticut River or its tributaries and associated wetlands within the
Conservation Zone which has, within the 50 foot riparian area immediately landward of the high tide line as defined
in Section 22a-359(c) CGS, been developed in the sense of being armored through the use of bulkheads, rip-rap or
other structural stabilization methods or materials. The 50 foot riparian area shall also be considered "developed" if
clearing and or construction activities have occurred in such a manner so as to make the retention or replacement of
vegetation within the 50 foot riparian area impractical, infeasible, or undesirable.
(Note: Developed areas are identified in appendix IX)
2. Non-Commercial Cutting
A non-commercial cutting plan shall be submitted as part of the supporting documentation filed with a required site
plan or as one of the required exhibits to be submitted for land subdivision approval.
3. Commercial Cutting - See Section 20 – Commercial Cutting of Timber
4. Burning of Undergrowth
The burning of undergrowth shall be in accordance with those regulations of the Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection which are in effect from time to time to control and abate air pollution and in accordance
with all other applicable provisions of law.
9.9.5. Removal of Soil and Earth Materials
The removal of soil and earth materials shall be prohibited except for (1) valid non-conforming uses in existence as
of May 14, 1974; (2) those exceptions set forth in Section 19.2 of these Regulations. See Section 19, Regulations of
Earth Material Operations
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9.9.6. Dumping and Storing of Refuse
No dumping or storage of refuse shall be permitted other than the temporary dumping or storage of small amounts of
such material for brief periods pending final lawful disposition nor shall any new public solid waste disposal facility
be established or an existing facility be expanded in area.
9.9.7. Additional Requirements for Residential Structures over Four Thousand (4000) Square Feet in Gross
Floor Area
A special exception is required for all construction, reconstruction, enlargement, or structural alterations of principal
and accessory residential structures which results in one or more buildings or structures having a combined Gross
floor area in excess of four thousand (4000) square feet of total floor area (all floors). The purpose of this
requirement is to assure that large scale residential structures and significant site modifications located within the
Gateway Conservation Zone will not cause deterioration of the natural and traditional river scene.
1. Exception: A special exception under this Section may be waived by the Commission for residential structures
over four thousand (4000) square feet in gross floor area under this Section if it can be demonstrated by the applicant
that the proposed structure or structures will not be visible from the Connecticut River. Demonstration that a
structure will not be visible from the Connecticut River shall consist of an area topographic map showing that there
is intervening ground at an elevation at least thirty-five (35) feet above ground elevation of the proposed structure.
2. Submission: In addition to other town requirements for special exception applications, the applicant will provide
site plans and building elevations prepared by an architect and/or landscape architect which show information on
existing and proposed topography, building design and height measurements, proposed grading including cuts, fills
and retaining walls, any required buffer area, proposed landscaping and plans for access to the waterfront, if
applicable.
3. Special Exception Criteria:
a. Proposed site development shall maintain the essential natural characteristics of the site, such as major landforms,
natural vegetative and wildlife communities, hydrologic features, scenic qualities and open space that contributes to a
sense of place.
b. Structures shall be adapted to the existing terrain, rather than altering the earth form to create a platformed
development site.
c. Structures located above the crest of hillsides facing the River shall be held back from the crest of the hill to
maintain a clear sense of the hillside brow in its natural condition.
d. Vertical architecture elements shall not be over emphasized in a manner which disrupts the natural silhouette of
the hillside. Structures shall be designed so that the slope angle of the roof pitch is generally at or below the angle of
the natural hillside or manufactured slope.
e. Building forms shall be scaled to the particular environmental setting to avoid excessively massive forms that fail
to enhance the hillside character. Massing of structural elements such as large roof areas shall be broken up to
approximate natural slopes.
f. Roof lines shall relate to the slope and topography. Rooftop treatment shall be designed to avoid monotony of
materials, forms and colors. Dark colored roof treatments, which reduce visual impact of the structure on the
landscape, are preferred.
g. Site design shall preserve the existing natural landscape where possible and include new landscaping which is
compatible with existing natural vegetation, the scenic character of the area, and increases visual buffering between
the building and the River or its tributaries within the Gateway Conservation Zone.
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h. Development shall be located so as to minimize disturbance of sensitive areas. The smallest practical area of land
should be exposed at any one time during development and the length of exposure should be kept to the shortest
practical time. Disturbed areas shall be replanted with trees, shrubs and ground cover which are compatible with
existing vegetation.
i. Site grading shall avoid straight and unnatural slope faces. Cut and fill slopes shall have curved configurations to
reflect as closely as possible the forms and shapes of surrounding topography. At intersections of manufactured and
natural slopes, abrupt angular intersections should be avoided and contours should be curved to blend with the
natural slope.
4. Findings: A special exception shall not be granted until the Commission has determined that all of the following
conditions have been satisfied.
a. Proposed structures and site work have been designed to fit the hillside, rather than altering the hillside to fit the
structure and site design.
b. Disturbance to existing topographic forms is minimized and proposed grading and excavation will not result in
soil erosion and silting of lower slopes.
c. The proposed development retains or enhances the visual character of the site and the area by utilizing proper
structural scale and character, varied architectural treatments and appropriate plant material to buffer the mass of the
building from the River or its tributaries in the Gateway Conservation Zone.
d. The proposed design preserves or enhances significant natural features and maintains or restores the natural and
traditional character of the River scene.
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9.10 COMMERCIAL/BUSINESS/ LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (C/B/IG)
(former C-2 Moodus Center Area)
INTENT - To create a district that allows the combined uses of businesses, light industrial, and residential
neighborhoods. This combination of permitted uses through special exception review will allow for a more versatile
commercial and light industrial district. Presently each District is restrictive to particular uses listed in the Zoning
Regulations even though mixed uses already exist. Each application will go through a special exception application
that requires architectural design review, signage criteria, landscaping, traffic patterns changes and impacts, and
emergency services accessibility.
THE INTENT OF INCLUDING LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USES WOULD BE FOR buildings to be used for the
manufacture, processing, assembling, or storage of products to standards set forth in the Special Exception Review
process to insure a compatible relationship between such use and the existing pattern of land use in the Moodus
Center Area. To these ends, development would be limited to a relatively low density; external effects that are
minimized; and are permitted uses confined to those administrative, storage of products and distribution, and
manufacturing activities that can be carried on in a stable and orderly manner, and to permit those facilities that are
necessary to serve the needs of the district. Such use shall not be dangerous by reason of fire or explosion hazard,
nor injurious, noxious or detrimental to the community or neighborhood by reason of the emission of dust, odor,
fumes, smoke, wastes, refuse matter, noise, vibration, or because of any other objectionable feature.
No Special Exception approval is required for roof mounted solar panel units that are not visible from any street or
highway and no Special Exception approval is required for roof mounted solar panel units that are mounted flush and
match the roof pitch. Mounting bracket shall be no higher than twelve inches above the roof. If the building is on
the National Historic Register or in a Historic District, approval will be required by the Historic District
Commission.
9.10.1. Permitted uses:
Dwelling, Single or multi family only if in existence on the effective date of this amendment,
Dwelling, Single family, only as an accessory use to Permitted or Special Exception Use.
Home Occupations accessory to permitted single family dwellings and as permitted under Section 27 of the these
Regulations
Farm
9.10.2. The following uses are permitted by Special Exception approval of the Commission
Business or Professional Office and Financial Institutions, Insurance and Real Estate, Business Services,
Greenhouse and nurseries; commercial - Wholesale and retail
Child Day Care Services -Adult Day Care Services
Medical Facility
Place of Worship, Religious Institutions
Retail Trade - Hard ware, Lumber, Apparel & Accessories, Jewelry, Drug, Book, Groceries, Bakeries, Antique Shop
Country Inns and Bed and Breakfast
Automobile Service Station, Automobile and Machinery Repair Shops
Newspaper Plant or Print Establishments
Wholesale Trade
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Funeral Homes
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
Restaurants - except drive-through as an accessory use
Repair Services - Electric, Watch, Re-upholstery, Furniture
Theaters - Motion Picture Projection
Public Facilities and Services
Package Store - Sale of Alcoholic Liquor for Off-Premises Consumption,
Beauty and Barber Services, Photographic Services, Dance Studio - Schools
Light Industrial - light manufacturing; processing; assembly; storage or warehousing; product testing; research and
development; laboratory; distribution; and accessory office and other uses customarily accessory to the principal use,
provided, however, that this definition shall not be construed to permit any use which is dangerous by reason of fire
or explosion hazard, injurious or detrimental to the community or neighborhood by reason of the emission of dust,
odor, fumes, smoke, wastes, refuse matter, noise, vibration, radiation, or any other objectionable element. Further,
no use within this definition shall be permitted to store, process, or otherwise locate or use any product or material
except in an enclosed building.
Accessory uses customary with a permitted use.
C/B/IG DISTRICT - Bulk Requirements
Minimum Lot Area ½ acre
Minimum Lot Width 100 feet
Minimum Front Yard 30 feet
Minimum Side Yard 10 - 40* feet
Minimum Building Size 1000 square feet
Maximum Building Coverage 20 percent
Maximum Lot Coverage 60 percent
Maximum Building Height See Section 10.1.4
* Side yard setback is an aggregate of 40 feet with the narrowest being 10 feet except when it
bounds a residential zone or Town road, the setback is a minimum of 20 feet.
A landscape strip will be required when facing or abutting a residential area.
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Section 9.11 – Eightmile River Watershed Overlay District
9.11.1 Purpose and Intent
The Town of East Haddam desires to protect its natural resources and to control development’s deleterious effects on
its watersheds. The riparian and wetland features of the Eightmile River Watershed are a key component of the
largely intact watersheds and natural character of East Haddam. In order to preserve a fully-functioning aquatic
system in the Eightmile River Watershed, and to prevent damage to the critical buffer zone around it's water bodies,
the Eightmile River Watershed Overlay District is hereby established. Please note that this does not replace any
obligation of the applicant to have a determination made by the East Haddam Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
Commission or any other regulatory agency as whether additional reviews and permits are necessary.
Protection of a buffer around water bodies and wetlands is crucial for public health, safety, and welfare because it
protects water quality, regulates flow, preserves wildlife habitat, and maintains important cultural and historical
features of the Town. This buffer serves many specific functions:
Regulation of water flow:
a. Promotes water infiltration and groundwater recharge.
b. Reduces flooding.
c. Reduces streambed scour.
Preservation of wildlife habitat:
a. Provides a unique habitat that supports a diverse species assemblage.
b. Shades, filters, and moderates stream flow, improving habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms.
c. Provides an effective travel corridor for terrestrial wildlife.
Protection of water quality:
a. Reduces sedimentation.
b. Filters out pesticides, heavy metals, and biocontaminants.
c. Removes excess nutrients that lead to eutrophication, including nitrogen and phosphorus.
d. Prevents erosion through bank stabilization by vegetation.
Preservation of views:
a. Provides a screen that protects privacy of riverfront landowners
b. Enhances landscape diversity resulting in improved aesthetics
The purpose of this Eightmile River Watershed Overlay District is to maintain a continuous buffer of native forest
and shrubs around all watercourses and wetlands. The most effective riparian buffers should include a mix of trees,
shrubs and herbaceous plants native to the region and appropriate to the environment in which they are to be planted.
9.11.2. Eightmile River Watershed Overlay District - Buffer Area
Major Rivers and Streams within R-2 and R-4 Districts of the Eightmile River
(Not the (L) Lake Zone)
The buffer from all major watercourses within the Eightmile River Watershed shall be one hundred feet measured
horizontally from all boundaries of the watercourse. The major watercourses are defined by the official Eightmile
River Watershed Overlay District Map and includes the Eightmile River, the East Branch of the Eightmile River,
Cranberry Meadow Brook, Hedge Brook, Burnham Brook, Early Brook, Muddy Brook, Strongs Brook, Malt House
Brook, and Lake Hayward Brook and three unnamed brooks labeled as A, B, and C. See Appendix X
For all other streams and intermittent streams within R-2 and R-4 District the buffer from these watercourses within
the Eightmile River Watershed shall be fifty feet measured horizontally from all boundaries of the watercourse. The
official map does not include all intermittent streams.
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9.11.3 Zoning District overlap
The Eightmile River Watershed Overlay District overlaps other zoning districts and federal, state, or municipally
regulated areas and in all cases the more restrictive regulation will take precedence.
9.11.4 Prohibited Activities
Within the buffer specified in Section 10.1.3.2.2, all land-disturbing activity not specifically allowed as exceptions in
subsection (d) below are prohibited unless approved following Special Exception review, in accordance with Section
14B of these Regulations. The standards and requirements of this Section 10.1.3.2 shall be in addition to those of
Section 14B of these Regulations. "Land-disturbing activity" shall include any activity which involves the alteration
of the surface of the earth as it existed on the effective date of these Regulations, including but not limited to; filling,
removal, or regarding of earth; placement, construction, removal, or alteration of building or structures;
establishment, removal, or alteration of uses of land; or planting or removal of vegetation; but not including those
activities listed as exceptions in subsection (d) below.]
a. Planting of invasive species
The planting of invasive plants within the District is prohibited.
b. Native plantings encouraged
In all areas where preexisting uses or new activities result in a buffer that does not meet the standards of this
regulation, native landscaping is preferred. Specifically, landowners are encouraged to create, enhance, or restore
native vegetation and soil grades appropriate to the water resource being buffered. A list of suggested native plants
for riparian buffers can be found in Appendix X
c. Exceptions
The following are as-of-right uses and activities within the Eightmile River Watershed Overlay District. Please note
that this does not replace any obligation of the applicant to have a determination made by the East Haddam Inland
Wetlands and Watercourses Commission or any other regulatory agency as whether additional reviews and permits
are necessary.
1. Existing structures or continuing activities, such as agriculture, that were legally in existence before the
effective date of this regulation.
2. The building of new structures, modification of existing structures, or commencement of activities that
were granted all applicable permits before the effective date of this regulation.
3. Vegetation management
In general, vegetation is to be left in a natural state wherever it existed within the District before the
effective date of this amendment. The exceptions to this requirement are as follows:
a. Mowing and maintenance of lawns, gardens, or agricultural crops is allowed in the District if these uses
were already in place on the effective date of this amendment.
b. The removal or pruning of dead, dying, diseased, or invasive plants is allowed. Replanting with native
trees or shrubs is encouraged if natural regeneration is not sufficient to restore vegetative cover. Leaving
some downed and standing woody debris is also preferable, to provide a greater variety of wildlife habitat
unless the spread of plant diseases is a concern.
c. The clearing of one footpath per property, 5 feet wide or less is allowed. In order to prevent erosion and
the creation of a channel of surface runoff, the path cannot create a straight line of sight from the outer
boundary of the District to the water resource. The property owner must use erosion control measures such
as waterbars or mulch to prevent erosion on slopes.
4. Emergency operations necessary for public safety or protection of property.
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5. State, municipal, and utility improvements and operations for which activity within the Eightmile River
Watershed Overlay District is unavoidable and necessary. This includes activities such as the replacement,
rehabilitation, or creation of infrastructure such as sewer, water, and power lines, bridges, highway
maintenance, drainage facilities. Any activity within the District must be undertaken only if there is no
practical and feasible alternative for provision of these services, and only if all measures will be taken to
minimize any adverse impacts to natural features and the functions of the watershed. These activities are
subject to all other applicable regulations.
6. Surveying and boundary posting for the purpose of marking boundary lines, subject to any other
applicable regulations.
7. Septic system maintenance such as pumping and inspections or repair as directed by the local health
official / town sanitarian. This does not include expansion of systems for addition to structures.
8. Fish and wildlife conservation activities that does not require removal of native vegetation or alteration
of stream beds or banks.
9.11.5. Activities and Uses which Special Exception Review can be applied for.
No land-disturbing activity, as set forth in Section 10.1.3.2.4 above, shall be commenced within the buffer specified
in Section 10.1.3.2. unless and until a Special Exception for such activity has been granted by the Commission. In
all cases of the granting of such Special Exception, the permittee is encouraged to expand the vegetative buffer in
another area abutting the setback area to compensate for the total area of encroachment. Please note that this does
not replace any obligation of the applicant to have a determination made by the East Haddam Inland Wetlands and
Watercourses Commission or any other regulatory agency as whether additional reviews and permits are necessary.
a. If the size of a lot is such that the Eightmile River Watershed Overlay District regulations prevent the placement,
expansion, or alteration of a structure in compliance with all other zoning regulations, owners may request a special
exception review and approval to encroach on the District setback. Every reasonable effort must be made to
minimize impacts on the functions of the watershed, and a permit will only be granted for the minimum
encroachment necessary. No Building or Structure shall be permitted within 30 feet of a major watercourse
boundary, as defined in this Section.
b. Conservation activities, non-commercial thinning, and commercial timber harvesting practices that aim to restore
natural ecosystems or enhance wildlife habitat are allowed by special exception. As part of the application for a
special exception review, the appropriateness of the vegetation removal must be verified in a written statement to the
Commission by a certified forester or other expert opinion accepted by the Commission.
c. Structures used for shoreline access (docks, boathouses, stairs, etc.) may be built after granting of a special
permit. The permit application must demonstrate that the construction and installation of the proposed structure does
not contribute to significant flow alteration, channel modification, or create any other deleterious effects on the
watercourse.
9.11.6. Permitting process
a. Application for permits
The applicant shall submit a Special Exception Application, as defined in Section 14B, and provide documentation
demonstrating the need for a special exception approval, the efforts made to minimize disturbance to the functions of
the buffer and water resources, or other documentation that may be reasonably requested by the Commission.
Applicants should look at the criteria for consideration of waiver of a Special Exception hearing if they believe the
impacts will be insignificant when measured by the standards of this regulation. Such waiver shall only be granted if
the Commission determines the impacts are insignificant when measured by the standards of this regulation.
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b. Application fee
Each application for a Special Exception in the Eightmile River Overlay District to be considered by the
Commission shall be accompanied by a fee payable to the Town of East Haddam in accordance with the schedule
adopted by the Commission.
c. Standards
The Commission shall consider the following standards when reviewing an application for a Special Exception
Approval within the setback area:
1. The compatibility of the permitted activity with the purposes of the District, shall have an insignificant
impact on the purpose of the overlay district (See Section 10.1.3.2), the Plan of Conservation &
Development, and the health, safety and welfare of the public.
2. Whether strict application of the Eightmile River Watershed Overlay District regulations would deny the
applicant reasonable use of the property, or whether this regulations would render the property unusable or
unsuitable for development.
3. Whether there is a feasibly or prudent alternative through plan modification that will lessen the impacts
and protect the buffer as intended in these regulations.
4. That the relief granted is the minimum necessary and does not conflict with other municipal, state, or
federal regulations.
9.11.7 Enforcement
Violations of the Eightmile River Watershed Overlay District regulations shall be punishable as defined in Section
2.2 of these Zoning Regulations.
9.11.8. Severability
Should any section, subsection, or provision of this amendment be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to
be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the amendment in whole or any part thereof other than the
part so declared to be invalid.
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SECTION 10 Section 10.1 - Schedule of Conforming Lots and Buildings
District Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum Maximum Lot
Lot Area Lot Width Front Yard Side & Rear Lot Coverage Impervious
Yard (each) Surface Cover
R-4 4 acres 250 ft. 40 ft. 50 ft. 5% 10%
R-2 2 acres 200 ft. 40 ft. 40 ft. 5% 10%
R-1 1 acre 150 ft. 30 ft. 25 ft. 10% 20%
R 1 acre 150 ft. 30 ft. 25 ft. 10% 20%
R-1/2 ½ acre 100 ft. 30 ft. 20 ft. 15% 20%
L 1 acre 150 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. 10% 15%
C/B/IG ½ acre 100 ft. 30 ft. 10-40 ft.*** 20% 60%
C-1 ½ acre 100 ft. 30 ft. 20 ft. 20% 60%
C-3 ½ acre 100 ft. 30 ft. 20 ft.* 20% 60%
R & D 10 acres 250 ft. 100 ft. 100 ft. 20% 30%
IG-1 1 acre 150 ft. 30 ft. ** 35% 50%
IG-2 1 acre 150 ft. 30 ft. ** 20% 50%
IG-3 1 acre 150 ft. 30 ft. ** 20% 50%
East Haddam Village District See Section 9.5.4
1. Maximum building height - See Section 9.9.3 Gateway/Conservation Zone, Section 9.5.4 East HaddamVillage
District, or 10.1.4 for the rest of the Districts.
2. * Rearyard setback is 30 ft, and sideyard increases to 30 ft. when it bounds a residential zone.
3. ** Sideyard setback is an aggregate of 60 ft. with the narrowest side being 20 ft. except when it bounds a
residential lot or Town road, the setback is a minimum of 40 ft.
4. Agriculture, farming, forestry, truck or nursery gardening, including greenhouses incidental thereto, provided
that all buildings designed for those uses shall be built not less than 100 feet from the street line and 75 feet from the
nearest line of a lot under separate ownership (Section 9.2.9)
5. Setback from water In any zone, the setback from a lake, pond, river, perennial stream or other body of water
shall be a minimum of 50 feet from the high water mark. In the Conservation Zone the setback shall be 100 feet
from the Connecticut River. (Section 10.1.3) In the Eightmile River Watershed, the buffer requirements are defined
in Section 10.1.3.2.2
6. Minimum floor area per family dwelling - in sq. ft. R4 = 1000, R2 = 900, R1 or R = 800, R ½ = 600,
C, IG, L = 600, C/B/IG = 1000, C-1 or C-3 = 600
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7. Wetland Review Area Please note, the East Haddam Inland / Wetlands Commission regulations require review
of any activity proposed within 100 feet from any wetlands soil, flood plain, or watercourse or 400 feet from an
identified vernal pool.
Section 10.1 continued
10.1.1. Minimum lot width shall be measured at the required building setback line which line shall be measured
parallel to and at the distance from the street right-of-way line which establishes the minimum required front yard.
10.1.2. Minimum front yard; If there is no established street right-of way line, then the minimum front yard shall
be determined by adding 25 feet to the requirement shown in the above schedule and measuring from the centerline
of the existing road pavement.
10.1.3 Setback from waterbodies: In any zone, except the Conservation Zone and the Eightmile River
Watershed Overlay District, the setback from a lake, pond, river, perennial stream or other body of water shall be a
minimum of 50 feet from the high water mark.
10.1.4. Building Height - Special Provisions
10.1.4.1. Building Structures- Height and Occupancy. The maximum height of any building structure shall be
thirty feet, measured from the grade plane to the mean roof height (see new building height definition). In no case
shall any peak or other building feature exceed forty feet when measured from the grade plane to that roof peak or
other building feature, except chimneys may be of such height as regulated by the building code as amended time to
time. There shall be no habitable space (see new definition) on the third story above grade; provided, however, that
in connection with the issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, the Zoning Officer may permit the occupancy
of the third story above grade of a residential building where in the review of the building plan and site plan, it is
demonstrated that the health, safety, and welfare of the potential habitants is not put to risk. This shall be
determined by demonstrating, in the sole discretion of the East Haddam Fire Chief , that access from an East
Haddam Fire Department ground ladder can be provided to at least 50% of the egress openings (windows of
adequate size or doors) for the habitable space located on the third story above grade. No Certificate Zoning
Compliance for third story above grade occupancy shall be issued without a written report from the Fire Chief
indicating compliance with the standards with of this Section. The site plan submitted shall contain final grading
plans to allow proper review. The building plans shall contain views from all sides and floor plans of all stories. In
addition, the Zoning Enforcement Officer may require a lesser building height, or the provision of special site or
building improvements, after consideration of written reports from the Building Official and/or the Fire Chief
concerning the adequacy of fire protection measures, emergency access, and the Town’s capacity to deal with
anticipated public safety challenges. See Appendix VIII
For those stories of a building that have been determined incapable of providing a Fire Department ground ladder
access in accordance with this Section, a permanent stairway to such story shall be prohibited, and such story shall
not be used for habitable space.
Exception in Lake Districts (L)
In consideration of the residential character and architectural style of the existing houses and cottages, the confined
spacing between structures, the general steepness of slopes around the lakes, and narrow street access, structures in
the L Districts shall have a maximum building height of twenty-four feet measured from the grade plane to the mean
roof height. In no case shall any peak exceed thirty two feet when measured from the grade plane to that peak or
other building feature, except chimneys may be of such height as regulated by the building code as amended time to
time. See Appendix VII
Exceptions in the Conservation Zone
In consideration of the residential character and architectural style of the existing houses and cottages, the confined
spacing between structures, the general steepness of slopes around the lakes, and narrow street access, structures in
the Conservation Zone shall have a maximum building height of twenty-four feet measured from the grade plane to
the mean roof height. In no case shall any peak exceed thirty five feet when measured from the lowest point of the
building which is visible above existing natural grade to that peak or other building feature, except chimneys may be
of such height as regulated by the building code as amended time to time. In the East Haddam Village District these
exceptions and height limits do not apply. See Appendix VIII
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10.1.4.2. Exceptions to Height Limits. A greater height may be authorized by the Commission as a Special
Exception, and may be of such reasonable height as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose to be served by the
structure. Where the structure is the principal structure on the lot, the height limits for the subject zone shall apply,
except as provided for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities. See Section 22 of these Regulations.
10.1.5. Double Frontage: In the case of a lot with frontage on more than one street, a building or structure thereon
shall be set back the required distance from each of said streets.
10.1.6. Frontage and Access - No building shall hereafter be built on any lot unless such lot has a frontage of at
least twenty-five feet on either a public street, or, on a private street approved by the Commission to serve such lot as
part of a subdivision approval pursuant to the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations; unless, it has an unobstructed
easement of access or private right-of-way at least twenty-five feet wide to a public street. In the case of an existing
lot, under separate ownership as of March 14, 1961, which has no frontage on a public street which is less than
twenty-five feet in width, and where the widening of such street would entail genuine hardship, the Zoning Board of
Appeals may authorize the permit-issuing agent to waive the requirement as to the width of said road, but in no case
shall such access way serve more than one single-family or one two-family residence or one non-residential building
10.1.7. Yards and Open Space: Except as specifically provided herein, no part of any yard or other open space
required about any building may be counted as part of a yard or other space required for any other building.
10.1.8. Building Projections: Nothing in these regulations shall prohibit the projection not more than one foot into
a required open space of pilaster, columns, belt courses, sills, cornices, or other similar architectural features, nor the
planting or landscaping of such open spaces.
10.1.9. Waiver of Front Yard Setback: Where two or more occupied dwelling houses already stand on the same
side of and face the same street, and wherever a new dwelling is to be erected on a site between any two such
existing dwelling houses neither of which is more than 75 feet distance from the proposed new dwelling, the Zoning
Board of Appeals may waive the required set back and front yard standards to such extent as to permit the new
dwelling to be so located that its front yard will have a depth no less than that of the adjacent dwelling which has the
larger front yard set back.
10.2. Accessory Uses and Buildings For a Dwelling
10.2.1 Accessory Building or Structure: Accessory Building for a Dwelling includes buildings such as garages
and barns. Accessory structures for a Dwelling include swimming pools, sheds, gazebos detached solar panels, wind
mills, and similar structures. Accessory buildings or structures shall be subject to the yard requirements for Principle
Buildings. Accessory buildings may be used for dwelling purposes provided that the total number of family units is
not greater than permitted by these regulations and provided also that the living space, floor area and lot area per
family unit shall not be less than permitted by these regulations. An accessory building includes a small building or
cabin which is accessory to a commercial farming enterprise and which is used by one or more full time hired hands
for sleeping only. In the East Haddam Village District, Accessory Buildings need not be located on the same lot as
the Principle Building when both buildings are submitted as a single development proposal.
10.2.2. Accessory Use: Accessory uses, as defined in these Regulations, are permitted in all zones, provided,
however, that if the principle use requires Site Plan Review, Special Exception, variance, or other review under these
Regulations, then the accessory use will require the same review.
10.2.3. Accessory Dwelling Units
10.2.3.1. Purpose and intent - The intent of this regulations is to allow the creation of accessory dwelling units
within residential zones with the purpose of providing housing for the elderly, single persons, or small families. This
regulation is designed to ensure that in creating an accessory dwelling unit, the single family character of the existing
principal dwelling and the neighborhood shall be retained. Accessory dwelling units are subject to a Special
Exception Review by the Commission.
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10.2.3.2. Standards:
a. An accessory dwelling unit may be used for dwelling purposes provided that the property contains the required
additional area noted below. All accessory dwelling unit construction is subject to the required yard and building
heights of these Regulations, the Building Code, and the Public Health Code.
1. An accessory dwelling unit with no more than one bedroom that is constructed attached to or part of an existing
single family dwelling or customary accessory building will require no additional acreage as long as the lot meets the
minimum lot area for the District in which the lot is located. The minimum square footage of habitable space for an
attached accessory unit is 300 square feet and the maximum square footage of habitable space is 500 square feet.
For purposes of this paragraph, no accessory building may be used for an accessory dwelling unless it is the only one
of its type on the property, i.e., the only garage, the only barn, etc.
2. An accessory dwelling unit with one or two bedrooms that is constructed as a detached building will require an
additional one-half acre above the required minimum for the District in which the lot is located. The minimum
square footage of habitable space for a detached accessory unit is 300 square feet and the maximum square footage
of habitable space is 700 square feet.
3. An accessory dwelling unit with one or two bedrooms that is constructed as a detached building that proposes
more than 700 square feet of habitable space will require double the acreage of the district.
b. The total number of dwelling units may not exceed two units for dwelling purposes per lot in the R, R1, R-2, R-4,
and LR Zones
c. Only one accessory dwelling unit is allowed on a lot.
d. The owner of the lot must be an occupant of one of the dwelling units. Either in the principal dwelling unit or the
accessory dwelling unit. Accessory units may be utilized for rental purposes as well as unpaid family
accommodations.
e. There shall be no more than two bedrooms in an accessory dwelling unit.
f. The application for an accessory unit shall be accompanied by to scale drawings of a floor plan of the
existing building layout and the proposed layout. Where exterior changes are proposed, architectural drawings shall
be presented of all elevations affected. All applications will be reviewed by the Chatham Health District, the
Building Official, and the Fire Marshall for code compliance.
g. Exterior appearances of an attached accessory dwelling unit. The accessory dwelling unit shall be designed
so that the appearance of the structure maintains that of a one family dwelling, subject further to the following
conditions and requirements:
h. Any new entrances shall be located on the side or in the rear of the dwelling.
i. Detached Accessory Unit The exterior materials, roof form, and window spacing and proportions of the
accessory dwelling unit shall be in harmony with those of the existing or proposed principal single family dwelling
unless the new structure is designed in a traditional New England form such as a barn or other historic structures in
the neighborhood. For an accessory dwelling unit located within an existing garage or other outbuilding, the
structure is not required to approximate the exterior features of the existing single family dwelling, but any exterior
modifications should be consistent with the architectural style of that structure unless the building is upgraded per the
requirement for new structures.
k. Off-street parking. There shall be provided at least two off-street parking spaces for the principal dwelling unit
and at least one off-street parking space for every bedroom in the proposed accessory dwelling unit. In order to
maintain the single-family appearance of the property, all parking spaces on the lot shall be subject further to the
following conditions and requirements:
(1) Each parking space and the driveway leading thereto shall be paved or shall have an all-weather gravel
surface. No motor vehicles shall be parked on the premises other than in the parking spaces depicted on the
approved site plans.
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(2) No parking space shall be located within the boundary of a street right-of-way.
(3) Screening shall be sufficient to minimize the visual impact on abutters and to maintain the single-family
appearance of the neighborhood.
10.3. Schedule for Non-Conforming Lots In case of any construction on lots, which with respect to area and
dimensions, were non-conforming as of March 14, 1961 or where made non-conforming by any subsequent
amendment, the following side yard requirements shall be observed:
10.3.1. Lots 99 feet or less in width: In the case of any lot 99 feet or less in width, the minimum combined width
of both side yards and the minimum width of the narrowest side yard shall be respectively as follows, except in cases
where either side yard fronts on a lake, river, perennial stream or body of water. In such cases a set back of 50 feet
from the waterfront is required.
COMBINED WIDTH MINIMUM WIDTH OF
LOT WIDTH OF SIDE YARDS NARROWEST SIDE YARD
Under 50 feet 20 feet 8 feet
50 feet to 55 feet 22 feet 10 feet
56 feet to 59 feet 25 feet 10 feet
60 feet to 69 feet 30 feet 15 feet
70 feet to 79 feet 34 feet 17 feet
80 feet to 99 feet 40 feet 20 feet
100 feet to 125 feet 40 feet 20 feet
126 feet to 150 feet 50 feet 25 feet
10.3.2. Lots 99 feet or less in depth: In case of any lots, with respect to area and dimensions, were non-
conforming as of March 14, 1961, and which are 99 feet or less in depth, the minimum depth required for front yards
and rear yards respectively shall be reduced to 20 feet except in cases where either yard fronts on a lake, river or
perennial stream or body of water. In such cases a setback of 50 feet from the waterfront is required.
10.3.3. If the above table does not apply, refer to Schedule of Conforming Lots, Section 10.1
10.4. MINIMUM BUILDABLE LAND REQUIREMENTS
Scope of Requirement
No proposed plan of a new Subdivision in any district except the R1/2, C/B/IG, and C3 districts shall hereafter be
approved unless the proposed lots equal or exceed the minimum size, width, and criteria requirements set forth in the
various districts of these Regulations except as may otherwise be specifically provided in a Conservation
Subdivision. Each proposed lot shall include an area of minimum buildable land which complies with all of the
criteria as defined in the section below. Lots constructed in the past that have not met these requirements have
demonstrated undesirable effects such as unnecessary and excessive blasting, flooded basements, ground water
management problems, stormwater management issues, questionable long term septic viability, ground water
contamination, and erosion control problems. Additional testing in the field may be required as directed by the
Town of East Haddam representative to verify compliance with the Minimum Buildable Land Area.
Minimum Criteria of Buildable Land
Each lot shall meet the following criteria:
(a) In the R2 and R4 Districts an area of at least ¾ acre (32,670 square feet) shall be delineated, having at least
four sides with the shortest side being no less than 130 linear feet. The shape of such an area shall generally
resemble a rectangle, pentagon or other like geometric figure.
In the R and R1 District an area of at least 2/3 acre (28,750 square feet) shall be delineated, having at least four sides
with the shortest side being no less than 115 linear feet. The shape of such an area shall generally resemble a
rectangle, pentagon or other like geometric figure.
(Hereinafter the “MBL Area”)
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(b) Within the MBL Area, naturally occurring topography not exceeding twenty percent (20%) slope in grade,
as measured in 40 foot increments throughout the MBL Area. Topography exceeding 20% slope shall only be
permitted to comprise 20% of the MBL Area. Areas exceeding twenty percent (20%) slope shall be shaded on the
proposed plans.
(c) Lots where testing indicates that there is less than twenty four inches (24”) of naturally occurring soil to
ground water shall not to be included in the MBL Area.
(d) Ledge rock no higher than four (4) feet below the natural ground surface as observed during soil testing
shall not be included in the MBL Area.
(e) No Inland or Tidal Wetlands or Watercourses, determined by a professional soils scientist, who is certified
by the Society of Soils Scientists of Southern New England or Upland Review Areas as defined by the East Haddam
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, shall be contained in the MBL Area.
(f) No MBL Area shall contain areas of vehicular travel easements, right of ways, utilities, drainage easement
areas, restrictive cutting easements or conservation easements used a in lieu of Stormwater Management, and other
easements for public or private facilities.
10.4.2 Alternative Minimum Buildable Land Regulations - Alternative Soil Based Subdivision Review
Intent – for existing lots which cannot meet the minimum lots criteria in Section 10.4 of the Zoning Regulations and
Section 4.06 of the Subdivision Regulations but with additional land area may be able to meet the Stormwater
Management Criteria in Section 4.02 of the Subdivision Regulations and the Public Health Code.
For an existing parcel which is unable to meet the Subdivision Regulations under the current minimum buildable
land area regulations (Section 10.4 and 4.06), an alternative soil based investigation may be explored and
implemented if the following conditions are met. As with all subdivisions, it is recommended that all subdivisions be
reviewed on a preliminary layout. See Section 3.01 through Section 3.03 of the East Haddam Subdivision
Regulations.
a. In the R2 and R4 Districts an area of at least ¾ acre (32,670 square feet) shall be delineated, having at least four
sides with the shortest side being no less than 130 linear feet. In the R and R1 District an area of at least ½ acre
(21,780) shall be delineated, having at least for sides with the shortest side being no less than 90 linear feet. The
shape of such an area shall generally resemble a rectangle, pentagon or other like geometric figure. (Hereinafter the
“MBL Area”). This MBL Area is to be within the Proposed Lot Development area.
b. One acre of additional land will be required in each District, but the proposed lot and the additional acreage
should be comprised of soils designated as Class A, B, and C soils. If the addition of one acre of soil does not meet
the requirements of these regulations, additional acreage in one (1) acre increments shall be added to meet the
requirements of these regulations.
(See Section d, e, and f below for exceptions and conditions and the soil listings in Appendix XII. This exploration
is to occur after standard soil testing required in the Subdivision Regulations has occurred. The services of a soils
scientist will be required to report on the property’s soil characteristics compared to the soil information prepared by
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). For any soils not listed in Appendix XII, the
characteristics shall be derived from the soil information prepared by USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Services (NRCS).
c. All newly proposed lots will have to meet the Connecticut Public Health Code.
d. All newly proposed lots will have to meet the Stormwater Management criteria in Section 4.02 of the Subdivision
Regulations. Stormwater Management shall be contained on each subject lot and will not be subject to restrictive
cutting easements or conservation easement to obtain the Stormwater Management goals.
e. Within the proposed lot development area, naturally occurring topography exceeding twenty five percent (25%)
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slope in the grade, as measured in 40 feet increments throughout the lot area shall be shaded on the proposed plans.
Topography exceeding 25% slope shall only be permitted to comprise twenty five percent (25%) of the proposed lot
development area.
f. Within the proposed lot development area no more than twenty five percent (25%) of the lot area can contain soils
classified as Class D and E soils combined. Areas consisting of Class D and E soils shall be identified on each lot
and the percentage of the area of Class D and E soils on each lot shall be noted on the proposed subdivision map.
See Appendix XII for soil classifications.
g. No proposed lot area shall contain existing areas of vehicular travel easements, right of ways , underground
utilities, drainage easement areas, nor shall restrictive cutting easements or conservation easements be used in lieu of
Stormwater Management. Easement areas of overhead electrical wires can be used for the MBL area as long as the
plan does not violate any easement prohibitions (ie – buildings/structures).
h. All proposed lots shall meet the other requirements of the Subdivision and Zoning Regulations. Applicant has to
choose one method of subdivision review process for the proposed lot under Section 4.06.1 or Section 4.06.2.
Under the filing of an alternative subdivision review under Section 4.06.2 the application can not apply with part of
the property as a Conventional of Conservation Subdivision. Existing parcels as the effective date of this regulation
shall not be brought in for review in phases to circumvent the intent of these regulations.
10.5. Other Bulk Regulations
10.5.1. Agriculture, farming, forestry, truck or nursery gardening including greenhouses incidental thereto,
provided that all buildings designed for those uses shall be built not less than 100 feet from the street line and 75 feet
from the nearest line of a lot under separate ownership.
10.5.2. The display and sale of farm and garden produce raised on the premises. For such purposes one stand
not over 200 square feet in area and not more than two signs aggregating not over 12 square feet in area, advertising
such produce, may be erected. Such stand or signs shall be on the premises and not less than ten feet from any street
line.
10.5.3. Resort Dimensions: Any resort hereafter established shall have a minimum frontage of two hundred feet, a
minimum depth of two hundred feet, and shall have no structure less than one hundred feet from the center of the
street.
10.5.4. Lots In More Than One District: In the case of a lot lying in more than one district, the provisions of the
less restrictive district may be applied for a distance of not over thirty feet into a more restrictive district, provided
that such lot has frontage on a street in the less restrictive district. In any case in which the strict application of this
thirty foot limitation would result in a substantial hardship, the affected owner may apply to the Zoning Board of
Appeals for a variance as provided in the Statutes.
10.5.5. Minimum Floor Area: Every building designed or intended for human habitation, hereafter erected, moved
or reconstructed, shall have living space of at least six hundred square feet. Living space shall be included in
computation only if it has a minimum headroom of seven feet, and where located above the first floor, only if
accessible by a permanent inside stairway. Porches, basement rooms in any part below the grade, garages and other
attached accessory structures shall not be computed in living space.
10.5.6. Construction Prior to Adoption of Regulations: Nothing in these regulations shall require any change in
the plans, construction or designated use of a building for which the construction shall have been commenced prior
to the adoption of these regulations or of any pertinent amendment thereto, provided that such building shall be
completed within one year of the adoption of such regulations or amendment.
10.5.7. Reduced side and rear yard for small structures. Sheds, gazebos, and other accessory structures
(except garages) under 150 square feet in floor area and up to 12 feet in height - Side and rear yard in LR, R1/2, R,
R-1, R-2, and R-4 may be reduced to 10 feet from the property line.
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10.6 Interior Lot Regulations
Section 1 - Purpose and Intent
The purpose and intent of allowing interior lots is to allow for some flexibility in site design to:
1. allow for the creation of environmentally sensitive, low density, residential development with design requirements
that will preserve and protect significant areas of natural resources and historical features;
2. preserve East Haddam’s rural character and natural resources;
3. reduce impervious surfaces by avoiding the creation of new roads and reduce the loss of forest canopy; and to
reduce long term infrastructure cost,
4. take advantage of unique topographical situations;
All of which are goals of the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Section 2 – Requirements
1. An interior lot is defined as a lot that does not have the required minimum lot width for the District as required in
these regulations but does have street frontage, and is situated generally behind a lot or lots fronting the street. The
lot must be accessible from the street over an access strip that is owned in fee simple by the owner of the interior lot.
A right of way or easement of access shall not satisfy this requirement except where such right of way existed prior
to June 1, 1979.
2. Interior lots shall be created as part of a formal subdivision/ resubdivision application, where required by the East
Haddam Subdivision Regulations and upon the issuance of a Special Exception application for the creation of
interior lots. The intent of this provision is that all remaining parcels of land are to be in compliance with the Zoning
and Subdivision Regulations.
3. It is the obligation of the applicant to demonstrate that the use of the interior lots provisions of this Section or the
standard road construction method of development are both feasible under the regulations. Once the applicant has
demonstrated that both the interior layout and the standard road construction layout are feasible for this location, it
shall be the burden of the applicant to prove to the satisfaction of the Commission that the land characteristic and
physical site conditions make interior lot development preferable to the standard road construction method of
development; and that such interior lot(s) will be in harmony with the Plan of Conservation and Development, and
will be in compliance with all applicable Town Regulations and Ordinances.
4. The building setback line for an interior lot shall be measured from the point where the lot meets the minimum lot
width requirements for the applicable zone.
5. The minimum street frontage and the minimum width of the access strip shall be twenty-five feet (25’) for each
lot, except where the Commission deems it necessary to increase the minimum width. When issues concerning the
access strip such as, but not limited to, safety, sight lines, and buffering are raised, the Commission may require a
width in excess of twenty-five (25’) to insure proper design and public safety.
6. The number of adjoining interior lot drive access strips shall not exceed two unless the Commission determines
that the creation of more interior lots furthers the intent of this regulation. Adjoining interior lot drives are to be
common drives to the furthest greatest extent possible.
7. Driveway Standards. To promote traffic safety, reduce erosion, and to prevent drainage and icing problems, all
proposed interior lots shall be designed by a professional engineer and constructed in conformance with the
provisions of this Regulation, the Driveway Design Criteria of the Subdivision Regulations, and the Connecticut
Stormwater Quality Manual guidelines, except as modified below:
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a. Interior lot driveways whether single or common shall follow to the greatest extent possible the natural
terrain while minimizing regrading, cuts and fill sections.
b. Common driveways must be paved for the length of the common drive surface and the common
driveway shall be a minimum of fifty feet (50’) from the street line.
c. Interior lots must be serviced by underground utilities. (The
Commission may allow overhead utilities where excessive conditions
such as ledge or wetlands exist).
d. When common driveways are employed, easement and maintenance
agreement language acceptable to the Commission must be used. Said easements and maintenance
agreement language shall be filed in the land records of the Town Clerk prior to endorsement of any
record map.
e. The Commission will seek reviews from the East Haddam Fire
Department and the East Haddam Ambulance Association for
adequacy of access to ensure that the public health, safety, and
welfare of the residents are protected on these driveways.
8. Minimum Lot Size
a. Each interior lot shall contain twice the minimum lot area required for
that zone or district. Two family units on an interior shall require
four the times the minimum lot area required for that zone or
district.
Frontage lot R-1 District – 1 acre 1 Family = 1 acre, 2 Family = 2 acres
Interior lots 1 Family = 2 acres, 2 Family = 4 acres
b. Each interior lot for an open space/conservation subdivision under the provisions of Section 23 shall contain
twice the Aggregate Maximum Lot Average of the minimum lot area required.
R-4 R-2
Minimum lot Area 1 acre .75 acre
Maximum Lot Area 1.5 acres 1.25 acres
Aggregate Maximum
Lot Average 1.25 acres 1 acre
Interior Lot Size 2.5 acres 2 acres
9. Landscape Requirements – Interior lots and their road frontage access area shall be adequately buffered with
suitable native vegetation so as to ensure (a) a scenic and rural appearance from the public way and (b) suitable
privacy for occupants of all adjoining properties.
a. A permanent and contiguous landscaped buffer strip shall be provided on the interior lot to buffer existing and
potential occupants of the front lot with a minimum buffer of twenty five feet and buffering may be required for other
adjoining properties. Suitable existing trees and shrubs may be preserved or augmented by plantings to provide the
required buffer. The landscaping planting requirements may be waived by the Commission if a substantial
vegetative buffer exists. The preservation and maintenance of the said buffer strip shall be recorded as a deeded
restrictive covenant and the buffer strip shall be maintained by the property owner as required in the restrictive
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covenant. The restrictive covenant language acceptable to the Commission must be used. Said restrictive covenant
shall be filed in the land records of the Town Clerk prior to endorsement of any record map.
b. The access strip of an interior lot shall be maintained in a suitable fashion as to provide safe access to
the interior lot and to prevent degradation to the abutting properties. No materials are to be stored and no vehicles
may be parked on a regular basis on the access strip.
10. The distance between the nearest point of the access strip frontage serving interior lots shall be a minimum of
300 feet measured along the road right of way. When there are common interior lot access strips serving two or
more interior lots, the minimum distance to any other interior lot access strip frontage shall be 600 feet.
11. In the case where an interior lot is situated in two different districts, the area and bulk requirements of the more
restrictive district shall be adhered to.
12. The Commission may require open space which includes a variety of landforms, habitat, and vegetation,
including wetlands and uplands, steep topography and level areas, vistas and visual screens, riverine areas and
hilltops, historic sites, or other natural resources.
See 4.09.02 of the Subdivision Regulations and Section 23.7a of the Zoning Regulations.
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Section 11 General Parking Requirements
11.0 Intent:
Off-street parking shall be provided for the total use in structures hereafter constructed, reconstructed, or enlarged in
accordance with the following requirements. Said parking shall be part of the site plan or prepared as a separate plan
and shall include boundary screening and landscaping, landscaped islands, parking sites, traffic circulation patterns,
loading areas, storm drainage facilities and traffic access and egress including driveways.
Section 11.1 Number of Parking Spaces
Off-street parking shall be provided and maintained in connection with the use, substantial change in use,
construction, conversion, or increase in intensity of use of buildings or structures, such spaces to be provided in the
following amounts per 1000 square foot (SF) of Gross Floor Area (GFA):
Land Use Maximum Minimum
Bank 5 3
Theater, Movie 1 space per seats 3 space per seats
Theater, Live 2.6 2.2
Retail 5 2
General Office Building 5 2
Light Industrial 8 2
Medical Office Building 10 2
Nursing Home 4 1
Restaurants 12 6
Small Shopping Centers 6 3
Bed and Breakfast & Country Inn 1.2 space per guest 1 spaces per guest
room or suite room or suite
Personal Services 3 2
Day Care Centers 1 space per 4 children 1 space per 8 children
at max. capacity at max. capacity
Churches and Places of Worship 1 space per 3 seats in 1 space per 5 seats in
the portion of the building the portion of the building
used for services used for services
Museum and Libraries 2 1
Social, Fraternal Clubs and Organizations 4 3
Elementary, Middle, and High Schools 1 space per 3 seats in 1 space per 5 seats in
the auditorium the auditorium
Warehouse 1 1
Home Occupation 4 per dwelling unit plus 2 per dwelling unit plus
1.5 per non-resident employee 1 per non- resident employee
Multi-Family Residences 2.5 per dwelling unit 1 per dwelling unit
Commercial Kennel 3 1
Automotive Sales and/or Rental 3 1
Automotive Repair and/or Service 4 2
Gymnasiums, Physical Fitness Centers, Health 4 2
Spas, Martial Arts Centers, and Dance Studios
Indoor Recreation Facilities 5 5
Outdoor Recreation Facilities As determined by the As determined by the
Commission based on a Commission based on
parking demand study a parking demand study
For uses not listed in this section, the minimum and maximum number of parking spaces required shall be
comparable to the closet other similar use as determined by the Commission. Loading Areas shall be determined by
the proposed use and frequency of deliveries.
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Section 11.2 Handicapped Parking Space Requirements
All off-street parking areas shall include paved handicapped accessible parking spaces. Pursuant to subsection (h) of
section 14-253a of the Connecticut General Statutes, parking spaces for passenger motor vehicles designated for
handicapped shall be as near as possible to a building entrance or walkway and shall be at least 15 feet wide
including 5 feet of cross hatch and twenty feet long. Handicap accessible parking spaces and access aisles shall be
provided in the following amounts relative to the total number of spaces provided in the parking area:
Total Required
Parking Accessible
Spaces In Lot Spaces
1-25 1
26-50 2
51-75 3
76-100 4
Add one handicap parking space for every additional 25 spaces or a portion over the 25 spaces.
For every six or fraction of six handicap accessible parking spaces, at least one shall be van-accessible parking
space. Van parking spaces shall be 20 feet long, 16 feet wide including 8 feet of cross hatch.
Section 11.3. Waivers and Exceptions
Section 11.3a. Intent
It is the intent of these regulations that all structures and land uses be provided with a sufficient amount of off-street
motor vehicle parking, while allowing for some flexibility of site design to accommodate the unique characteristics
of individual properties. This section of the regulations is intended to set standards for conditions under which a
waiver or exception from the general parking requirements may be allowed.
The Commission may require the submission of a parking demand analysis as part of any request for a waiver or
exception from the general parking requirements.
Section 11.3.b. Waivers
Except for buildings used or occupied for residential use, all or part of the off-street parking requirements may be
waived by the Commission where the proposed planning, design, and construction includes the following:
1. Sufficient publicly owned or shared parking spaces within 500 feet of the proposed development site.
2. Access to a regularly scheduled transit stop within 500 feet of the proposed development, with service available
during the hours necessary to serve the activities of the use for which a waiver is sought.
Section 11.3.c. Parking Reduction Requests
In the case that an applicant believes that the required parking amounts are in excess of what is needed for the
proposed use, the applicant may submit a request with justification to the Commission for a reduction in parking
space requirements. The Commission will consider and act on this request concurrent with and as part of the
application process.
Section 11.3.d. Parking in the East Haddam Village District or C/B/IG Center District
All requirements for number of off-street parking spaces as listed in Section 11.1 “Maximum” shall be reduced by
25% where the use and associated required parking would be located within the East Haddam Village District or
C/B/IG - Moodus Center District.
Section 11.3.e. Parking for Mixed-Use Developments
In Mixed-Use developments, or developments where parking is affected by cooperative agreements between
different land uses, for any proposed use, substantial change in use, construction, conversion, or increase in intensity
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of use of any buildings or structures, the applicant shall submit a parking demand analysis that demonstrates parking
demand patterns. The parking demand analysis must be approved by the Commission and will thereafter serve as the
basis for determination of required parking at the mixed-use site.
11.3.f. Parking in Excess of the Maximum
The Commission may approve parking lots with more spaces that the allowed maximum provided that all of the
spaces above maximum number are constructed of a pervious surface, and where adequate stormwater management
is provided as specified in Section 11.8 of these regulations.
The Commission may also approve parking lots with additional impervious parking spaces above the allowed
maximum spaces where the use of pervious spaces would not be environmentally sound and where a stormwater
management plan is included with the application and implemented, employing, at a minimum, the stormwater
management measures specified in Section SWM of these regulations.
Section 11.3.g. Parking Space Held on Reserve
For phased developments, the Commission may provide that up to 50 percent of the parking spaces required by this
section will not be immediately constructed and may be kept in reserve. Such reserve parking areas must be kept
planted and maintained rather than surfaced for parking until such time as the additional parking space is necessary
to serve completed phases of the associated development. No above ground improvements shall be placed or
constructed upon such reserve parking areas. The areas designated as reserve parking must be clearly depicted on
the phased development site plan and the terms and conditions of phasing of the parking area completion, as
determined by the Commission, must clearly be set forth in notations on the approved site plan.
Section 11.4. Parking Lot Design
Parking lots shall be designed to achieve the greatest efficiency of use of space practicable. In general, the preferred
layout should have:
1. 90 degree parking, rather than angled parking;
2. Parking provided around the periphery of the site with no parking located between the building and street.
11.4.a. Minimum Design Requirements
At a minimum, all parking lots shall:
1. Have a minimum stall size of 9’ x 18’
2. Have rectangular parking stalls
3. Have aisle widths and parking angles in a minimum ratio as shown as follows:
Parking Minimum Direction
Angle(degrees) Aisle Width of Flow
45
50 12’9” One way
55 13’3” One way
60 14’3” One way
65 15’2” One way
70 16’ One way
75 24’ Two way
90 24’ Two way
4. Have no greater than 5% slope
5. Have a number and location of access drives compatible with traffic circulation patterns both within the site and
on the abutting street system
6. Provide sufficient stacking area (area where cars may need to wait in line to exit onto the street or to enter to
circulate in the parking lot), and stacking for at least 2 vehicles at the inbound access drives to the site.
7. No parking space shall be designed to allow a vehicle to protrude or overhang sidewalks or any landscaped area.
8. Minimize potential conflict points between pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles. Required off-street parking
facilities shall be maintained as long as the use or structure exists for which the facilities are designed to serve.
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Section 11.5: Pervious Parking Area
In all districts, off-street parking provided and maintained as paved/impervious surface shall be counted as part of
the Lot Impervious Surface Coverage. Parking areas composed of pervious surfaces are encouraged for all land uses
and lots, unless there are overriding environmental limitation, and may be provided to meet all or part of any
required parking spaces on a lot
Measures that shall be considered to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces in all proposed parking lots include:
1. Provide pervious parking stall surfaces
2. Provide pervious overflow parking
3. Provide pervious snow-storage space
4. Conserve existing natural areas, including trees on-site
5. Minimize clearing to the extent practicable while retaining access, sight distance, and safe vehicle flows
Section 11.6: Shared Parking
11.6.a: Shared Parking
The Commission encourages parking lots for different structures or uses, or for mixed uses, to be shared in any
zoning district. At the applicant’s request, shared parking may be provided, subject to the following provisions:
1. A reciprocal written agreement has been executed by all the parties concerned that assures the perpetual joint use
of such common parking, a copy of which has been submitted to and is acceptable to the Commission. The
Commission may forward such agreements to the town legal counsel for review.
2. The Commission may require the applicant to provide a parking study with all information deemed necessary to
its decision-making on a shared parking agreement. This information includes but is not limited to a) the type and
hours of operation and parking demand, for each use, b) a site plan displaying shared use spaces in the lot and
walking distance to the uses sharing the lot, c) a description of the character of land use and parking patterns of
adjacent land uses, and d) an estimate of anticipated turnover in parking space use over the course of 12 to 24 hours
at the site.
2. Parking spaces to be shared must not be reserved for individuals or groups on a 24-hour basis.
3. Uses sharing the parking facility do not need to be contained on the same lot, but shall be a maximum of 500 feet
from the parking space in the parking lot which is to be used and allow for safe, convenient walking for most
parkers, including safe pedestrian crossings, signage, and adequate lighting. A waiver of the maximum allowable
distance from the proposed use to the parking area may be approved by the Commission with written justification
and supporting information provided by the applicant.
4. If the conditions for shared parking become null and void and the shared parking arrangement is discontinued,
this will constitute a violation of zoning regulations for any use approved expressly with shared parking. The
applicant must then provide written notification of the change to the Zoning Enforcement Official and, within 60
days of that notice, provide a remedy satisfactory to the Commission to provide adequate parking.
11.6.b: Reduction in Parking Space Required for Shared Parking:
Where shared parking is provided for a Mixed Use of land, the Commission may allow the following, at the
applicant’s request:
1. Up to 30% of the parking spaces required for the predominant use on a site may be shared with other uses
operating during the same time of day and days of the week. The predominant use is considered to be that which
requires the most parking of those sharing the parking facilities.
2. Up to 75% of parking spaces required for uses such as theaters (Movie and Live), public auditoriums, bowling
alleys, nightclubs, movie theaters, and similar predominately evening uses may be shared with such uses such as
banks, offices, and similar predominately daytime uses.
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3. Up to 75% of the parking spaces required for such uses such as Houses of Worship and other uses exclusively in
operation during the weekend may be shared with such uses as medical offices, banks, and other similar uses
predominately in operation on weekdays.
Section 11.7: Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations
Section 11.7.a Intent
It is the intent of these Regulations to promote and support access by bicycle and walking throughout the community.
To this end, all parking lots must be designed to provide safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access as a part
of any Parking Area or Structure design including safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle movement to and from
public walkways and/or bikeways, streets, or transit stops.
Section 11.7.b Bicycle Access Design Standards
A minimum of two bicycle parking space shall be provided for each 40 off-street automobile parking spaces within
the East Haddam Village District or C/B/IG District.
At a minimum, all bicycle parking spaces shall be provided in the form of bicycle racks with locking capacity.
Bicycle parking facilities shall be designed and installed to include:
1. Spaces that are a minimum of 2 feet by 6 feet per bicycle
2. The minimum number possible of potential conflict points between bicycles and motor vehicles
3. Lighting
4. Provision for locking of bicycles to the rack or bicycle locker
5. Adequate spacing for access to the bicycle and locking device when the spaces are occupied.
6. Where possible, bicycle parking shall be located within view of building entrances or in view of windows, and/or
security personnel stations.
Section 11.7.c Pedestrian Access Design Standards
Provision for safe and convenient pedestrian access shall be incorporated into landscaping plans for any parking area
or Parking Structure. This shall be clearly shown on all site plans.
Any parking Area designed, constructed, and maintained, as part of a development must be designed such that the
flow of pedestrians can be directed though a system of convenient routes that bring them to central walkways leading
to main entrances. All walkways shall be constructed to provide for:
1. Safe separation of all walkways from motor vehicle traffic shall be done through the use of raised sidewalks
and/or landscaping between sidewalks and parking spaces and/or driving aisles.
2. Safe, well-articulated pedestrian crossings demarcated with pavement markings, pedestrian warning signs, and
lighting
3. A minimum of 4 feet in width
4. Inclusion of plantings, benches, and lighting along walkways and at all pedestrian crossings
5. Design, construction and maintenance to accommodate disabled individuals per Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) requirements.
Section 11.8: Design Standards for Stormwater Management and Landscaping in Parking Lots
Section 11.8.a Intent:
It is the intent of these regulations to encourage the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize, treat,
prevent and/or reduce degradation of water quality and flooding potential due to stormwater runoff from parking. In
all districts, all developments shall be designed to the extent practicable with the goal of no increase in peak rate
runoff from the site. In addition, the peak volume of runoff from the site after development shall not, to the extent
practicable, exceed the peak volume of site run-off prior to the proposed development. In addition, the stormwater
management system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained with BMPs to minimize run-off volumes, prevent
flooding, reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, maintain or improve wildlife habitat, and contribute to the
aesthetic values of the project.
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Section 11.8.b General Standards
Stormwater management systems in parking lots shall be designed in accordance with BMPs as described in the most
recent version of the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP), and to meet the following general
standards as described in Section 28 of the East Haddam Zoning Regulations:
1. Infiltration of stormwater shall be accommodated to the extent possible though limitation of land disturbance and
grade changes, retention of existing natural drainage area and wetlands, and use or creation of vegetated islands,
vegetated medians, and vegetated perimeter buffer strips.
2. All stormwater detention and conveyance structures shall be constructed to control the post-development peak
discharge rates from 10, 25, and 100-year storms to the corresponding pre-development peak discharge rates.
3. Site plans must include information regarding all existing and proposed landscaping and stormwater management
structured and features.
4. Natural drainage patterns shall be maintained to the extent practicable. The applicant must demonstrate though
information provided on and in association with the proposed site plan, the existing and proposed drainage patterns
and calculated flows.
Section 11.8.c: Landscaping Standards for Parking Lot Stormwater Management:
The landscaping requirements in this section are intended to maximize the natural areas retained in any Parking Area
in order to optimize natural infiltration of rainwater, intercept and manage stormwater runoff, and provide an
aesthetic setting for development. In order to accomplish these goals the following standards shall apply:
1. Developments with proposed parking spaces of fifteen (15) spaces or more shall provide a minimum of 15% of
the total parking area as landscaped open space. The Parking Area shall be defined as in Section 5 of these
regulations. Such landscaped open space may be provided in the form of islands, aesthetic landscape treatments,
pedestrian refuge/oasis areas, and may include the perimeter buffer between the Parking Area and adjacent streets,
residential/commercial developments, or open space areas. Planting plans shall not include invasive species. This
list is available from the Department of Environmental Protection.
2. Developments with proposed Parking Areas of fifteen (15) or more Parking Spaces should provide landscaped
islands and perimeter landscaping throughout the parking area planted with a mix of shrubs and trees. Such islands
and perimeter plantings should be located:
a. At each parking lot entrance
b. At the ends of each parking Aisle
c. As intermediate islands in long rows of spaces, located every 15 spaces
d. As separation between long rows of Parking Spaces where that abut other rows
e. As separation between pedestrian walkways and Parking Spaces and/or driving Aisles
3. A minimum of two deciduous or evergreen tree and two shrubs shall be planted on the parking lot islands for
every 40 feet of linear measurement of the proposed island or perimeter landscaping. Trees and shrubs shall
conform, to the following standards:
a. Deciduous trees shall be planted at 2.5 inches in caliper with a mature height of at least 35 feet.
b. Evergreen trees shall be coniferous species planted at 6 feet in height.
c. Shrubs shall be either deciduous species planted at 2 ½ feet in height or evergreen species planted at 2 ½ feet in
spread.
d. Trees and shrubs shall be situated such that they do not obstruct vehicle sight lines when at full growth.
4. Failure to maintain any landscaped area or buffer strip shall constitute a violation of these Regulations.
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SIGNS
12.1 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
It is the intent of this section to accommodate the establishment of signs necessary for identification, direction, and
reasonable commercial promotion, while assuring compatibility of signs with the surrounding land use and to
conserve property values in all zones and districts. Through these regulations, East Haddam’s rural and historical
character shall be considered in all signs and sign construction. An additional purpose of this section is to permit
signs that will not through their proliferation, extension, location, or height be detrimental to the public health and
safety by creating signs that confuse, mislead, or obstruct the vision necessary for traffic safety or otherwise
endanger public health and safety.
12.2 DEFINITIONS
Billboard: A sign which directs the attention of the viewer to a business, commodity service, entertainment, or other
use which is conducted, sold, offered, or occurring, either presently or in the future, at a location different from the
lot upon which such sign is displayed, or only incidentally occurring upon such lot, or any sign that is larger than
four (4) feet by eight (8) feet.
Building Facade Area: The building facade area is calculated by multiplying the linear distance that the building
fronts the street by the height to the eaves of the building section that front the street. The building height may vary
requiring calculating each section separately for compliance.
Egress sign: A sign directing a vehicle out of an area.
Ingress sign: A sign directing a vehicle into an area.
Sign: Any structure, or part thereof, or any device attached to a building or structure or painted or represented
thereon which displays or includes letters, words, symbols, trademarks or any other graphic representation which is
in the nature of an announcement, direction or advertisement for commercial purposes or otherwise; similarly, any
natural object, such as a tree, stone, or the earth itself, which is painted or arranged so as to represent or display any
of the aforesaid graphic representations; any building feature, including roof or other special illumination, special
colors or effects, or building or roof lines which serve to identify the use or occupancy of any building or site
through a recognized motif or symbol. The term “sign” shall include pennants, flags, and banners but not include the
flag of any nation, state, or other political unit.
Sign Area or Face: The plane defined by one continuous perimeter of that rectangle, triangle, circle, or other shape
having the smallest area which encompasses all the lettering, wording, design, or symbols together with any
background different from the balance of the wall on which it is located, if such background is designed as an
integral part of and relation to the sign. Such perimeter, however, shall not include any structural elements lying
outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display. For the purposes of these Regulations,
two-sided signs shall be considered to have only one sign face.
Sign, Directly Illuminated and Internally Illuminated.: Any sign designed to give forth any artificial light
directly or indirectly through any transparent, reflective, translucent or similar material, from a source of light
contained within, upon, or otherwise structurally integrated into such sign, including neon signs.
Sign, Indirectly Illuminated: A Sign illuminated by a light source which is remote from the sign structure or is
affixed to the sign or sign structure and so shielded that no direct rays there from are visible elsewhere than upon the
Sign Face, or the area immediately around it, but in no event shall light rays be directed off the lot where said Sign is
located. If such shielding is defective or fails to conform to the criteria of this definition, such Sign shall be deemed
to be a Directly Illuminated Sign. Lighting is to be mounted to be directed downward onto the Sign Face, and not
upwards from the ground or from the sides of the Sign.
Temporary Sign: Any sign which is intended to advertise community or civil projects, construction projects, real
estate for sale or lease, or other special events of a temporary nature, erected on a temporary basis.
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12.3 GENERAL RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS:
Attachment: No sign shall be attached to any tree, fence, highway sign, utility pole or be permitted to be painted
directly upon the wall or roof of any building.
Billboards: No billboards shall be permitted in any district.
Dynamic Signs: No signs shall be of the type that moves or rotates mechanically or is illuminated by a light source,
which visibly flashes, oscillates, pulsates, or otherwise automatically changes in intensity or color.
Elevation: No free-standing sign shall have a height greater than fifteen (15’) feet above the average grade in the
area at the base of, or below the sign or extend above the highest portion of the main exterior wall of the structure on
the site nearest the street, whichever is less.
Frontage: In the case where a building faces two (2) or more public streets or has two (2) or more sides facing one
(1) street, only one (1) side shall be considered as having frontage except buildings in Commercial Districts (C/B/IG,
C-3, IG-1) may count two (2) of the sides facing a street as frontage. In the C/B/IG, C-3, IG-1 the signage on the
face of the building has to correlate with the frontage of that side.
Government Signs: Nothing in these Regulations shall prohibit the State of Connecticut or the Town of East
Haddam from erecting signs intended for the health and safety of the public provided such signs meet the applicable
requirements of these regulations.
Hazardous Signs: Any sign which has been found to be hazardous to the public by the Zoning Enforcement Officer
or the Building Official shall be repaired, replaced, or removed within ten (10) days after notification of such
finding. Failure to comply with such notification shall be deemed a violation of these Regulations, and subject the
violator to such penalties as may be provided by law.
House Identification Signs: House identification signage shall not exceed three (3) square feet. This signage shall
include Historical plaques.
Illumination: Indirectly illuminated signs Any sign which includes illumination shall be arranged so that all light
is concentrated on the sign and there shall be no direct light cast on the street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
Neon and internally illuminated signs Neon and internally illuminated signs are prohibited in all residential
zones, all Historic Districts, the East Haddam Village District, C-3 District, and all IG Districts except for IG-1, IG
4, IG 7, IG 9). Internally illuminated signs (not including neon) are permitted in IG-1, IG 4, IG 7, IG 9 Districts but
are limited to one “open sign” 12” X 18” and must be mounted on the building below the first floor ceiling level and
is to be illuminated only during business hours.
Internally illuminated and neon signs are permitted in C/B/IG District but are limited to two per establishment, one
“open sign” 12” X 18” and one other internally illuminated or neon sign not to exceed 6 square feet. Internally
illuminated or neon signs are to be mounted on or in the building and are to be illuminated only during business
hours. No internally illuminated sign may be mounted on the building above the first floor ceiling level without a
application and approval for second floor occupants.
Interference with Traffic: No sign or sign structure shall be permitted at any location where it could interfere with,
or obstruct the view of traffic or be confused with any authorized traffic signal, sign, or device.
Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in a clean, proper working order, free and clear of rubbish and weeds.
Normal maintenance shall include painting, changing, replacing broken light fixtures and lenses, adding, or removing
advertising or information on display surfaces and routine repairs necessary to keep the sign in a neat, clean,
attractive and safe condition, and reflecting the current occupancy of the site.
Non-Conforming Signs: Signs existing upon the effective date of this Regulation and not conforming to its
provisions, or any amendment thereto, shall be deemed a non-conforming sign. No non-conforming sign shall be
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structurally altered, relocated, or replaced other than changes in content; nor shall any non-illuminated non-
conforming sign be illuminated; and no new signs shall be installed on the lot, except those in compliance with these
Regulations. See Section 12.4 regarding changes in content or text.
Obsolete Signs. Any Sign Face now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business or product
sold shall be removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure upon
which such sign may be located within thirty (30) days after written notification from the Zoning Agent. Failure to
comply with such notification shall be deemed a violation of these Regulations, and subject the violator to such
penalties as may be provided by law. This paragraph shall not require the removal of the Sign structure absent
evidence of an intent to abandon a non-conforming sign.
Obstruction of Egress: No sign shall be erected or located so that it could prevent free ingress or egress from any
window, door, or fire escape.
Obstruction of Light or Air: No sign shall be placed in such a position that it could obscure any window or
doorway intended for light or air.
Other Permits Required: All signs that are considered structures and shall meet the required Electrical and
Building Codes of the State of Connecticut. Only materials permitted by the Building Code governing structural
materials and equipment as approved by the Building Official, conforming to standard engineering practices, shall be
used in the manufacture and erection of signs.
Projection: Signs affixed flat or parallel to buildings or other structures shall not project more than eighteen (18”)
inches there from or project beyond the side of the structure, and shall be located so that the highest part of the sign
shall not extend above the highest portion of the main exterior wall nearest the street.
Setback: Signs shall be set back at least fifteen (15’) feet from the edge of any paved roadway, or that portion of a
road which is improved, designed or ordinarily intended for vehicular use, or located on the applicant’s property,
whichever is greater, except that ingress and egress signs may be located on that portion of the applicant’s property
immediately adjacent to the road right-of-way, provided each such sign shall not exceed one (1) square foot in area
and twenty-four (24”) inches in elevation and is limited to one such sign per ingress or egress.
Warning and Traffic Control on Private Premises: All signs for the purpose of traffic control on private property
shall be in conformance with the size, shape, color, and use provisions as specified in the latest revisions of the State
of Connecticut, Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Window Signs: Any sign located on or within two (2’) feet of the interior surface of a window, and if intended for
viewing from the exterior of the window, shall be considered a sign and subject to the provisions of this Section 12.
12.4 SIGNS NOT REQUIRING PERMITS
The following signs may be erected without the issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, and without review
by the Commission, provided such signs conform to the requirements set forth below and meet the general
restrictions of Section 12.3.
Change in Text/Content: A change in the text or content of a sign, with no other change in size, location, color,
illumination, or any other aspect of the sign, shall not require the issuance of a new Sign Permit, provided such
change in text or content does not change the classification or method of illumination of such sign, as set forth in
these Regulations. If the property is within a Historic District, the applicant is still required to have the sign
reviewed and approved by the Historic District Commission.
Non-Advertising Traffic Control Signs. Directional signs whose purpose is to reduce street congestion by
directing traffic flow to entryways and parking areas, provided that such signs are not designed to become an
additional form of advertising by displaying company logos, symbols, motif colors, or products.
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Temporary Building Signs: Temporary building signs located on land where building or buildings are actually
under construction limited to a maximum of six (6) square feet. Such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days
of the completion of the activity advertised. Signs may include the names of the contractors, architects, engineers,
and similar information about the building under construction.
Temporary Commercial Signs: Signs advertising a sale or special event as part of an ongoing business are
permitted, will be treated as part of the sign coverage area for the lot (see Section 12.5b.2) and must be removed
within 48 hours of the end of the advertised sale or event. One temporary sign per business. Temporary Commercial
Signs (portable signs) shall not exceed six (6) square feet per side.
Temporary For Sale/For Rent Signs: In any district, two (2) non-illuminated, signs containing not more than six
(6) square feet each may advertise the sale or rental of the premises on which the sign is situated and shall be
removed within one (1) week of the sale or rental of the premises.
Temporary Political Signs: Signs shall not exceed eight (8’) feet in height and thirty-two (32) square feet in area,
shall be erected no sooner than 90 days before the activity advertised and shall be removed within fourteen (14) days
of the completion of the activity advertised.
See Temporary Non-Profit Organization Signs
.
Temporary Non-Profit Organization Signs: Any sign for a civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, or similar non-
profit organization event with the permission of the property owner or when placed on property of the Town of East
Haddam with the permission of the First Selectman. Such sign shall not exceed eight (8’) feet in height and thirty-
two (32) square feet in area, shall be erected no sooner than sixty (60) days before the activity advertised and shall be
removed within fourteen (14) days of the completion of the activity advertised.
Temporary Signs for Public Auction, Permits and Public Projects: Temporary signs required to comply with
Town, State, or Federal regulations or orders shall not exceed the minimum size required by statute or regulation.
Duration of display shall not exceed the minimum time required by statute or regulation.
Temporary Sale Signs: One (1) temporary sign, accessory to a dwelling, not more than two (2) square feet in area,
advertising the sale of an item of personal property owned by a person residing on the premises may be displayed.
12.5 SIGNS REQUIRING PERMITS:
12.5A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
The following signs shall require review and approval by the Commission of the proposed location, dimensions,
illumination, height, color, and other details of each sign, and an application fee set forth in the Town of East
Haddam Town Ordinance Book. All signs in Residential Districts shall be compatible with the rural, New England
character of the Town, and, in addition, shall conform to the following requirements:
1. Home Occupation: In any Residential District one (1) sign may advertise the business or services legally
conducted or offered on the same lot on which the sign is situated. The sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet
and shall not be illuminated.
2. Temporary Signs for Residential Development: On subdivisions or other residential developments involving
six (6) or more lots or units, the developer and/or Realtor may display a non-illuminated sign not to exceed twenty
(20) square feet. Such sign shall comply with all other requirements of the Zoning Regulations. Also, such signs
shall be removed within one (1) week of the sale or rental of the last lot or structure in the subdivision.
3. Non-Residential Uses: On lots containing a farm, church, place of worship, parish hall, cemetery, museum,
school, college, university, membership club, philanthropic institution, hospital, recreation facility, nature preserve,
wildlife sanctuary, convalescent home, sanitarium, public utility facility, or building, use or facility of the Town of
East Haddam, or other non-residential use permitted in residential zones by these Regulations, one (1) sign not
exceeding twenty (20) square feet
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4. Residential Development: Signs depicting the name or address of a subdivision, multi-family development,
residential common interest community, or similar residential development are limited to one (1) sign of six (6)
square feet and shall be permitted only when provisions for its maintenance has been made through a homeowners
association agreement or similar device.
12.5B COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
1. Residential District Signs: Any sign permitted in the Residential Districts.
2. Commercial Signs: Signs may advertise the business or service conducted or offered on the same lot on which
the sign is situated. The total sign face or area of all signs shall not exceed 10% of the building facade area for the
building for which the sign appears; provided, however that no sign shall exceed 32 square feet. Window signs,
temporary signs, and banners are included in the maximum sign face area authorized by this Section. One
freestanding sign per lot not to exceed twenty (20) square feet may be permitted. The freestanding sign shall be
counted towards the maximum sign face area. For buildings having multiple occupancy, the allowable signage shall
be divided based on each occupant's square footage share of the building. Directory signs shall not be counted
toward maximum sign face area authorized by this Section.
3. Directory Signs: Directory signs are intended to direct attention to various non-residential land uses. Directory
signs may display a horizontal area not to exceed four (4) square feet for each unit of occupancy or land use.
Maximum height shall be twelve (12’) feet, maximum width shall be eight (8’) feet. Signs located at strategic points
are to be consolidated as directed by the Commission.
4. Pennants, Flags, and Banners: Pennants, flags, and banners, such as those made of cloth, aluminum or plastic,
if used to advertise goods sold, services rendered, or activities shall be considered and calculated in the total signage
allowed and must comply with all applicable sections of these regulations.
5. Temporary Commercial Signs: Signs advertising a sale or special event as part of an ongoing business are
permitted, will be treated as part of the sign coverage area for the lot and must be removed within 48 hours of the
end of the advertised sale or event. One temporary sign per business. Temporary (portable signs) Commercial Signs
shall not exceed six (6) square feet per side.
12.5C INDUSTRIAL ZONE (C/B/IG and IG-1 through IG-3)
1. Residences in Industrial Zones: Any sign permitted in the Residential Districts for uses allowed in Residential
Districts.
2. Industrial Signs: Signs may advertise the business or service conducted or offered on the same lot on which the
sign is situated. The total sign face area of all signs shall not exceed 10% of the building facade area for the building
for which the sign appears, provided, however that no single sign shall exceed 32 square feet. Windows signs,
temporary signs, and banners are included the maximum sign face area authorized by this Section. No freestanding
signs shall exceed twenty (20) square feet each. The freestanding sign shall be counted towards the maximum sign
face area. For buildings having multiple occupancy, the allowable signage shall be divided based on each occupant's
square footage share of the building.
3. Directory Signs: Directory signs are intended to direct attention to the various non-residential land uses offered.
Directory signs may display a horizontal area not to exceed (4) square feet for each unit of occupancy or land use.
Maximum height shall be twelve (12’) feet. Maximum width shall be eight (8’) feet. Sign locations at strategic
points are to be consolidated as directed by the commission.
12.6 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF SIGN PERMIT
APPLICATIONS
1. Regulated Signs: Except for those signs enumerated in Section 12.4, no sign shall be erected or established until
the issuance of a Sign Permit. For any use of land or buildings requiring Site Plan Approval pursuant to Section 14A
of these Regulations; for any use or activity requiring a Special Exception pursuant to Section 14B of these
Regulations; and for any use of land or buildings requiring Floating Zone approval pursuant to Section 17 of these
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Regulations; all required information shall be submitted as part of the application for such Site Plan Approval,
Special Exception, or Floating Zone. Any modification (other than content of text) of the signs approved in
connection with a Site Plan Approval, Special Exception, or Floating Zone shall require modification of such
approval in accordance with the applicable Section of these Regulations for that type of approval. Where no
application for Site Plan Approval, Special Exception, or Floating Zone is involved, the application for Sign permit
shall be filed separately with the Commission.
2. Application for Sign Permit: Information and Fees Required: Unless specifically waived by the
Commission, every application for Sign Permit shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:
a. A site plan depicting the location of the sign(s) on the subject site and its relation to adjacent buildings and
structures, and any associated landscaping, lighting sources, structural components, and the like.
b. An illustration of the proposed sign(s), including dimensions, text/content, materials, color, and structural
support.
c. A narrative description of the sign(s), including its purpose, method if illumination, materials (if not evident from
the illustration), the section of the Regulations under which such sign is permitted, a description of the Regulations
under which such sign is permitted, a description of the total area, location, type and other information for all other
signs on the lot, and any other information not contained in the sign plan or illustration.
d. For a temporary sign (other than those listed in Section 12.4), the dates upon which the sign is to be displayed,
and the purpose thereof.
e. Such other information as the Commission may require to determine compliance with these Regulations.
f. An application fee in the amount of set forth in the Town Ordinance.
3. Criteria for Review:
a. That the proposed sign(s) conforms with all applicable requirements of these Regulations.
b. That the proposed sign(s) is appropriate in size, location, illumination, and character for the building or use with
which it is associated, and the area in which it is proposed; in harmony with the historic, rural character of the Town
of East Haddam; and will not adversely impact property values, public safety, or the general welfare.
c. That the proposed sign(s) are designed, constructed, located, erected and maintained in accordance with all
applicable requirements of the State Building Code.
d. For signs associated with users requiring a Site Plan Approval; Compliance with the criteria of Sections 14A (
Site Plan Approval) of these Regulations; for signs associated with uses requiring a Special Exception: Compliance
with the Regulations; and for signs associated with uses requiring approval as a Floating Zone: Compliance with the
criteria of Section 17 (Floating Zones) of these Regulations.
e. In addition to the minimum and maximum parameters contained in this Section 12, the Commission may also
impose more restrictive requirements where required to protect the public health, safety, welfare, property values, the
natural environment, the character of historic areas, or the other purposes of these Regulations. The situations where
such additional restriction may be imposed include, but are not limited to, the following: Areas of historic
importance; nonconforming non-residential uses in Residential Zones; signs in locations where sight line hazards
may be created or maintained; developments adjacent to uses requiring special protection from light and the other
characteristics of signs, such as hospitals and rest homes, schools, churches, and other public or community
buildings.
4. Action: The Commission may approve, modify and approve, or deny an application for Sign Permit. Such
modifications may include, but are not limited to, requirements for certain dimensions, illumination, lettering size,
location, height, landscaping, and other characteristics or dimensions of the sign(s), even when such requirements are
more restrictive than the minimum and maximum requirements contained in this Section 12. In determining such
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requirements, the Commission shall consider the character of the area where such sign is located, the use with which
it is associated, the types, sizes, dimensions, and the like of surrounding signs (both existing and proposed), and the
general compatibility of the sign(s) with the most desirable and tasteful developments (both existing and proposed),
located on parcels in the general area.
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SECTION 13 TRAILERS
13.0 Single Trailers: On or after September 30, 1972, no person, firm or corporation shall park a single trailer
within the limits of East Haddam except in a manner provided for by the 1957 Trailer Ordinance as amended by
Town Meeting June 28, 1971; and that this provision by the Zoning Regulations for the parking of single trailers in
the Town of East Haddam. The licensing and enforcement of these regulations shall be carried out by the Planning
and Zoning Commission and their enforcement officer.
13.1 Trailer Parks: On or after September 30, 1972, no person, firm, or corporation shall construct, extend,
establish, maintain, conduct or alter any trailer park within the limits of East Haddam except as provided for by the
Trailer Ordinance amended by Town Meeting held June 28, 1971; and that this provision be the Zoning Regulations
for the Trailer Parks in the Town of East Haddam. The licensing and enforcement of these regulations shall be
carried out by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the enforcement officer.9/5/61a 10/15/69r 9/30/72r
13.2 Commercial Trailers:
13.2.1 Application may be made to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a permit to locate and park a
commercial trailer off the public streets or highways, such permit to be effective for a period of time not in excess of
18 months plus renewal. Such application shall be made in writing and shall set forth the following:
1. The name and address of the owner of the commercial trailer.
2. The make, model and identifying number of license of such trailer.
3. The location where the trailer is to be parked.
4. The proposed use of the trailer.
13.2.2 The Planning and Zoning Commission may grant such initial permit upon payment of a license fee of $5.00
where it finds the use of such trailer is required for temporary office purposes in connection with a construction
project. Such permit may be extended where necessary for additional periods of time, not in excess of said period of
18 months.
13.3 Storage of Camp Trailers: A camper coach body which is or may be mounted on wheels may be stored by its
owner in the rear yard, wherever possible, of a lot occupied for dwelling purposes or for carrying on a business in
any zone in the Town of East Haddam.
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SECTION 14A SITE PLAN REVIEW
14A.0. Intent. To aid the Commission and the Board in determining the conformity of a proposed building, use or
structure with provisions of these Regulations.
14A.1. Site Plan Approval. In addition to those uses, land, buildings or structures for which a Site Plan Approval
is specifically required by these Regulations, any use of land, buildings, or structures, or any alteration or expansion
of such use, or the erection, extension, or alteration of any building or structure, for which a Certificate of Zoning
Compliance or Special Exception is not required under these Regulations shall require Site Plan Approval pursuant
to Section 14A of these Regulations. The Commission may, by resolution, prescribe application forms and fees.
14A.2. Required Information for Site Plan Approval. The following information shall, at a minimum, be
provided by any applicant for Site Plan Approval:
A. Site Plan A site plan, which shall conform to the following requirements, and contain the following
information:
1. Property/Boundary Survey. A boundary survey prepared and sealed by a Connecticut Registered Land
Surveyor, which survey shall be prepared pursuant to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies minimum
standards for Surveys and Maps. Said survey shall include the dimensions of the subject property, and its acreage or
square footage.
2. Location Map. A location map, at a scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet, showing the location of the site in
relation to existing roads which would assist the Commission and the public to orient themselves to the site and its
boundaries.
3. General Information:
a) The name and address of the applicant, property owner of record, the name of the development, and the names of
the owners of record of all adjacent properties;
b) The name, address and professional seal of each design professional responsible for, or participating in, the
design of the site;
c) The assessor’s map and lot numbers for the subject property and the properties within one hundred (100) feet of
the perimeter of the site;
d) The date of the site plan, a north arrow, and the scale of the plan;
e) A description of any existing deed restrictions, covenants, easements, rights of way, or similar encumbrances
which run with the land, including the identity of the dominant and servant estates, the volume and page of the East
Haddam Land Records where the same are recorded, and the date upon which they will expire, if any;
f) The words, “Approved by the East Haddam Planning and Zoning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals” with a
designated place for the signature of the chairman or secretary of the Commission or the Board, as the case may be,
and the date of signing.
4. Site Features, Existing. On the site, and within one hundred (100’) feet of the perimeter of the site:
a) All existing uses of land including uses not requiring buildings or structures, such as outside storage; property
lines, streets, utility lines, ledge outcrops, specimen trees, major tree or shrub areas, and other significant features of
the site, both natural and manmade;
b) Wetlands and watercourses as defined by the Regulations of the East Haddam Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
Commission; the high water level of areas covered by water (such as lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, swamps, and the
like);
c) Areas having slopes in excess of twenty (20%) percent;
d) Flood hazard areas as designated on the most current Federal Flood Insurance Rate Map for the Town of East
Haddam, and the rate map designation for such areas;
e) Existing structures and their uses, general type of construction, height, and the like;
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f) The location of all existing wells, existing septic systems, public water supply watersheds, and other public or
private water supplies;
g) Existing monuments, iron pins, and other boundary indicators;
h) The soil classifications, as per the US Soil Conservation Service/Middlesex County Coding of Soil Types;
i) Existing contours of the land at intervals of two (2) feet, or less, certified to Class T-3 or T-2 vertical accuracy
where the topography of the site and the area around it cannot be otherwise accurately and fairly represented.
j) Existing roads, paths, major and unique natural, scenic, historic, and open space features.
5. Site Features, Proposed. On the site, and for any area off the site where any alteration whatsoever is proposed:
a) Any change whatsoever to any of the existing features depicted on the site plan in accordance with the preceding
paragraph, including, but not limited to: proposed uses of land, including uses not requiring a structure or building;
b) The location, dimensions, square footage (both ground floor and total), height, and type of construction of all
buildings or structures, including fences, walls, signs, lighting fixtures, flagpoles, and the like;
c) The location of any proposed well, septic system, and the location of, and test results for, any and all percolation
and deep test holes, as verified by the Town Sanitarian and/or Health Official;
d) Any regrading, excavation, filling, and the volumes of material to be brought onto or removed from the site;
e) The percentage of building coverage, combined building and paved area coverage;
f) Alterations in property boundaries, easements, utilities, and the like;
g) The location of any roads, curbs, sidewalk, driveway, parking and loading area(s) paths, and similar
improvements;
h) Phase lines, proposed future division of the property, long-term lease boundaries, and the like.
i) In any site plan requiring the erection of any structure, grading, drainage work, paving or other improvement,
those aspects of the plan shall be prepared, signed, and sealed by a Connecticut Registered Professional Engineer.
j) The areas of wooded portions of the site, or specimen trees, to be removed or retained, and the location, design,
and content of landscaping to be created, including the size, number, and type of all landscaping material to be
planted, and the proposed treatment of all buffer strips, screens, and islands.
k) The expected intensity and frequency of noise which may be emitted from the site or use, and the methods to be
used to control the same.
l) The height, bulk, use and location of all buildings; typical floor plans or other plans for the use of interior spaces
of proposed buildings; the exterior appearance of proposed buildings, including a minimum of two exterior
elevations, designation of materials, colors, and textures of exterior finishes, roofing, trim, and the like; location of
heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and similar equipment; and special exterior features, such as building mounted
signs, drive-in windows, building or roof lighting, roof drainage/gutters, and features of the interior of the building
designed to be capable of being seen from the exterior. A rendering consisting of a minimum of two exterior
elevations shall be submitted.
6. 14A.2.A Parking and Drainage:
a) The site plan shall include all information necessary to establish conformance with the requirements of Section 28
Stormwater Management and Section 11 Parking of these Regulations, Off-Street Parking and Loading
Requirements, and shall also include the calculations utilized to determine the parking and loading areas as depicted
on the site plan.
b) The site plan shall depict the dimensions of all parking and loading spaces, the total number of such spaces, and
any proposed future or expansion parking or loading spaces. In addition, the site plan shall include the location,
invert elevations, pipe sizes, flow calculations, and all other similar information as may be required by the
Commission’s engineering consultant to properly evaluate the storm water management plan for the site.
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c) For any site plan which depicts more than five thousand (5,000) square feet of impervious surface, be it building
areas or paved areas, the site plan shall include provisions to retain stormwater runoff so as to produce no increase in
peak runoff. See Section 28 – Stormwater Management
d) For any site plan, the proposed design, location, and illumination level of all outdoor lighting, which shall be used
particularly in pedestrian and vehicular areas. See Section 28 – Stormwater Management
B. Sanitary Waste Disposal Plan.
For any site which is to be served, and is capable of being served, by an operational public sanitary sewer line prior
to occupancy, the site plan shall depict the sewer lateral and other engineering information suitable to determine that
connection to an operational sanitary sewer line is feasible. In addition, the applicant shall provide an approval letter
from the East Haddam Water Pollution Control Authority stating the site if approved by the Planning and Zoning
Commission is authorized to connect to the Town’s system.
For any site which is not to be served by public sanitary sewers, the applicant shall submit a sanitary waste disposal
plan which shall include, at a minimum, the following:
1. Report of Soil Test and Percolation Data. A Report of Soil Test Data signed by the Town Sanitarian or his
representative which shall be in conformance with the Connecticut Public Health Code, as the same may be amended
from time to time. All percolation tests and observation test pits for groundwater and ledge shall be dug and, tests
performed, in accordance with the Technical Standards of the Connecticut Public Health Code, as the same may be
amended from time to time, and shall be supervised and certified by the Town Sanitarian or his designee, who shall
provide to the applicant, for inclusion with his Site Plan Approval Application, a verified approval of the application
for subsurface disposal in accordance with the Connecticut Public Health Code, as the same may be amended from
time to time. At least one (1) observation test pit for groundwater and ledge shall be dug in the designated location
for each and every primary and reserve leaching field.
2. Soils with Severe Limitations. If any existing soils in the immediate area of the site designated for sanitary
waste disposal are classified as having “severe” limitations for on-site sewerage treatment (as set forth in Section
4.3(1)(a) the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations), in accordance with the current soils map of the US Department
of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, then a subsurface sewerage disposal plan shall be presented to the
Commission. Said plan shall specifically address the methods utilized to overcome the limitations identified in the
soils of the site; shall be prepared by a licensed Connecticut Professional Engineer, and shall be accompanied by a
written report of the Town Sanitarian or his representative certifying that the plan will resolve the limitations of the
soils, and will pose no significant risk to the public health or safety. All sanitary waste disposal systems to be
located in the immediate area of soils with “severe” limitations, as set forth above, shall have 100% replacement
leaching fields at least equal in size to the original leaching fields, and the location of both the original and
replacement leaching fields shall be designated on the site plan. Both the original and replacement fields shall be
located so as to contain the percolation and deep test pits.
C. Soil Erosion and Sediment Control for Land Development:
1. Definitions. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply:
a) “Certification” means a signed, written approval by the East Haddam Planning and Zoning Commission, or its
designated agent, that a soil erosion and sediment control plan complies with the applicable requirements of these
Regulations.
b) “Disturbed area” means an area where the ground cover is destroyed or removed leaving the land subject to
accelerated erosion.
c) “Erosion” means the detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, or gravity.
d) “Sediment” means solid material, either mineral or organic that is in suspension, is transported, or has been
moved from its site of origin by erosion.
e) “Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan” means a scheme that minimizes soil erosion and sedimentation
resulting from development and includes, but is not limited to, a map or narrative.
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2. Requirements. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-2, as amended by Public Act 83-388, all site
plan approval applications shall include a soil erosion and sediment control plan whenever the site plan indicates a
change in the contour of any land, or grading or excavation, or the removal or destruction of any natural topsoil,
trees, or other vegetative covering on the property, for any reason or purpose whatsoever, when the disturbed area of
such development is cumulatively more than one-half (1/2) acre. To be eligible for certification, said plan shall
contain property provisions to adequately control accelerated erosion and sedimentation and reduce the danger from
stormwater runoff on the site based on the best available technology. Such principles, methods, and practices
necessary for certification may be found in the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control as
published by the Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation, as the same may be amended from time to
time (hereinafter referred to as, “Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control”).
Said plan shall contain, at a minimum, the following:
a). A narrative describing:
1). The site and development.
2). The schedule for grading and construction activities including:
a) Proposed start and completion dates of the proposed plan;
b) Sequence of grading and construction activities;
c) Sequence for installation and/or application of soil erosion and sediment control measures;
d) Sequence for final stabilization of the project site.
3). The design criteria for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and storm water management
facilities.
4). The construction details for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and storm water management
facilities.
5). The installation and/or application procedures for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and
storm water management facilities.
6). The operations and maintenance program for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and storm
water management facilities.
7). The person or firm responsible for overseeing the self monitoring of control measures shall be noted.
b). A site plan map at a linear scale of 1 inch equals 40 feet with 2 foot contour intervals unless otherwise approved
by the Commission, to show:
1). The location of the proposed development and adjacent properties.
2). The existing and proposed topography including soil types, wetlands, watercourses and water bodies.
3). The existing structures on the project site, if any.
4). The proposed area alterations including cleared, excavated, filled or graded areas and proposed structures,
utilities, roads and, if applicable, new property lines.
5). An outline of the narrative required shall be noted on the plans to the extent required by the Commission.
6). Any other information deemed necessary by the applicant or requested by the Commission or its designated
agent.
3. Procedure. The Commission or its duly authorized agent shall certify that the soil erosion and sediment control
plan, as filed, complies with the requirements and objectives of these Regulations; or shall certify with specified
limitations and/or modifications; or shall deny certification where the plan does not comply with requirements and
purposes of these Regulations. Prior to certification, any plan may be submitted for review by the Middlesex County
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Soil and Conservation District, or any other agency of the State of Connecticut or the United States deemed relevant
by the Commission, provided, however, that the failure of any such agency to comment shall not render the Site Plan
Approval Application incomplete, nor shall it extend the time limits for action by the Commission as set forth in the
Connecticut General Statutes.
4. Standards. No land shall be developed and no use shall be permitted which cause erosion, flood, or sediment
damage to: properties being developed, surrounding properties, or public waters. Runoff water shall be properly
channeled into a storm drain, watercourse, ponding area or other suitable facility. Measures used to control soil
erosion and sedimentation shall as a minimum meet the following standards and specifications:
a) Have plans for soil erosion and sediment control developed in accordance with these Regulations using the
principles as outlined in Chapters 3 and 4 of the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control. Soil
erosion and sediment control plans shall result in a development that: minimizes erosion and sedimentation during
construction; is stabilized and protected from erosion when completed; and does not cause off-site erosion and/or
sedimentation.
b) The minimum standards for individual measures are those in the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and
Sediment Control. The Commission may grant exceptions when requested by the applicant if technically sound
reasons are presented.
c) The appropriate method from Chapter 9 of the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control,
shall be used in determining peak flow rates and volumes of runoff unless an alternative method is approved by the
Commission.
D) Protection of Surface and Ground Water Supply. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-2, as
amended by Public Act 85-279, every application for site plan approval shall include an evaluation of the impact of
the proposed development upon existing and potential public surface and ground drinking water supplies. Such
evaluation shall contain, at a minimum:
a) A statement describing the nature of the use of any buildings or areas of the site and their method of disposal;
b) The nature of any discharges anticipated;
c) The nature of any materials to be stored, processed, or otherwise present on the site, and the period of time for
which, and conditions under which, such materials shall be present on the site;
d) The nature of the ground or surface waters on and around the site, including any public or private domestic users
of such waters, their classification, as designated by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s
Groundwater Classification System, and the depth to any groundwater, the nature of the soils surrounding such
groundwater, and the like;
e) Measures to be taken by the applicant to control any potential adverse impact on surface and ground drinking
water supplies;
f) Other information which might assist the Commission in determining that such waters will be protected from
potential adverse impacts created or increased by the proposed development. The Commission may refer such
evaluations to any governmental agency for review and comment.
E. Certificate for Community Wells. In accordance with Section 8-25a of the Connecticut General Statutes, as
amended by Public Act 84-330, any development providing water by means of a “water company”, as that term is
defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 16-262m(a), shall provide to the Commission a certified copy of a
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued for the development by the Connecticut Department of
Public Utility Control. No application for Site Plan Approval involving such a water company shall be deemed
complete without said Certificate, unless the applicant shall provide a resolution of the East Haddam Board of
Selectmen waiving said Certificate and agreeing to be responsible for the operation of the subject water company in
the event that the company is at any time unable or unwilling to provide adequate service to its consumers.
F. Inland Wetlands and Watercourses. No application for Site Plan Approval shall be deemed complete without
the submission of a certified copy of a motion for approval of an Inland Wetlands permit as issued by the East
Haddam Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, provided such a permit shall be required under regulations
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adopted by said Commission. Any plans submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission shall conform, in all
relevant respects, to those plans submitted to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission as the same were
approved, or modified and approved, by said Commission.
G. General Provisions. Any of the foregoing plans, reports, and evaluations may be presented on one or any
number of separate sheets or documents, depending upon the complexity of the application. It shall be the duty of
the applicant, however, to provide plans and other documents which incorporate all of the above information, and
demonstrate compliance with all of the requirements and criteria of these Regulations, in a way that is clear and
comprehensible to the Commission and its staff. All plans shall contain the words “Approved by the East Haddam
Planning and Zoning Commission” with a designated place for the signature of the Chairman or Secretary of the
Commission and the date of signing. The applicant shall submit no less than five (5) copies of all plans, reports, and
other documents enumerated above, together with such application forms and fees as the Commission may, by
resolution, prescribe.
14A.3 Site Plan Review Application Procedure
A. Applicants shall submit three (3) full size and ten reduced (11” x 17”) size copies of the Site Plan, the required
fee (check payable to the Town of East Haddam), and a completed application form to the Commission’s Zoning
Enforcement Officer.
The date of receipt (acknowledgment) by the Commission shall be the next regularly scheduled meeting of the
Commission immediately following the day of submission of the complete application to the Zoning Enforcement
Officer, or thirty-five (35) days after such submission, whichever is sooner.
An application to be complete must include: 1) application form; 2) fee; 3) all Site Plans required by Section 14A.2,
and all supporting documentation required therein. If the application is not complete, the Commission may deny it
without prejudice and require a new application, including fee, be submitted.
B. The Commission/Board shall at its discretion have any plans (Section14A.2) reviewed by consultants, employees,
or governmental bodies or their agents for comment and recommendations.
C. In the case of Site Plan Review, not requiring Special Exception, approval shall be presumed unless a decision to
deny or modify is rendered within 65 days after the date of receipt as defined by Section 8-7d Connecticut General
Statutes, as amended and revised. Extensions may be granted in accordance with State Statute.
D. A decision to deny or modify a Site Plan Review shall set forth the reasons for which such denial or modification
is required to conform with the Regulations.
E. A copy of any decision shall be sent by certified mail to the person submitting such plans within fifteen (15) days
after such decision is rendered.
F. The Commission/Board may, by resolution, waive Site Plan requirements contained in Section 14A.2.A upon
finding that such requirements are not applicable to a specific application. The requirements of Section 14A.2.B,
14A.2.C, 14A.2.D, 14A.2.E, and 14A.2.F may not be waived.
G. In the case of a Site Plan Approval not requiring a Special Exception, the applicant shall submit three (3)
complete sets of plans, as the same may have been modified by the Commission, at least one (1) of which shall be
printed on mylar. Final copies, including the mylar, shall have the approval letters, if applicable, of the Planning and
Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Inland/Wetlands and Watercourses Commission printed on
them. Said sets shall be signed by the Chairman or Secretary of the Commission, and the mylar set retained by the
Clerk of the Commission; the remaining sets shall be distributed to other officials of the Town who may require
them.
14A.4 Criteria for Decision. In reviewing the application for site plan approval, the Commission shall consider the
following criteria:
A. Complete Application. The application shall contain all information required by this Section 14A, and the
number of copies required, and said information shall be prepared by persons possessing the necessary expertise to
prepare it. Information shall be presented with adequate clarity and professionalism to permit the Commission to
understand it and determine compliance with these criteria. The presentation of a complete application, as described
herein, is the obligation of the applicant, and failure to meet this criteria shall be grounds for denial without prejudice
to future, complete applications.
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B. Compliance with Regulations. The application shall conform in all respects with these Regulations, unless a
certified copy of a variance from any such provision is submitted with the application, or the Zoning Enforcement
Officer has issued a finding that the nonconformance is a legal, pre-existing nonconformity in accordance with
Section 8 of these Regulations. Further, the application shall conform to the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations;
the East Haddam Inland/Wetlands and Watercourses Commission; the Public Health Code, as evidenced by a report
of the Health Director of his authorized designee; and all relevant provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes,
whether or not cited in these Regulations.
C. Landscaping and Screening. All parking, service and storage areas shall be reasonably screened by
landscaping of the site, shall be designed so as to protect and enhance the historic and rural character of the Town
and the subject neighborhood, and to provide all-season visual buffers between the proposed use and any
incompatible use of adjacent property through the use of grade separation, landscaping, buffer areas, and/or open
spaces. No lighting shall create glare, nor the luminare be visible from any property line of the site. No pole-
mounted light shall be greater than twelve (12) feet in height. See Section 11 – Parking, See Section 26 – Outdoor
lighting
D. Frontage Improvements. Where the subject site has frontage on an existing street, the pavement and shoulders
shall be improved in accordance with the pattern existing on said street and any special requirements created by the
proposed development, including, but not limited to, street widening, acceleration/deceleration lanes, curbing,
stormwater drainage, street trees, and sidewalks.
E. Traffic Access. All driveways, parking areas, paths, and sidewalks shall be interconnected and/or combined,
where possible, with adjacent parking areas, driveways, paths and sidewalks for similar uses, to minimize curb cuts
and to maximize pedestrian and vehicular movement between adjacent site without excessive curb cuts, access
movements, and congestion. Provision shall be made for such interconnection, and for the extension of any road or
driveway, terminating at or upon the subject site so as to serve adjacent undeveloped land in the same or a
comparable zone. Such provision shall include rights of way to the Town and/or to the adjacent property owner(s).
No driveway into a public street shall exceed 30 feet in width, excluding the radius fillets, and no proposed driveway
shall be closer than one hundred (100’) to any other existing or proposed driveway, unless the site is of such width
that compliance with this requirement would preclude access, in which case the separating distance between
driveways shall be the maximum feasible for the site. In the interests of public safety, the number of driveways onto
public streets shall be minimized, and access to adjacent sites shall be by common driveways wherever feasible. The
Commission may require that any driveway be designed, and easements to adjacent properties be conveyed, in order
to facilitate present or future sharing of such driveways.
F. Public Safety. All site plans shall make adequate provision for facilities and access for fire, police and other
emergency protection. Such provision shall include, but not be limited to, fire lanes, access drives to otherwise
remote portions of a building or site, adequate lighting of remote or visually obscured building or site areas, fire
hydrants where surface or subsurface water supplies exist, and the like.
G. Sanitary Waste Disposal Plans. All plans submitted pursuant to Section 14A.2.B shall provide for the disposal
of sanitary waste in conformance to the Connecticut Public Health Code, and in addition, in a manner which protects
surface and groundwater supplies, inland wetlands and watercourses, and insures the protection of the public health
and safety. Any sanitary waste disposal plan located in or in the immediate area of soils having “severe” limitations,
as set forth in Section 14A.B.2 herein above, shall have a 100% replacement area. No site plan shall be approved, or
modified and approved, if the soil percolation and groundwater and ledge observation test pits, which must be taken
in situ (original undisturbed soil), indicate:
a) Soil percolation rates faster than one (1) minute per inch, or slower than sixty (60) minutes per inch;
b) Where there is less than 18 inches depth of suitable existing soil over impervious soil, or where the groundwater
level is less than 18 inches below the surface of the ground for a duration of one month or longer during the wettest
season of the year.
c) In soils where there is less than four feet depth of suitable existing soil over ledge rock, two feet of which is
naturally occurring soil,
d) Slopes in the area of the proposed leaching and reserve area are in excess of twenty five (25%) percent.
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e) Review and approval of the East Haddam Water Pollution Control Authority when necessary.
f) Groundwater and ledge observation test pits shall be filled in immediately after witnessing by the Town Sanitarian
and / or the applicant’s engineer. Test pits which remain open more that 72 hours after witnessing are in violation of
the zoning regulations. Applications received in which test pits remain open shall be subject to denial on that basis.
H. Erosion, Sediment, and Runoff Control Standards. No site plan shall be approved which will cause erosion,
flooding, or sedimentation on watercourses, as the same are defined by the regulations of the East Haddam Inland
Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. Stormwater runoff in accordance with proper civil engineering practice.
There shall be no increase in the peak stormwater runoff from any site as a result of the proposed development.
Measures used to control erosion and sedimentation shall, at a minimum, meet the standards and specifications of the
Middlesex County Soil and Water Conservation District.
I. Wetland and Water Course Protection. No sanitary disposal system shall be located within seventy-five (75)
feet of an area designated as a wetland or watercourse as defined by the East Haddam Inland/Wetlands and
Watercourses Commission, nor within seventy-five (75) feet of any lake, pond, river, seasonal stream, or other
surface body of water.
J. Surface and Groundwater Protection. No site plan shall be approved which poses a risk of degradation of
surface or groundwater supplies arising out of any element of the proposed use or site plan.
K. Water Supply. No site plan depicting a development to be served by a water company, as defined herein above,
shall be approved unless and until a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, or the waiver thereof by the
East Haddam Board of Selectmen, has been obtained in accordance with Section 14A.E. of these Regulations.
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SECTION 14B SPECIAL EXCEPTION
Date adoption 11/1/78 Revision Date 9/28/87 Effective Date of Revision 10/14/87
Revision date 3/10/98 Effective date 4/2/98
14B.0 INTENT: In dividing the Town of East Haddam into Districts/Zones, it is recognized that there are certain
uses which may be necessary or desirable to the Town, but which may be detrimental to the Town or the
neighborhood in certain locations if proper safeguards are not provided. The Commission and/or the Zoning Board
of Appeals, herein after referred to the Commission, must evaluate the impact of each proposed use upon
neighboring uses and the Town as a whole in determining the appropriateness of any use requiring a Special
Exception for the proposed location.
14B.1 Special Exception Requirement: In any instance involving a use or uses requiring a Special Exception as
set forth in these Regulations, no land or water areas shall be used, nor uses altered or expanded in space, time, or
intensity, nor buildings or structures erected, altered, enlarged, the use substantially changed, or used until the
Commission grants a Special Exception as defined in this Section 14B, or amend a previously granted Special
Exception.
The Commission may waive the requirement for a Special Exception public hearing and other application
requirements where it finds that:
a) One Special Exception use is being substituted for another similar use on the same lot.
b) The new use will require no greater parking or loading requirements than the original, as set forth in Section 11 of
these Regulations.
c) The new use shall entail no exterior change to the building or site, except no Special Exception approval is
required for roof mounted solar panel units that are not visible from any street or highway and no Special Exception
approval is required for roof mounted solar panel units that are mounted flush and match the roof pitch. Mounting
bracket shall be no higher than twelve inches above the roof. If the building is on the National Historic Register or
in a Historic District, approval will be required by the Historic District Commission, and
d) The new use shall have no impact on the site, the neighborhood, or the Town which is different from the original,
such impact to be measured by the standards set forth in Section 14B.4 of these Regulations.
Substantial changes are considered changes that involve (a) alterations in use from that set forth in an approved
statement of use and site plan; or (b) alteration in an existing use, including such alterations that would:
1. Increased the parking demand of the use; or
2. Increase or change the hours of operation of the use; or
3. Increase the noise generation of the use or change the octave band frequency of such noise; or
4. Increase or change the emission of smoke, dust or other contaminants into the air, including both point sources
and fugitive emissions; or
5. Increase or change the demand for outdoor storage, truck or equipment traffic (type or volume), water
consumption, or effluent disposals; or
6. Involve the use of different equipment, processes, chemicals, or materials; or
7. Increase the amount of lighting.
14B.2 Required Information for Special Exception: The following information shall, at a minimum, be provided
by any applicant for Special Exception:
A. A completed application form and fee.
B. All material required to be submitted for a Site Plan Approval in accordance with Section 14A.2 of these
Regulations. The Commission may, upon the written request of the applicant, waive the submission of information
set forth in Section 14A.2.A (Site Plan) which are not required in order to determine compliance with the criteria set
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forth in this Section 14B. The Commission may not waive the submission of information set forth in Section
14A.2B. through 14A.2.G.
C. The Commission may require additional information as may be needed to evaluate the appropriateness of the
proposed use in the proposed location, including, but not limited to: information concerning surrounding land uses,
building locations, driveways, streets, topography, watercourses and wetlands, utilities, and the like; a traffic impact
study prepared by a Connecticut Registered Professional Engineer qualified to prepare such studies; an
environmental impact statement prepared by professionals qualified to prepare such studies; detailed architectural
information, such as color samples, screening of roof- or ground-mounted heating and air conditioning equipment
and ventilation ducts, building illumination, samples of construction materials, and the like; detailed landscaping
plans, including the type, size, number and location of material to be planted, the location and construction material
of any fences, walls, flag poles, street furniture, walkways, trash disposal areas, and the like; reports from its own
consultants and staff, or from government agencies.
14B.3 Application Procedure:
A. Who May Apply: The following persons may apply for a Special Exception: An owner, or all of the joint
owners, of the property upon which the use is to be located; the prospective purchasers of such property, pursuant to
a written purchase agreement, option agreement, bond for deed, or similar document, provided, however, that either
the said document accompanies the application and authorizes the prospective purchaser to apply for zoning permits
from the Town, or, in the alternative, that the written consent of the owner of the fee simple interest accompanies the
application; the lessee of a leasehold interest, provided that either the written consent of the owner of the fee simple
interest accompanies the application or, in the alternative, that a written lease, which must accompany the
application, provides that the lessee is authorized to apply for zoning permits from the Town.
B. Informal Discussion: Any proponent of a use permitted by Special Exception may request and is encouraged to
use the opportunity to place such proposal on the agenda of a regular or special meeting of the Commission/Board
for the purpose of presenting preliminary plans or concepts and receiving preliminary comments, observations,
questions, or areas of concern. Neither the proponent nor the Commission/Board shall be in any way bound by
statements made in such informal discussions, their purpose being only to minimize delay, expense and
inconvenience to the public, the proponent, and the Commission upon the future receipt, if any, of a formal
application for Special Exception. Following any informal discussion, the Commission/Board may suggest that the
proposal, or certain aspects thereof, be referred to other municipal, State, or Federal agencies for review and
comment, or may suggest that additional information is or will be required prior to action on a formal application for
Special Exception.
C. Submission of Application:
1. Complete Application: A complete application shall consist of the application form and fee, together with the
required information set forth in this Section 14B. The date of receipt of any such application shall be the next
regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission or the Board, as the case may, or 35 days following the submission
of such application, whichever shall first occur. If the Commission or the Board determines that the application is
incomplete, the same shall be denied without prejudice to any future complete application.
2. Notices Mandated by Statute: In accordance with C.G.S. 8-3h, the Commission shall notify the clerk of any
adjoining municipality of the pendency of any application concerning any Special Exception in which (1) any portion
of the property affected is within five hundred (500’) feet of the boundary of the adjoining municipality; (2) a
significant portion of the traffic to the completed project will use streets within the adjoining municipality to enter or
exit the site; (3) a significant portion of the sewer or water drainage from the project on the site will flow through or
significantly impact the drainage or sewerage system within the adjoining municipality; (4) water run-off from the
improved site will impact streets or other municipal or private property within the adjoining municipality. Such
notice shall be made by certified mail application, and no public hearing shall be held on any Special Exception
application unless or until such notice has been received. The adjoining municipality may, through a representative,
appear and be heard at any hearing on such application.
In accordance with C.G.S. 8-3i, in any Special Exception application for any property which is within the watershed
of a water company, as defined in C.G.S. 16-1, the applicant shall provide written notice of the application to the
water company, provided such water company has filed a map showing the boundaries of the watershed on the Land
Records of the Town. Such notice shall be by certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall be mailed at the time
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of application. The applicant shall submit evidence of such notice to the Commission at the time of application.
Such water company may, through a representative, appear and be heard at any hearing on such application.
3. Notice to Adjoining Owners. The applicant shall also notify all adjoining landowners and those property
owners of record within one hundred (100) feet of the site, as indicated in the current records of the Town Assessor,
of the date, time and place of the public hearing of the Commission at which said Special Exception is to be
considered no less than fourteen (14) days preceding the date of said hearing by certified mail, and shall submit
proof of such notification to the Planning and Zoning Office on or before the date of the public hearing. No notice
shall be required for the continuation of a public hearing once it has been opened.
4. Submission for Review. The Commission may, in its sole discretion, submit any plans or other information to
consultants, employees, or other governmental agencies for comment and recommendations.
5. Time Limits. The Commission shall, within sixty-five (65) days of receipt of any application, schedule a public
hearing thereon, said public hearing to be noticed in accordance with the requirements of the Connecticut General
Statutes and Town ordinances. The hearing shall be held within a thirty-five (35) day period. Within sixty-five (65)
days following said public hearing, the Commission shall act upon said application. If the Commission fails to act
within said sixty-five (65) day period, the application shall be deemed approved. The applicant may request an
extension of any of the time limits set forth in this paragraph for a period not to exceed the original time limit. These
time limits are in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes 8-7d as of the time of adoption of these Regulations;
any subsequent amendment to such Statutes shall control, and be used in place of the preceding, without amendment
of these Regulations.
6. Action. The Commission shall review the application for conformance with the criteria of Section 14A, Site Plan
Approval, and, in addition, with the criteria of this Section 14B. The Commission may approve, modify and
approve, or disapprove the application. Such conditions may specifically include hours of operation, restrictions on
days of the week, and similar restrictions as to time. Where appropriate (e.g., for non structural uses such as
excavations, outdoor events, and the like), the Commission may grant a Special Exception which is temporary and
will be effective only commencing on, or terminating on, specified dates.
The Commission may approve any application subject to certain conditions of approval as it may deem necessary
and desirable for the purpose of preventing or diminishing any noncompliance with the criteria set forth in this
Section 14B.
The Commission shall state, upon the record, the reasons for its action, and shall publish notice of such action as
required by Connecticut General Statutes. The Commission shall, in addition, send written notice of its decision
under the signature of the Commission’s Secretary or clerk, by certified mail, to the applicant within fifteen (15) days
of its action.
7. Endorsement and Filing. Within sixty-five (65) days of the Commission/Board approval, the applicant shall
submit one (1) set of the final plan(s) on mylar, reflecting all conditions or modifications required by the
Commission, with the approval letters of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and
Inland/Wetland and Watercourse Commission printed on them and accompanied by signed, sworn statements of the
applicant’s land surveyor, engineer, architect, and any other professional who has participated in the preparation of
the application materials, to the effect that the plans submitted are the same as those approved by the Commission,
except for the depiction of modifications and conditions required by the Commission in approval vote. If, upon
considering the statements and reviewing the plans submitted, the Commission / Board shall find them to be in
accordance with the final approval, they shall be endorsed by the signature of the Chairman or Secretary of the
Commission. Thereafter, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to file one (1) set of endorsed Mylar plans in
the office of the Town Clerk, and two paper copies in the Office of the Zoning Enforcement Officer. In accordance
with Section 8-3d of the Connecticut General Statutes, no Special Exception shall be effective until the final,
endorsed plans are filed with the Town Clerk, and any plans not so filed within ninety (90) days following the
Commission’s vote of approval shall become null and void. Any Special Exception site plan filed in the Town
Clerk’s Office without the endorsement of the Commission’s Chairman or Secretary shall likewise be void.
14B.4. Criteria for Decision: In reviewing an application for Special Exception, the Commission/Board shall
consider the following criteria and shall make a finding that:
A. Complete Application: The application contains all information required by this Section 14B, and the number
of copies required, and said information has been prepared by persons possessing the necessary expertise to prepare
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it. Information has been presented with adequate clarity and professionalism to permit the Commission / Board to
understand it and determine compliance with these criteria. The presentation of a complete application, as described
herein, is the obligation of the applicant, and failure to meet this criteria shall be grounds for denial without prejudice
to future, complete applications.
B. Compliance with Regulations: The application conforms in all respects with these Regulations, unless a
certified copy of a variance from any such provisions is submitted with the application, or the Zoning Enforcement
Officer has issued a finding that the nonconformance is a legal, pre-existing nonconformity in accordance with
Section 8 of these Regulations. Further, the application shall conform when applicable to the East Haddam
Subdivision Regulations; the East Haddam Inland/Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations, as evidenced by the
submission of an Inland Wetlands Permit issued by the East Haddam Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
Commission; the Public Health Code, as evidenced by a report of the Health Director or his authorized designee; and
all relevant provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes, whether or not cited in these Regulations.
C. Compliance with Criteria of Section 14A: The application complies with all of the Criteria for Decision set
forth in Section 14A.4 of these Regulations.
D. Public Health and Safety: The site and building plans are designed so as to minimize any delay,
inconvenience, and expense of providing for the public health, safety, and welfare, including, but not limited to the
following: Adequate access for emergency vehicles and equipment; adequate utility capacity; floodproofing
measures which may be desirable, even if over and above the minimum requirements of these Regulations or
applicable State or Federal standards; protection of the natural environment; avoidance of glare visible from public
streets or adjacent properties.
E. Appropriateness of Use: The proposed use shall be appropriate for the designated location with regard to: The
size and intensity of the proposed use, and its relation to existing land uses, and shall be such as to be in harmony
with the appropriate and orderly development of the area in which it is to be situated and will not be detrimental to
the orderly development of adjacent properties; the capacity of adjacent and feeder streets to accommodate peak and
average traffic volumes and special traffic characteristics of the proposed use, and the avoidance of primary use by
non-residential traffic through residential streets; the development will not hinder or discourage the appropriate
development and use of adjacent land and buildings or impair the value thereof; the obstruction of light or air, or the
emission of noise, light, smoke, odor, gas, dust, and/or other offensive emissions without adequate buffering or
controls; the overall impact on neighborhood property values, and the special problems of fire or police protection
inherent in the proposed use; the preservation of the character of the neighborhood in terms or scale, density and
intensity of use, architectural character, and similar factors; the availability of adequate effluent disposal, water
supplies, stormwater disposal systems, and other special burdens on utilities which the use may entail; the degree of
population concentration and building density resulting from the use is not excessive and existing provisions for fire
and police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements are adequate; the
use may be carried out so as to protect and enhance valuable historic or natural resources without undue destruction
of and or the pollution of lakes, streams, and other water bodies, while providing the best possible design of
structures and land uses compatible with the shape, size and topographic and natural character of the site.
F. Architectural Character, Historic Preservation, Site Design: The overall architectural character of the site
and building designs shall not be detrimental to property values in the neighborhood or the Town, and shall preserve
and enhance the Town’s historic and rural character in terms of scale of buildings, the preservation of scenic vistas
and public access, materials used, roof lines, door and window details, site and building lighting, street furniture,
paving materials, landscaping, signs, colors, and all other features of the site and buildings which are visible from the
exterior of any building on the site or from adjoining properties or streets, or which may impact the character or
quality of life on adjoining properties, in the neighborhood, or throughout the Town.
In multi-building commercial or industrial developments, all buildings shall reflect a common architectural theme
through the use of similar materials, roof lines, and other exterior treatments.
G. Uses In, Adjacent to, or Impacting Residential Areas. In addition to the above, in the case of any use to be
located in, or directly adjacent to, or served by way of, a residential zone or area of residential uses, the Commission
shall find that:
1. The location and size of such use, and the nature and intensity of operations involved in or conducted in
connection therewith, shall be such that both pedestrian and vehicular traffic to and from and in the vicinity of the
use will not be hazardous or inconvenient to, or detrimental to the character of the said residential district or conflict
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with the traffic characteristics of the neighborhood. Commercial and industrial buildings shall be oriented away
from residential areas and access to them shall not substantially disrupt or disturb adjacent residential areas or
residential zones. Access, parking, service areas, lighting, signs and landscaping shall be designed so as to protect
the residential character of surrounding residential neighborhoods or residential zones.
2. The location and height of buildings, the location, nature and height of walls and fences, and the nature and extent
of landscaping on the site shall be such that the use will not hinder or discourage the appropriate development and
use of adjacent land and buildings or impair the value thereof.)
3. No outside storage of materials, products or refuse shall be permitted unless specifically authorized by the
Commission, and such authorized outside storage shall be screened in such manner as the Commission may require.
All loading areas shall be oriented away from residential areas and public ways and adequately screened from view
by appropriate landscaping.
4. All buildings in multi-building developments shall be logically related to provide convenient access to a common
open space. Incompatible building types and uses shall be separated by open space and suitable screening.
H. Frontage Improvements Where the subject site has frontage on an existing street, the pavement and shoulders
shall be improved in accordance with the pattern existing on said street and any special requirements created by the
proposed development, including, but not limited to, street widening, acceleration/deceleration lanes, curbing,
stormwater drainage, street trees, and sidewalks.
I. Traffic Access All driveways, parking areas, paths, and sidewalks shall be interconnected and/or combined,
where possible, with adjacent parking areas, driveways, paths and sidewalks for similar uses, to minimize curb cuts
and to maximize pedestrian and vehicular movement between adjacent sites without excessive curb cuts, access
areas, and congestion. Provision shall be made for such interconnection, and for the extension of any road or
driveway, terminating at or upon the subject site so as to serve adjacent undeveloped land in the same or a
comparable zone. Such provision shall include rights-of-way to the Town and/or to the adjacent property owner(s).
No driveway onto a public street shall exceed thirty (30’) feet in width, excluding the radius fillets at the point of
intersection with the street, and no proposed driveway shall be closer than one hundred (100’) feet to any other
existing or proposed driveway, unless the site is of such width that compliance with this requirement would preclude
access, in which case the separating distance between driveways shall be the maximum feasible for the site. In the
interests of public safety, the number of driveways onto public streets shall be minimized, and in non-residential
zones, access to adjacent sites shall be by common driveways wherever feasible. The Commission may require that
any driveway be designed, and easements to adjacent properties be conveyed, in order to facilitate present or future
sharing of such driveways. Driveway widths and site lines shall comply with State standards, where applicable.
J. Emergency Access All site plans shall make adequate provision for facilities and access for fire, police and other
emergency protection. Such provision shall include, but not be limited to, fire lanes, access drives to otherwise
remote portions of a building or site, adequate lighting of remote or visually obscured building or site areas, fire
hydrants where surface or subsurface water supplies exist, and the like.
14.B.5 Specific Recommendations and Requirements for Sites and Buildings. The following recommendations
and requirements are provided to assist the applicant in determining the specific items which the Commission will
examine in evaluating any application for Special Permit, and the preferred or required features, as the case may be:
A. Building Materials. Preferred building materials should be brick, stone, or narrow-width siding, or the like.
Roofing materials should, where visible, be cedar shake, slate, copper, or reasonable equivalents. Tar paper, metal,
or plastic roofing surfaces are strongly discouraged. Building-mounted lighting shall utilize shielded light sources,
and shall be of a style and character which is in harmony with the character of the Town. Building-mounted flood-
lights, and ornamental building lighting are discouraged. All roof-mounted ventilation, heating, and air conditioning
equipment, including solar collectors, should, where possible, be recessed or otherwise incorporated into the roof
design so that they are not visible from any adjacent property at the height of the proposed building.
B. Lighting. All commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential parking lots shall be illuminated. Lighting
standards in parking areas shall not exceed twelve (12’) feet in height. Luminaries shall have shielded light sources
to prevent glare. Pedestrian ways shall be illuminated by light bollards or other low-level lighting standards with
shielded light sources. All loading areas, rear entries, and other high crime areas shall be illuminated to the level of
parking areas. See Section 26- Outdoor Lighting Regulations
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C. Site Plan. All site plans shall provide for pedestrian walkways and circulation in commercial, industrial, and
multi-family residential parking areas and around buildings. Walkways along public streets when required should be
constructed of slate, brick, stone, block, asphalt or concrete and be a minimum width of four (4’) feet. Interior
walkways should be constructed of slate, brick, stone, suitable paving blocks, concrete or other such material as
approved by the commission. See Section 11 – Parking Regulations
D. Landscaping and Screening.
All parking, service and storage areas shall be screened by landscaping and/or fences or walls; the general grading,
improvement and landscaping of the site shall be designed so as to protect and enhance the historic and rural
character of the Town and the subject neighborhood, and to provide all-season visual buffers between the proposed
use and any incompatible use of adjacent property through the use of grade separation, landscaping, buffer areas,
and/or open spaces. Landscaped areas shall be strategically placed to enhance property values and to protect
adjacent uses. All parking areas should include landscaped islands to direct vehicular and pedestrian circulation and
to reduce the visual impact of large paved areas. All deciduous trees shall have a minimum caliper measured at six
inches above the ground up to and including 4-inch caliper size, and 12 inches above the ground for sizes larger, all
evergreen trees shall have a minimum height of six (6’) feet, and all shrubs shall be of a size at least one-third their
mature potential. All artificial trees, shrubs or grass are prohibited, except for seasonal, festive, or other temporary
decoration.
The Commission Board may require that any or all buildings shall have foundation plantings. All commercial and
industrial uses shall include landscaped areas of not less than ten (10%) percent of the developed lot area. Failure to
maintain any landscaped area or buffer strip required by these Regulations shall constitute a violation of these
Regulations.
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SECTION 15 CAMPGROUNDS AND RECREATIONAL CAMPS
15.0 Intent: The purpose of this section is to promote and assure the health, safety, convenience and property
values of the residents of the Town of East Haddam and persons who will utilize the facilities permitted under this
section.
15.1. The Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in the district designated “R” upon application by any
owner of property in this district, the construction and/or operation of a Campground or Recreational Camp for
camping or living as a seasonal use for the 200-day period extending from April 15th through October 31
st
.
15.2. Campgrounds and Recreational Camps shall not be approved until the Planning and Zoning Commission
shall find that such proposed facilities:
15.2.1. Are consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development of the Town of East Haddam.
15.2.2. Will cause no hazard to health, safety and property from fires, accident, sanitary and drainage conditions or
excessive traffic, noise, odor or other nuisance. Campgrounds and Recreational Camps shall be responsible for
complying with the Connecticut Public Health Code, the State Building Code, the Connecticut General Statutes for
Family Campgrounds, and the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code as amended unless the Zoning Regulations are
more restrictive.
15.2.3. Will not generate traffic volumes or traffic patterns which will create hazardous conditions within the Town
of East Haddam or which will be detrimental to the character and value of adjacent properties.
15.3.3 Campgrounds and Recreational Camps are permitted in the Resort Zone after the issuance of a Special
Exception by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
a. Accessory uses for Campgrounds and Recreational Camps:
1. Conferences: Conferences shall consist of events bringing individuals to the facility for individual programs
lasting from one to no more than fourteen (14) days. Programs include but are not limited to indoor and outdoor
meetings or gatherings for instructional or educational programming, retreats, workshops, and team-building
purposes for individuals, families, community-oriented organizations, businesses, schools, colleges and universities.
Conference use may be approved for anytime of the year as part of a Special Exception Review.
2. Special Events: Special Events such as Car Shows, Tag Sales, Fireworks Shows, Concerts, and other events may
be approved for anytime of the year as part of a Special Exception Review.
15.4. Additional Requirements In addition to the customary Special Exception and Site Plan requirement as set
forth in Section 14A and B of these regulations the following design and operating standards governing the location
and construction of improvements, buildings and facilities shall apply.
15.4.1. A Special Exception for a Campground or Recreational Camp may be granted only on a tract of land
containing twenty (20) acres or more.
15.4.2. A suitable buffer strip for purposes of visual and auditory screening shall be provided. The Commission
shall require the implementation of buffers to protect the values of adjacent properties. Said buffers shall be two
hundred feet (200) in width but may be reduced to no less than fifty feet (50) in width. It shall be the responsibility
of the developer, subject to approval by the Commission, to provide an effective barrier that will reasonably buffer
adjacent areas.
15.4.3. Camping units and related facilities and structures are prohibited in the area designated on the site plan as
“buffer strip”, but the buffer may contain passive recreational uses if said areas are landscaped in such a way as to
prevent adverse effects on adjacent properties unless the structure is existing.
15.4.4. The volume of noise from music and public address systems shall be controlled as to prevent objectionable
and excessive noise emanating from the premises. Unless expressly approved by the Commission, the period of time
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from 10 pm to 7 am Sunday thru Thursday and 11 pm to 7 am on Fridays, Saturdays and holiday and Sunday’s
immediately preceding a holiday, the site shall remain quiet with no public address systems, sporting events,
concerts, fireworks, or other activities which would produce sound exceeding decibel limits set by the State of
Connecticut recommended guidelines at the property line.
15.4.5. Recreational camp or camp ground may be used during the 200 day period from April 15 to October 31 of
each year. No persons who rent, use or enjoy a campsite may claim residency during their stay. Permanent
occupancy of any campsite unit is prohibited. Campers must at all times retain a permanent, principal physical
residence and domicile outside of the campground. The use of a recreational camp or camp ground for conference
or special event purposes may be permitted through a Special Exception Review.
15.4.6 The owner and/or operator of any campground or recreational camp shall be responsible for the maintenance
of an accurate register at such ground in which the following information shall be recorded: name of the family head
or the responsible group member, his or her permanent address, dates of arrival and departure, and motor vehicle
license plate number if applicable. Such register shall be available to the Planning and Zoning Enforcement Officer
to assist in the enforcement of these regulations and to the police and health official in connection with the discharge
of their duties.
15.4.7 Each campsite in the campground shall average three thousand (3000) square feet for each site and shall have
a width or depth of not less than forty (40) feet.
15.4.8 The total number of rental sites in a campground shall not exceed 10 sites per gross acre of land as
designated on the site plan and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission as being part of the area to be
utilized for recreational facilities and uses. The gross acreage shall include buffer areas, recreational facilities, rental
sites, community areas and emergency overflow areas, support facilities, and land which is readily accessible and
considered an integral part of the recreational facilities and uses complex.
15.4.9 The minimum one-way road width shall be 11 feet within the grounds of a campground or recreational
camp. One-way streets in excess of 1,000 feet may be required by the Planning and Zoning Commission to provide
turn-a-rounds. For two-way streets, 18 feet is required. These roadways shall be designed to accommodate fire
fighting apparatus, ambulances, and other large vehicles such as trash and septic hauling trucks.
15.5 The Planning and Zoning Commission, in its discretion, may without public hearing grant an application
made by any tax exempt, charitable, or educational organization for permission to park two or more camper coaches
or travel trailers on premises owned by or rented to such organization for a period of not more than one week. The
application shall set forth the tax exempt, charitable, or educational status of the applicant and the purpose of the
event or events requiring the multiple parking of such vehicles.
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SECTION 16 HISTORICAL PARKS
16. Intent: Historical park means an area of land controlled by an owner to be developed, for profit or non-profit
making purposes, as a single entity on not less than 25 acres or more, the plan for which does no necessarily
correspond in lot size, bulk, type of buildings, density and lot coverage to the Planning and Zoning regulations
established from time to time hereunder for the district within which such area is located and which within its
confines, recreates a single period of American history, which occurred at least 75 years prior to the date of
application; and thereby serves the educational and cultural welfare of the public.
16.1. Informal Preliminary Considerations: The East Haddam Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
that, prior to the submission of an official application for Historic Park approval, the applicant initiate a pre-
application conference with the Commission and subsequently prepare and present a preliminary plan for informal
consideration by the Commission. The preparation of the preliminary plan is recommended to facilitate the general
consideration of factors and problems affecting the development of the land before the applicant proceeds with the
official application and the preparation of final maps, plans and documents required for formal consideration by the
Commission. The presentation of a preliminary plan will more readily and economically facilitate alterations and
changes recommended by the Commission.
Neither the pre-application conference nor the formal consideration of the preliminary plan shall be deemed to
constitute any portion of the official and formal procedure of applying for Development Plan Approval.
16.2. Permitted structures: A historical park shall be limited to:
16.2.1. Dwelling units in detached, semi-detached or multi-storied structures, or any combination thereof, which are
authentic replicas of the dwelling units of the historical period to be represented, and any outbuildings which were
auxiliary thereto in such period; and which are thematically linked to that location in the sense that uses of those
same types, and in those same approximate proportions, existed on or in the immediate vicinity of the site during the
period sought to be depicted.
16.2.3. Any non-residential use to the extent such non-residential use is designed to conform to the types of
commercial and industrial enterprises which were in operation in such period, provided in no case shall any structure
in Section 16.2.1 or 16.2.2 which is located on a public highway violate the setback requirements of the district
except in the case of a non-conforming use which is valid on the date of the application for a license to operate a
historical park. The provisions concerning lot size, bulk, type of building, density, lot coverage and setback of these
Regulations as they apply to historical parks may be waived but only in accordance with an approved special
exception review.
16.2.3. For both residential and non-residential uses, the design of all buildings, structures, and site improvements
shall recreate a period in American history which occurred at least 75 years prior to the date of application. The
Commission may allow limited contemporary site improvements where necessary to provide adequate lighting,
vehicular circulation and parking, and other facilities not characteristic of the recreated period but required for public
health, safety, and welfare in current times.
16.3. An application for a Special Exception approval as prescribed in Section 14B to maintain and operate a
historical park shall be made to the Planning and Zoning Commission in writing, signed by the applicant and
accompanied by an affidavit as to the truth of the statements contained therein. The application shall set forth the
name and address of the applicant, if an individual, or the partners, if a partnership, or, if a corporation, the name of
the corporation and the names and address of each stockholder owning more than ten percent of its issued stock and
the chief place of business of the corporation and the jurisdiction of its incorporation. Such application shall be
accompanied copies of the site plan showing the subject property, adjacent properties and structures within five
hundred feet of the property lines of the subject property; a description of all proposed uses within the subject
property, a statement of the historical period to be recreated with data, sufficient to support the authenticity of the
structures and uses for which the subject property is to be used as being of the historical period to be recreated, and
floor plans and plans for exterior alterations of all existing and proposed structures. The last may be separate from
the site plan. Application for a Special Exceptions for Historical Park shall include a written report by a historical
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consultant authorized to perform historic district studies by the Connecticut State Historic Commission. Such report
shall include historical research which substantiates the thematic connection of the site to the historical period sought
to be recreated, and shall certify that the buildings, structures, and site improvements proposed conform to that of the
subject historical period, except where specifically noted. In addition to the criteria of Section 14B, the Commission
shall evaluate any application under this Section in terms of the authenticity of the recreated historical period, the
thematic connection of the proposal to the site, and the educational value of the Historical Park in reproducing a
significant physical environment from American history.
16.4. Application form and fee: All applications for a Historic Park shall be submitted to the Commission on a
form prescribed by it and accompanied by an Application fee in the amount of $100.00, plus the sum of $50.00 per
bedroom requested and a sum of $100.00 per 10,000 square feet of commercial/industrial space proposed in the
Application.
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SECTION 17 FLOATING ZONES
17.0. Intent: The purpose of this Section is to provide for increased flexibility, balanced by increased control, in
the development of land so as to facilitate the following objectives: a) the provision of housing for persons who, due
to age or health, requires more compact residential patterns than are possible with conventional single-lot
subdivisions; b) the preservation and constructive re-use of existing resort uses and land areas for cluster housing,
multi-family housing, and similar flexible density residential development; and c) the preservation and constructive
re-use of historical structures and sites, d) to allow recreation uses while preserving open space.)
17.1. Floating Zones: Any owner of property may apply to the Commission for a change of zone to one of the
following Floating Zones, provided said application conforms in all respects with the requirements set forth in this
Section for such zone change: Planned Recreation Development Resort PRD-R, Planned Recreational Development
- Residential Districts PRD-RD or Planned Residential Unit Development (PRUD) or Planned Residential Unit
Development and Live Theater Support Personnel Housing (PRUD/LTSP/EHVD). For each such zone change
approved by the Commission, the provisions of Sections 7, 9 and 10 of these Regulations shall not apply to said
floating zone, and, in their place, the plans, specifications, conditions, representations, and other components of the
zone change application, as approved and/or modified and approved by the Commission shall control in said floating
zone.
For the purpose of this Section, the term “underlying zone” shall be defined as the zone or district existing on the
subject parcel prior to the filing of an application for a floating zone, and the zone to which said floating zone shall
revert after approval if said floating zone is not developed within the time limit established by this Section.
17.2. Application Procedure for All Floating Zones:
17.2.1. Informal Preliminary Considerations: The East Haddam Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
that, prior to the submission of an official application for floating zone approval, the applicant initiate a pre-
application conference with the Commission and subsequently prepare and present a preliminary plan for informal
consideration by the Commission. The preparation of the preliminary plan is recommended to facilitate the general
consideration of factors and problems affecting the development of the land before the applicant proceeds with the
official application and the preparation of final maps, plans and documents required for formal consideration by the
Commission. The presentation of a preliminary plan will more readily and economically facilitate alterations and
changes recommended by the Commission.
Neither the pre-application conference nor the formal consideration of the preliminary plan shall be deemed to
constitute any portion of the official and formal procedure of applying for Development Plan Approval.
17.2.2. Formal Application: Applications for change of zone to any floating zone shall be submitted in writing to
the Commission, and shall include the following
17.2.2.a. General Statement: A general statement shall be submitted describing the following:
1. The specific types of proposed uses on the site;
2. The methods by which site utilities will be provided;
3. The proposed timetable for development, including a description of phases, if any;
4. The open space resources of the site, and the amount of open space to be retained, and the method of
preservation, if any;
5. The pattern/method of ownership and maintenance of any interior roadways, public facilities, the sewerage
disposal systems(s), the water supply system(s), and other common elements; and
6. A schedule of bedrooms per dwelling unit, total numbers of units, square footage of units, and such other data as
may be required to evaluate compliance with the standards and criteria of these Regulations.
17.2.2.b. Application form and fee: All applications for a floating zone shall be submitted to the Commission on a
form prescribed by it and accompanied by an Application fee in the amount of $100.00, plus the sum of $50.00 per
bedroom requested in the Application.
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17.2.2.c. Site Plan: Any applicant for a floating zone shall provide the Commission with all information required
under Sections 14A.2 of these Regulations, provided, however, that no information shall be waived, contrary to the
provisions of Section 14.A.3.F. In addition, the site plan shall depict the boundaries for all soil types, and shall label
said soil types.
17.2.2d. Additional Information: A change of zone application calls upon the Commission to exercise a
legislative function, and to determine that the floating zone applied for will be superior to the underlying zone in
achieving the purposes of these Regulations as set forth in Section 1 hereof. It is the obligation of the applicant to
provide any additional information which the Commission may request or require in order to make such a
determination. Such information may include, but is not limited to: information concerning surrounding land uses,
building locations, driveways, streets, topography, water courses and wetlands, utilities, and the like; a traffic impact
study prepared by a Connecticut Registered Professional Engineer qualified to prepare such studies; an
environmental impact statement prepared by professionals qualified to prepare such studies; detailed architectural
information, such as color samples, screening of roof-or ground-mounted heating and air conditioning equipment and
ventilation ducts, building illumination, samples of construction materials, and the like; detailed landscaping plans,
including the type, size, number and location of material to be planted, the location and construction material of any
fences, walls, flag poles, street furniture, walkways, trash disposal areas, and the like; reports from its own
consultants and staff, or from government agencies.
17.2.3. Public Hearing and Action: The Commission shall act in such manner, and in accordance with such time
limits, as are designated for changes of zone in accordance with Section 14 B of these Regulations and in accordance
with the applicable provisions of the General Statutes. In the event of conflict between the procedure set forth in
these Regulations and the General Statutes, the latter shall prevail.
17.3. General Standards and Requirements for All Floating Zones:
17.3.1. Access:
a). Access will be provided to a through town road or state highway in such a manner as not to have an adverse
effect on traffic flow or adjacent development.
b). Access and circulation ways shall be designed to permit fire fighting equipment, furniture moving vans, fuel
trucks, refuse collection, deliveries and snow removal equipment to operate in a safe and efficient manner. Such
access ways are not to serve as car storage areas.
c). The Commission may require the street system to connect to two or more existing through Town roads or State
highways in order to provide for a safe and efficient circulation system within the Town, except where topography or
other physical considerations do not permit such streets or where such street connections would adversely affect the
neighborhood. The Floating Zone shall be served from, or have access to, at least one through improved Town road
or State highway which provides adequate circulation and access to other sections of the Town. Ease of entrance to
an exit from the Development with minimum impact on normal traffic flow must be assured.
d). The Commission may require temporary turnarounds and street connections to adjoining undeveloped land as
necessary for its proper development, except where topography does not permit or where such street connections
would adversely affect the neighborhood.
e). The street system shall be designated to permit connection to existing and proposed facilities where necessary for
proper functioning of the utility systems.
f). Buildings, walls, fences, planting and other sight obstructions shall be so located and designed that a driver
backing out of any garage, carport or parking space has an unobstructed view of approaching traffic.
17.3.2. Parking:
a. Residential Uses: Parking for all non-residential uses shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section
11.0 of these Regulations.
b. Non-residential Uses: Parking for all non-residential uses shall be in accordance with the requirements of
Section 11.0 of these Regulations
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c. Underground Utilities: All developments shall provide for underground installation of all utilities in both public
ways and private extensions thereof. All developments shall provide proper design and construction of storm sewer
facilities, including grading, gutters, piping and treatment of turf to handle storm water, prevent erosion and the
formation of dust. Utilities and maintenance facilities shall be in accordance with the requirements and regulations
of the appropriate authority having jurisdiction.
17.3.4. Pedestrian Circulation: The Commission may require such walkways within the development as shall
serve pedestrian movements to community facilities within the development.
17.3.5. Streets: Refer to the current East Haddam Subdivision Regulations Section 5.
17.3.6. Waste Disposal: Adequate sight screening must be provided for all garbage collection areas.
17.3.7. Buildable Area/Minimum Parcel Size Calculation: For all purposes of this Section 17, including, but not
limited to, calculation of the minimum size of the floating zone, density, building coverage, and the like, the area of
the floating zone shall be the Buildable area, which is to be computed as follows: Gross area of the floating zone,
less the unbuildable area shall equal the Buildable area. Unbuildable areas shall include:
a. Soil Types: Any soils listed in Section 4.3(1) a) of the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations shall be deemed
unbuildable:
b. Flood Hazard Areas: Flood Hazard (100 year storm) areas and floodways as identified on the East Haddam
Zoning Map and in the report entitled, “Flood Insurance Study”, Town of East Haddam, Middlesex County,
Connecticut, November 1979” and the accompanying maps, as the same may be amended from time to time.
c. Steep Slopes: Lands with slopes in excess of 20%
17.3.8. Minimum Road Frontage: No property proposed for a floating zone shall have less than fifty (50’) feet of
frontage on an accepted, improved Town road or State highway.
17.3.9. Setback Requirements, Building Proximity: No building or structure shall be less than fifty (50’) from
any boundary of the proposed floating zone with the exception of applications in the East Haddam Village District.
Where a floating zone adjoins a single family home development or approved residential subdivision, the
Commission may require additional setbacks and/or natural screening, but not to exceed one hundred (100’) feet in
depth, to insure privacy from adjoining residences. Setbacks between buildings and structures within the floating
zone shall be such as to provide light and air, as well as acoustical and visual privacy for all dwellings, and access
space for service, fire protection and maintenance equipment and operations.
17.3.10. Sewerage Disposal: Shall meet the current standards of Section 19-13-B103 of the Connecticut
Department of Public Health, referred to as the Technical Standards.
17.3.11. Design: The design of any floating zone shall protect neighborhood property values, prevent future
deterioration, promote good community living standards, provide for preservation of the historic character of the
Town, provide for feasible management and control of the premises, and serve the purposes of this Section 17 and
Section 1 of these Regulations. Site and architectural design shall take advantage of topographic features, provide
visual and acoustical privacy between family units and/or other land uses, provide for landscaping and restoration of
all areas disturbed by construction, and compliment any adjoining neighborhood. Consistency of scale and
architectural design and detailing throughout the various structures within the floating zone shall be maintained.
17.3.12 Open Space
17.3.12.a Definition: All land not used for the construction of dwellings, recreational uses, supporting facilities,
parking, vehicular circulation, or private yards shall be considered open space. It shall be so arranged and defined
that its area, permanent use and control can be established with restrictions or covenants prohibiting or restricting
construction upon it. No portion of any area reserved for residential use shall be considered common open space
available to all residents of the development.
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17.3.12.b. Method of Preservation: All common open space shown on the final site development plan must be
preserved by one of the following methods:
1. Owned by a corporation composed of the owners of all lots or other ownership units. When ownership of
common open space is held by such a corporation, membership in said corporation shall be mandatory for all unit or
lot owners, and said corporation shall have powers of assessment and enforcement as set forth in Chapter 828 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, the Connecticut Common Interest Ownership Act. In addition, any such common
open space shall be subject to a Conservation Easement in favor of the Town of East Haddam in such form as the
Commission shall specify. Such Conservation Easement may, in the Commission’s discretion, provide for public
access in areas where such access appears appropriate upon consideration of the area and the recommendations of
the adopted Plan of Development.
2. Owned by a private conservation trust, the State of Connecticut, the Town of East Haddam, or such other
corporate or governmental entity as such assure the preservation and maintenance of such common open space in
perpetuity. No application for a floating zone shall be deemed complete without written evidence from the proposed
entity that it is willing to accept the ownership and maintenance of such common open space. If the proposed entity
is other than the Town of East Haddam, any conveyance shall be subject to a Conservation Easement in favor of the
Town of East Haddam, as described in the preceding paragraph.
3. Ownership by the developer or its successors: Ownership of common open space by the developer or its
successors shall only be permitted in floating zones where no subdivision of the property is proposed, i.e. where the
entire zone is owned and managed by a single commercial entity. The developer shall convey a Conservation
Easement in favor of the Town of East Haddam, as described in the preceding paragraph.
4. General requirements for open space: Regardless of the method employed, the instrument of conveyance must
include provisions suitable to the Planning and Zoning Commission for guaranteeing:
a). The continued use of such land for the intended purposes:
b). Continuity of proper maintenance for those portions of open space land requiring maintenance;
c). When appropriate, the availability of funds required for such maintenance;
d). Adequate insurance protection; and
e). Recovery for loss sustained by casualty condemnation or otherwise. In any event, the developer must file in the
East Haddam Land Records at the time the approved Site Development Plan is filed, legal documents which will
produce the aforesaid guarantees and, in particular, will provide a method for restricting the use of Common Open
Spaces for the designated purposes.
17.3.13 Other Standards of These Regulations:
In order to further the Intent and purpose of the PRUD Zones under this Section, the Commission shall consider the
criteria of Sections 14A.4, 14.B.4, and 14B.5 of these Regulations, and in addition, the following criteria:
a. The extent to which the application preserves or restores an existing building or buildings which reflect(s) and
enhance the architectural and historic character of the Town of East Haddam;
b. The extent to which the application proposes new buildings(s) and site improvements which reflect(s) and
enhance the architectural and historic character of the Town of East Haddam;
c. The extent to which the application preserves existing large trees, stone walls, topography, and other natural or
man-made features which provide character to the site and the Town of East Haddam;
d. The extent to which the application proposes amenities, such as walkways, plazas, benches, ornamental lighting,
and other improvements to both public and private spaces which reflect(s) and enhance the streetscape, architectural
and historic character of the Town of East Haddam, and provide opportunities for pedestrian circulation, rest, and
relaxation by persons living or working in and around the proposed site.
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17.4 Special Standards for Planned Residential Unit Development (PRUD) Zones:
17.4.1 Permitted Uses: The following uses of land shall be permitted in PRUD Zones:
a. Assisted Living Assisted living shall be defined as a residential facility designed especially for elderly or
disabled persons comprised of individual dwelling units and such common dining and living facilities necessary or
desirable for the personal and medical care of the residents. Individual dwelling units may or may not have kitchens.
b. Adult Living Dwelling units designed especially for elderly or disabled persons, and restricted, in perpetuity,
for the exclusive occupancy of such persons. In determining the validity of such restrictions, the Commission shall
presume that elderly housing proposed by the Town of East Haddam shall be used as such in perpetuity.
c. Residency requirements: Limitations to the occupancy of Assisted Living or Adult Living housing units shall be
as follows:
i). In accordance with the definition of “Housing for Older Persons,” as set forth in Connecticut General Statutes
Sections 46a-64b. As of this writing, such definition is “housing: (A) provided under any state or federal program
that the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development determines is specifically
designed and operated to assist elderly persons as defined in the state or federal program; or (B) intended for, and
solely occupied by, persons sixty-two years or older; or (C) intended or operated for occupancy by at least one
person fifty-five years of age or older; per unit in accordance with the standards set forth in the Fair Housing Act [42
U.S.C. Section 3601, et. seq.] and regulations developed pursuant thereto by the Secretary of the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development.”
ii). a person not qualified for “Housing for Older Persons” under the preceding paragraph, but who has been
certified by the Social Security Board as being disabled.
iii). A unit occupied by the surviving member of a household, regardless of age or disability, if the deceased member
met the requirements of one of the preceding paragraphs.
d. Supporting Facilities: PRUD Zones may contain the following supporting services: recreational facilities,
community service spaces, administrative offices and service buildings, health care facilities, automobile parking
areas and garages, and such other uses as the Commission may approve which are for the primary use of residents of
the PRUD, and which are accessory to the PRUD, as that term is defined in these Regulations. In no event shall any
commercial activity be deemed as a supportive facility.
17.4.2. Permitted Underlying Zones: PRUD Zones shall be permitted only in the following underlying zones: R-
1/2, R, R-1, and C/B/IG.
17.4.3. Minimum Parcel Size: The minimum gross parcel size and minimum buildable area of any PRUD shall
depend upon the underlying zone, and shall be as follows:
Minimum Contiguous Minimum Contiguous Density
Underlying Zone Gross Area Buildable Area Bedrms/Buildable Acre
R-1/2 5 acres 2 acres 6
R 15 acres 5 acres 3
R-1 15 acres 5 acres 3
C/B/IG 5 acres 3 acres 6
17.4.4. Maximum Residential Density: The maximum density for any PRUD shall be no more than three (3)
bedrooms per buildable acre. For all purposes of this Section 17.4, each and every residential dwelling unit shall be
assumed to have at least one (1) bedroom.
17.4.5. Maximum Non-Residential Density: Non-residential support facilities, as set forth above, shall not exceed
ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of all residential buildings.
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17.4.6. Limitations on Residential Buildings:
1. There shall be no more than six (6) dwelling units in any single building.
2. No dwelling unit shall contain less than 600 square feet of gross floor area, plus 150 square feet of gross floor
area for each additional bedroom after the first bedroom
3. No dwelling unit shall contain more than two (2) bedrooms.
4. Any room in a dwelling unit, other than one kitchen, one living room, any bathroom, or any open-air or screened
porch shall be considered a bedroom for the purposes of this Section 17.4.6.
17.4.7 Limitations on All Buildings:
1. The maximum height of any building shall be thirty five (35’) feet. There shall be no third floor habitable areas
without the review and approvals as required in Section 10.1.4 Building Height – Special Provisions. In addition,
the Commission may require a lesser building height or the provision of special site or building improvements, after
considering reports from the Zoning Enforcement Officer, the Building Official, and the Fire Department Chief
concerning the adequacy of fire protection measures, emergency access, and the Town’s capacity to deal with
anticipated public safety challenges in the development.
2. The maximum size of any accessory building shall be 6,000 square feet. Gross floor area.
3. All storage areas shall be enclosed by walls or fences.
17.4.8 Restrictions On Occupancy:
1. For Adult Living or Assisted Living developments, the documents shall describe in detail the services to be
provided, the common elements, areas, or facilities for the use of all residents, and the formula for the allocation of
the costs for such services and common elements, areas, or facilities.
2. For Adult Living or Assisted Living developments, the documents shall contain the occupancy requirements set
forth in this Section 17.
3. For Adult Living or Assisted Living developments, the documents shall contain a provision prohibiting any
substantive amendment to the provisions addressed in the preceding two (2) paragraphs without the prior approval of
the Commission.
17.5 Special Requirements for Planned Recreation Development -Resort Zones PRD-R
17.5.1. Permitted Uses: The following uses of land shall be permitted in PRD-R Zones:
a. Dwellings: Seasonal or year round dwellings, including seasonal single-,two-, and multi-family dwellings. The
applicant shall specify dwellings to be occupied seasonally and those to be occupied on a year round basis.
b. Supporting Facilities: PRD-R Zones may contain any resort activity, as defined by these Regulations, as
supporting facilities.
17.5.2. Permitted Underlying Zones: PRD-R Zones shall be permitted only in the Resort ® underlying zone.
17.5.3. Minimum Parcel Size: The minimum parcel size for a PRD-R Zone shall be twenty (20) acres of
contiguous gross area, of which no less than five (5) acres shall be contiguous buildable land.
17.5.4. Maximum Residential Density: The total number of dwelling units shall not exceed an average of one (1)
unit per acre of buildable land, provided, however, that no more than eight (8) units shall be located upon any acre of
buildable land;
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17.5.5. Maximum Non-Residential Density: Non-residential supporting facilities, as set forth above, shall not
exceed ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of all residential densities.
17.5.6. Limitations on Residential Structures:
1. There shall be no more than four (4) dwelling units in any one building.
2. Each dwelling unit shall have a minimum living area as follows:
Efficiency Unit 450 sq.ft.
1 Bedroom Unit 600 sq.ft.
2 Bedroom Unit 850 sq.ft.
3 Bedroom Unit 1,000 sq.ft.
There shall be no more than three (3) bedrooms in any dwelling unit.
3. Any room in a dwelling unit, other than one kitchen, one living room, any bathroom, or any open-air or screened
porch shall be considered a bedroom for the purposes of this Section 17.5.
4. Every dwelling unit shall have access to a public street, walkway, or other area dedicated to common use as
interpreted by the Commission.
17.5.7 Limitations on all Buildings:
a. The maximum size of any detached building shall be 6,000 square feet.
b. All storage areas shall be enclosed by walls or fences.
17.6. Special Standards for Planned Recreational Development Residential Districts R-2 and R-4
PRD-RD.
17.6.1 Permitted Uses: the following uses of land shall be permitted in PRD-RD zones.
a Dwellings: Seasonal or year round dwellings. The applicant shall specify dwellings to be occupied on a seasonal
or year round basis, and there shall be no change in use from seasonal to year-round dwellings without an
amendment pursuant to Section 17.8.
b. Supporting Facilities: PRD-RD may contain non-residential supporting facilities, as defined in these
Regulations, accessory to the Planned Recreational Development. These facilities may include commercial entities.
Final determination of the nature, size and intensity of such supporting facilities shall be at the discretion of the
Planning and Zoning Commission after considering whether such facilities are, in fact, accessory to the Development
and considering the criteria of Section 17.3 of these Regulations.
c. Recreational Uses: Recreational uses for which application may be made in the PRD-RD Zones are as follows;
golf courses, equestrian complexes, and nature preserves and centers.
1. Golf Courses: Areas of land laid out for golf with a series of nine (9) or eighteen (18) holes each including tee,
fairway, practice greens, driving ranges, and putting green and often one or more natural or artificial hazards.
Supporting Facilities shall be accessory as defined in these regulations. Supporting Facilities which may be
considered accessory to a golf course are as follows: storage and equipment buildings, pro-shops, gift shops, club
house, and restaurants or similar uses which the Commission deems to be accessory to a golf course.
2. Nature Preserves and Centers: Areas of land laid out with a commitment to preserve or protect the natural
resources. These areas may be used for environmental education activities, trails open to the public, exhibit of local
flora and fauna, and wildlife attraction areas.
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Supporting Facilities shall be accessory as defined in these regulations. Supporting Facilities which may be
considered accessory to a nature preserve and center are as follows: educational buildings, museums, libraries, gift
shops, club house, book stores, storage and equipment buildings, and restaurants or similar uses which the
Commission deems to be accessory to a nature preserve and center.
d. Infrastructure Improvements: Any change or alteration to the existing conditions of the site for the purpose of
complying with these Regulations, or any approval granted hereunder, or rendering the site more suitable for
development and/or habitation. As used in the this Section 17, Infrastructure Improvements include but are not
limited to: Construction and installation of roadways, paved streets, curbs, gutters, utilities, street signs, monuments,
shade trees, drainage facilities, erosion and sediment control measures, buildings, earth filling or removal,
community septic systems or community water systems, seeding and grading.
3. Equestrian Complexes: Areas of land and buildings laid out to feature horseback riding as a private and/or
public facility. Areas can be designated as paddock areas, pasture land, training grounds, competition grounds, and
bridle trails.
Supporting Facilities shall be accessory as defined in these regulations. Supporting Facilities which may be
considered accessory to an equestrian complex are as follows:
stables, - private and/or commercial, barns, equipment storage structures, indoor arenas, paddock areas, tack shops,
gift shops, club house, and restaurants or similar uses which the Commission deems to be accessory to an equestrian
complex.
17.6.2. Permitted Underlying Districts: PRD-RD Zones shall be permitted in the R-2 and R-4 Districts.
17.6.3. Minimum Parcel Size: The minimum parcel size for a PRD-RD shall be one hundred (100) contiguous
acres.
17.6.4. Maximum Residential Density: To enhance the rural characteristic of the Town, yet allow recreational and
commercial uses otherwise not allowed in the residential districts, the number of residential units shall be reduced by
one half (1/2) of what would be permitted in a conventional subdivision in the underlying zone, as determined in
accordance with this Section. The applicant shall be required to submit a conventional subdivision plan which will be
reviewed and approved as to the number of residential units by the Commission and shall be subject to any
applicable Federal, State, and local regulations for the purpose of determining the number of residential units
permissible under the underlying zone. Such conventional subdivision plan shall include the entire parcel proposed
for the PRD-RD Zone.
17.6.5. Maximum Non-residential Building Square Footage: The floor area of all non-residential supporting
facilities, as set forth above, shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total gross square footage of all residential
buildings. A maximum of 3500 square feet of floor area per residential unit shall be used.
17.6.6. Limitations on Residential Structures
a. There shall be no more than four (4) dwelling units in any one structure.
b. Each dwelling unit shall have the minimum living area as follows;
1 Bedroom Unit 1000 sq. ft.
2 Bedroom Unit 1250 sq. ft.
3 Bedroom Unit 1500 sq. ft.
4 Bedroom Unit 1750 sq. ft.
c. There shall be no more than four bedrooms in any multi-family dwelling unit.
d. Every dwelling unit shall have access to a public street, walkway, or other area dedicated to common use as
determined by the Commission.
17.6.7 Limitation of Lot Size Dedicated to Residential and Non -Residential Units
To balance the recreational uses desired and still dedicate portions to open space, the maximum lot size shall be as
follows( see Section 17.3.7 );
a. Residential Units
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Underlying District Maximum Lot Size
R-2 1 acre
R-4 1.25 acre
OR
b. the applicant may calculate the aggregate maximum lot area dedicated to residential development allowed by the
preceding paragraph, and supply the Commission with site plans depicting development which does not exceed the
total maximum aggregate lot area coverage allowed, assuming the maximum lot sizes stated in the preceding
paragraph. For cluster development, the applicant shall provide enough area to support the common amenities
associated with residential living. This will be at the final discretion of the Commission.
c. Non Residential Supporting Facilities Lot Size.
The aggregate maximum lot area dedicated for non residential supporting facilities, including accessory amenities
such as parking, lawns, and sanitary facilities ( also referred to simply as “ Supporting Facilities “ in this Section 17 )
shall be an additional twenty (20%) percent of the aggregate maximum lot area dedicated to residential development.
17.6.8. Ratio of Property in Open Space to be used as Recreational Area and Natural Open Space.
The balance of property not used as aggregate maximum lot area (residential or Supporting Facilities, as defined in
this paragraph, shall be deemed as the open space area, as defined in Section 17.3.12a of these Regulations. A
maximum of one half (1/2) of the total area of such open space may be used as the Recreational Area, as defined in
this paragraph, intended for the Floating Zone. The Recreational Area may have the residential and non-residential
supporting facilities intertwined but these areas are to be calculated as separate areas. The balance of the property
shall be dedicated to Natural Open Space as defined in this paragraph. The dedicated open space shall be contiguous
and not fragmented. For purposes of this Section 17 any building, structures, accessory parking areas, lawns,
sanitary facilities, and other improved land area(s) to be used for supporting facilities or recreational uses shall be
defined as Supporting Facilities. Improved open space areas used for recreation uses, such as golf fairways, athletic
fields, horse paddocks, including areas surrounding such facilities which are primarily in their natural state, such as
wooded areas between golf course fairway, high intensity use recreational trails, or buffers shall be defined as “
Recreational Areas.” Areas primarily in their natural state, with only incidental recreational uses, such as low -
intensity walking paths, shall be defined as “Natural Open Spaces.”
17.7. Special Standards for Planned Residential Unit Development and Live Theater Support Personnel
Housing in the East Haddam Village District (PRUD/LTSP/EHVD)
17.7.1. Permitted Uses: All uses are to follow the application requirements of Section 9.5 - East Haddam Village
District along with the following requirements. The following uses of land shall be permitted in
PRUD/LTSP/EHVD:
a. Residential Development: Residential development containing two or more Dwellings and including Dwellings in
structures that have Mixed Uses.
b. Live Theater Support Personnel (LTSP) Housing: Housing designed for congregate living arrangements to support
the needs of a Live Theater. Units created for LTSP Housing can not be converted to residential units without
approval from the East Haddam Planning and Zoning Commission and only if in compliance with this section
pertaining to residential development.
c. Supporting Facilities: PRUD Zones may contain the following supporting services: recreational facilities,
administrative offices, automobile parking areas and garages, and such other uses as the Commission may approve
which are for the primary use of residents of the PRUD/ LTSP/EHVD, and which are accessory to the
PRUD/LTSP/EHVD, as that term is defined in these Regulations. In no event shall any commercial activity be
deemed as a supportive facility. Commercial activities have to be submitted as a separate application.
17.7.2. Permitted Underlying Zones: PRUD/LTSP/EHVD Zones shall be permitted only in the East Haddam
Village District.
17.7.3. Minimum Parcel Size: The minimum gross parcel size is one (1) acre.
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17.7.4. Maximum Residential Density: The maximum density for any application in the PRUD/LTSP/EHVD
shall be a function of the applicants ability to demonstrate compliance with Section 9.5 - East Haddam Village
District regulations, the public health code, and the building code.
17.7.5. Maximum Non-Residential Density: Non-residential support facilities, as set forth above, shall not exceed
ten percent (10%) of the Gross Floor Area of all residential buildings.
17.7.6. Limitations on Residential Buildings:
1. The maximum building size and height for any application in the PRUD/LTSP/EHVD shall be a function of the
applicant’s ability to demonstrate compliance with Section 9.5 - East Haddam Village District regulations, the public
health code, and the building code.
2. No residential dwelling unit shall contain less than 1000 square feet of gross floor area, plus 250 square feet of
gross floor area for each additional bedroom after the first bedroom
3. No LTSP Housing dwelling unit shall not contain less than 250 square feet of Floor Area per resident not
including hallways and stairways.
17.7.7. PRUD/STSP/EHVD Not to Be Exclusive Procedure for Live Theater Support Personnel Housing.
The provisions of this Section 17.7 are intended to provide an option for Live Theater Support Housing in
conjunction with other land uses, and on Premises which may or may not be adjacent to, or in close proximity to,
Live Theaters. This Section shall not preclude Live Theater Support Housing as an Accessory Use for Live Theaters
in accordance with the East Haddam Village District Regulations, Section 9.5.
17.8. Approval: Upon approval of a Floating Zone, the Commission shall provide notice to the applicant and the
public, as provided in the General Statutes, and shall cause the approved Floating Zone to be noted on the official
zoning map of the Town of East Haddam by outlining the boundaries of the land affected thereby and indicating the
approval date.
The applicant shall, within ninety (90) days of approval of any Floating Zone, record notice thereof in the East
Haddam Land Records under the name of the record owner of land affected thereby, giving a legal description of the
land, and giving specific reference to the approved plan(s) and map(s) and, further, the applicant shall record in the
East Haddam Land Records a copy of the approved plan(s) and map(s), endorsed by the signatures of the
Commission’s Chairman or Secretary.
17.9. Conformance to Recorded Documents: Land described shall be used and developed only in accordance
with the recorded documents, provided that if there is a subsequent subdivision approval for all or any portion of the
property within the Floating Zone such future subdivision shall be depicted or indicated on the Floating Zone plans,
and the approved subdivision plans, conditions, and other elements of approval shall be deemed to form a part of the
Floating Zone approval, and be enforceable as such.
17.10. Amendment of Approved Floating Zones: An application to alter or extend an approved floating zone
shall specify the nature of the planned alterations and/or extensions and shall be accompanied by a scale plan of the
proposed alterations and extensions in the same detail as is required in an initial application for floating zone and
shall be accompanied by a fee per the fee schedule. Such application shall be processed in the same manner as a new
application under this section.
17.11. Previously approved Special Exceptions: Any Special Exception approved pursuant to the corresponding
predecessor sections of these Regulations, being former Sections 16, 17, or 26, shall be commended and completed
in accordance with the time limits set forth in section 17.10 of these Regulations, which time limits shall be deemed
to commence upon the effective date of this Section 17. Any Special Exception not so commenced or completed
shall be void, and notice thereof shall be filed in the office of the Town Clerk. Any such approved and completed
Special Exception shall be deemed a legal non-conforming use, and governed by Section 8 of these Regulations.
Any amendment to, or extension of, any such approved Special Exception shall be processed an application under
this Section 17.
17.12. Commencement and Completion of Certain Improvements:
Recreational Improvements. In PRD-RD Zones with permitted recreational uses approved as part of the Floating
Zone, the construction of all recreational uses and Supporting Facilities indicated on the recorded documents shall be
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completed within thirty-six (36) months of the date such documents are recorded, provided however that the
commission in its discretion may extend such period for an additional twenty-four (24) months.
Infrastructure Improvements: For any Floating Zones, the construction of any improvement required by the
commission, other than on land reserved for residential use, shall be completed within five (5) years of the effective
date of such approval, provided that the commission may extend such time period for an additional (5) years without
requiring an additional application.
17.13. Performance Bonds: As a condition of the approval of any Floating Zones approved pursuant to this
Section 17, the Commission may require that the record owners of the subject property post a bond, in such form and
with such sureties as the Zoning Enforcement Officer may prescribe, in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of
construction of any Recreational Improvement, Infrastructure Improvements, and any other improvements required
by the Commission in connection with such Floating Zone. Such requirement for bonding shall be determined on the
basis of the importance of the completion of such improvements to compliance with the criteria of these Regulations,
the extent and expense of such improvements, and the potential for occupancy of the site or building in the absence
of such improvements. All such improvements shall be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Zoning
Compliance and/or Certificate of Occupancy, except as provided herein below.
In the event that certain improvements may not be installed at the time of occupancy of a site or building due to
weather conditions or other factors beyond the control of the applicant, the Zoning Enforcement Officer may require
a performance bond, is such amounts, form, and surety as he/she may deem necessary, to insure the completion of
such improvements in not more than six (6) months following such occupancy.
In the event that the improvements described herein above shall not be completed within the time limits contained
herein, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall be authorized to utilize the performance bond to complete such
improvements, and to compensate the Town for any administrative expenses incurred in connection with the
completion of such improvements.
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SECTION 18 SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA REGULATIONS
11/1/79r 3/22/93r, 8/26/08r, 8/26/08r
TABLE OF CONTENTS
18.1.0 Statutory Authorization and Purpose
18.1.1 Statutory Authorization
18.1.2 Finding of Fact
18.1.3 Statement of Purpose
18.1.4 Objectives
18.2.0 Definitions
18.3.0 General Provisions
18.3.1 Areas to Which This Regulation Applies
18.3.2 Basis for Establishing the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA)
18.3.3 Structures Already in Compliance
18.3.4 Abrogation and Greater Restrictions
18.3.5 Interpretation
18.3.6 Warning and Disclaimer of Liability
18.3.7 Severability
18.4.0 Administration
18.4.1 Designation of the Local Administrator
18.4.2 Certification
18.4.3 Establishment of the Floodplain Development Zoning Permit
18.4.4 Permit Application Procedures
18.4.5 Application Stage
18.4.6 Construction Stage
18.4.7 Duties and Responsibilities of the Local Administrator
18.5.0 Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction
18.5.1 General Standards
18.5.2 Standards for Watercourses Without BFEs, Floodways and/or Flood Mapping
18.5.3 Specific Standards
18.5.4 Construction Standards in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), Zones A, A1-30, and AE
18.5.5 Manufactured (Mobile) Homes and Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
18.5.6 Floodways
18.5.7 Standards for Development in Areas of Shallow Flooding (AO and AH Zones)
18.6.0 Design Standards for Subdivision Proposals
18.7.0 Variance Procedures
18.7.1 Establishment of Variance Process
18.7.2 Specific Situation Variances
18.7.3 Considerations for Granting of Variances
18.7.4 Conditions for Variances
18.8.0 Enforcement
18.9.0 Penalties for Violation
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18.1.0 STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION AND PURPOSE
18.1.1 STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION
The Legislature of the State of Connecticut has in Title 7, Chapter 98, Section 7-148(c)(7)(A) and in Title 8, Chapter
124, Section 8-2 of the General Statutes delegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt regulations
designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry. Therefore, the Planning and
Zoning Commission of the Town of East Haddam, Connecticut, does ordain as follows:
18.1.2 FINDING OF FACT
The flood hazard areas of the Town of East Haddam are subject to periodic flood inundation which results in the loss
of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary
public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the
public health, safety and general welfare.
These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in the floodplains causing increases in
flood heights and velocities, and by the occupancy in flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods or hazards to
other lands which are inadequately elevated, floodproofed, or otherwise unprotected from flood damage.
Uncontrolled development and use of the floodplains can adversely affect the community.
The Town of East Haddam has voluntarily participated in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since
November of 1979. The NFIP is founded on a mutual agreement between the federal government and each
participating community. Local, state and federal governments must share roles and responsibilities to meet the
goals and objectives of the NFIP. The community’s role is of paramount importance. Property owners are able to
receive federally-subsidized flood insurance only if the community enacts and enforces the minimum floodplain
regulations required for participation in the NFIP.
18.1.3 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
It is the purpose of this regulation is to regulate floodplain development, promote public health, safety, and general
welfare, and minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:
18.1.3.1 To protect human life and health, and prevent damage to property;
18.1.3.2 To minimize expenditure of public funds for costly flood control projects;
18.1.3.3 To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken
at the expense of the general public;
18.1.3.4 To minimize prolonged business interruptions and other economic disruptions;
18.1.3.5 To minimize damage to public facilities, infrastructure and utilities, such as water and gas mains,
electric, telephone and sewer lines, and streets and bridges, located in the floodplain;
18.1.3.6 To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of flood
hazard areas in such a manner as to minimize flood damage and flood blight areas;
18.1.3.7 To insure that potential buyers are notified that property is in a flood hazard area;
18.1.3.8 To prevent increase in flood heights that could increase flood damage and result in conflicts between
property owners;
18.1.3.9 To ensure that those who occupy the flood hazard areas assume responsibility for their
actions; and
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18.1.3.10 To discourage development in a floodplain if there is any practicable alternative to locate the
activity, use or structure outside of the floodplain.
18.1.4 OBJECTIVES
In order to accomplish its purposes, this regulation includes objectives, methods and provisions that:
18.1.4.1 Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety and property due to flood or erosion
hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities;
18.1.4.2 Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities that serve such uses, be protected against
flood damage at the time of initial construction;
18.1.4.3 Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers that are
involved in the accommodation of flood waters;
18.1.4.4 Control filling, grading, dredging and other development which may increase erosion or flood
damage; and
18.1.4.5 Prevent or regulate the construction of barriers or obstructions which will unnaturally divert flood
waters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.
18.2.0
Unless specifically defined below, words and phrases used in this regulation shall have the same meaning as they
have in common usage and to give this regulation its most reasonable application.
Area of Shallow Flooding (for a community with AO or AH Zones only) - A designated AO, AH, AR/AO, AR/AH,
or VO zone on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a one percent or greater annual chance of
flooding to an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of
flooding is unpredictable, and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or
sheet flow.
Base Flood – The flood having a one (1) percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, also
referred to as the one hundred (100) year flood, as published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) as part of a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and depicted on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
Base Flood Elevation (BFE) – The elevation of the crest of the base flood or 100-year flood. The height in relation
to mean sea level expected to be reached by the waters of the base flood at pertinent points in the floodplains of
coastal and riverine areas.
Basement – Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.
Building – see definition for “Structure”.
Cost – As related to substantial improvements, the cost of any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, alteration,
repair or other improvement of a structure shall be established by a detailed written contractor’s estimate. The
estimate shall include, but not be limited to: the cost of materials (interior finishing elements, structural elements,
utility and service equipment); sales tax on materials, building equipment and fixtures, including heating and air
conditioning and utility meters; labor; built-in appliances; demolition and site preparation; repairs made to damaged
parts of the building worked on at the same time; contractor’s overhead; contractor’s profit; and grand total. Items to
be excluded include: cost of plans and specifications, survey costs, permit fees, outside improvements such as septic
systems, water supply wells, landscaping, sidewalks, fences, yard lights, irrigation systems, and detached structures
such as garages, sheds, and gazebos.
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Development – Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to the
construction of buildings or structures; the construction of additions, alterations or substantial improvements to
buildings or structures; the placement of buildings or structures; mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving,
excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment; the storage, deposition, or extraction of materials; and the
installation, repair or removal of public or private sewage disposal systems or water supply facilities.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - The federal agency that administers the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
Finished Living Space –Finished living space can include, but is not limited to, a space that is heated and/or cooled,
contains finished floors (tile, linoleum, hardwood, etc.), has sheetrock walls that may or may not be painted or
wallpapered, and other amenities such as furniture, appliances, bathrooms, fireplaces and other items that are easily
damaged by floodwaters and expensive to clean, repair or replace. A fully enclosed area below the base flood
elevation (BFE) cannot have finished living space and needs to be designed for exposure to flood forces. These
spaces can only to be used for parking, building access or limited storage.
Flood or Flooding – A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas
from either the overflow of inland or tidal waters, or the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters
from any source.
Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) – The official map of a community on which the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delineated the limits of the regulatory floodway and 100-year
floodplain.
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) – The official map of a community on which the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) has delineated both the special flood hazard areas (100-year floodplain) and the
insurance risk premium zones applicable to a community. FIRM published after January 1990 may also show the
limits of the regulatory floodway.
Flood Insurance Study (FIS) – The official study of a community in which the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) has conducted a technical engineering evaluation and determination of local flood hazards, flood
profiles and water surface elevations. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), which accompany the FIS, provide
both flood insurance rate zones and base flood elevations, and may provide the regulatory floodway limits.
Floodway – The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to
discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one (1.0) foot. For
the purposes of these regulations, the term “Regulatory Floodway” is synonymous in meaning with the term
“Floodway”.
Functionally Dependent Use or Facility – A use or facility that cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is
located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are
necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building and ship repair facilities. The term
does not include seafood processing facilities, long-term storage, manufacturing, sales or service facilities.
Highest Adjacent Grade (HAG) – The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to
the proposed walls of a structure.
Historic Structure – Any structure that is: (a) Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a
listing maintained by the Department of the Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as
meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register; (b) Certified or preliminarily determined by
the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historic significance of a registered historic district or a district
preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district; (c) Individually listed on a state
inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary
of the Interior; or (d) Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic
preservation programs that have been certified either: (1) By an approved state program as determined by the
Secretary of the Interior or (2) Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
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Lowest Floor – The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood resistant
enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, in an area other than a basement area is
not considered a building’s lowest floor, provided that such an area meets the design requirements specified in
Section 5.3.1.3 of this regulation.
Manufactured Home – A structure, transportable in one (1) or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis
and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term also
includes park trailers, travel trailers, recreational vehicles and other similar vehicles or transportable structures
placed on a site for one hundred and eighty (180) consecutive days or longer and intended to be improved property.
Market Value – Market value of the structure shall be determined by an independent appraisal by a professional
appraiser; the property’s tax assessment, minus land value; the replacement cost minus depreciation of the structure;
the structure’s Actual Cash Value.
Mean Sea Level (MSL) – The North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988 or other datum, to which base
flood elevations shown on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) are referenced.
New Construction – Structures for which the “start of construction” commenced on or after November 1, 1979, the
effective date of the floodplain management regulations, and includes any subsequent improvements to such
structures.
Recreational Vehicle – A vehicle which is: (a) built on a single chassis; (b) four hundred (400) square feet or less
when measured at the largest horizontal projection; (c) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towed by a light
duty truck; and (d) designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as a temporary living quarters for
recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) – The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a one (1) percent
or greater chance of flooding in any given year. SFHAs are determined utilizing the base flood elevations (BFE)
provided on the flood profiles in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for a community. BFEs provided on Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) are only approximate (rounded up or down) and should be verified with the BFEs
published in the FIS for a specific location. SFHAs include, but are not necessarily limited to, the land shown as
Zones A, A1-30, AE, AO, AH, and the Coastal High Hazard Areas shown as Zones V, V1-30, and VE on a FIRM.
The SFHA is also called the Area of Special Flood Hazard.
Start of Construction – For other than new construction or substantial improvements under the Coastal Barrier
Resources Act (P.L. 97-348), includes substantial improvement and means the date the building permit was issued,
provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, substantial
improvement or other improvement was within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the permit date. The actual
start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or
footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation, or the
placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such
as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does in include
excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erections of temporary forms; not does it include the
installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not
part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of
any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external
dimensions of the building.
Structure – A walled and roofed building which is principally above ground, including a manufactured home, a gas
or liquid storage tank, or other man-made facilities or infrastructures.
Substantial Damage – Damage of any origin sustained by a structure, whereby the cost of restoring the structure to
its pre-damaged condition would equal or exceed fifty 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the
damage occurred.
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Substantial Improvement – Any combination of repairs, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alterations, additions or
other improvements to a structure, taking place during a ten (10) year period, in which the cumulative cost equals or
exceeds fifty (50) percent of the market value of the structure as determined at the beginning of such ten (10) year
period. This term includes structures that have incurred “substantial damage”, regardless of the actual repair work
performed. For purposes of this definition, “substantial improvement” is considered to occur when the first alteration
of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects
the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include either: (1) Any project for
improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code
specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum
necessary to assure safe living conditions; or (2) Any alteration of a “historic” structure, provided that the alteration
will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure”.
Variance - A grant of relief by a community from the terms of the floodplain management regulation that allows
construction in a manner otherwise prohibited and where specific enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship.
Violation – Failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community’s floodplain
management regulations. A structure or other development without required permits, lowest floor elevation
documentation, flood-proofing certificates or required floodway encroachment calculations is resumed to be in
violation until such time as that documentation is provided.
Water Surface Elevation – The height, in relation to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NADD to) 1988 (or
other datum, where specified), of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or
riverine areas.
18.3.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS
18.3.1 AREAS TO WHICH THIS REGULATION APPLIES
This regulation shall apply to all Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) within the Town of East Haddam.
18.3.2 BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS (SFHA)
The Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) identified by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) in its Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for the Town of East Haddam, dated August 28, 2008, and
accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) dated August 28, 2008, and other supporting data, and any
subsequent revisions thereto, are adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this regulation. Since mapping is
legally adopted by reference into this regulation it must take precedence when more restrictive until such time as a
map amendment or map revision is obtained from FEMA.
The SFHA includes any area shown on the FIRM as Zones A, A1-30, AE, AO, and AH, including areas designated
as a floodway on a FIRM or FBFM. SFHAs are determined utilizing the base flood elevations (BFE) provided on
the flood profiles in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for a community. BFEs provided on Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM) are only approximate (rounded up or down) and should be verified with the BFEs published in the FIS for a
specific location. Also included are areas of potential, demonstrable or historical flooding, including any area
contiguous with but outside the SFHA identified by FEMA, and where the land surface elevation is lower than the
base flood elevation (BFE) as shown in the FIS, and the area is not protected from flooding by a natural or man-
made feature. The FIRM, FBFM and FIS are on file in the Land Use Office in the Town of East Haddam.
18.3.3 STRUCTURES ALREADY IN COMPLIANCE
A structure or development already in compliance with this regulation shall not be made non-compliant by any
alteration, modification, repair, reconstruction or improvement and must also comply with other applicable local,
state, and federal regulations. No structure or land shall hereafter be located, extended, converted, modified or
structurally altered without full compliance with the terms of this regulation and other applicable regulations.
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18.3.4 ABROGATION AND GREATER RESTRICTIONS
This regulation is not intended to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions.
However, where this regulation and another ordinance, regulation easement, covenant or deed restriction conflict or
overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.
18.3.5 INTERPRETATION
In the interpretation and application of this regulation, all provisions shall be:
1) considered as minimum requirements;
2) liberally construed in favor of the governing body, and;
3) deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes.
18.3.6 WARNING AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
The degree of flood protection required by this regulation is considered the minimum reasonable for regulatory
purposes and is based on scientific and engineering consideration and research. Larger floods can and will occur on
rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This regulation does not imply or
guarantee that land outside the Special Flood Hazard Area or uses permitted in such areas will be free from flooding
and flood damages. This regulation shall not create liability on the part of the Town of East Haddam or by any
officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this regulation or any administrative
decision lawfully made there under. The Town of East Haddam, its officers and employees shall assume no liability
for another person’s reliance on any maps, data or information provided by the Town of East Haddam.
18.3.7 SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this regulation should be declared invalid for any
reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this regulation, which shall remain in full
force and effect; and to this end the provisions of this regulation are hereby declared to be severable.
18.4.0 ADMINISTRATION
18.4.1 DESIGNATION OF THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR
The Zoning Enforcement Officer is hereby appointed to administer, implement and enforce the provisions of this
regulation.
18.4.2 CERTIFICATION
Where required under this regulation, a Connecticut registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the
design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the provisions
of this regulation. Such certification must be provided to the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
18.4.3 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FLOODPLAIN SPECIAL EXCEPTION REVIEW
The flood management section of the Special Exception Review (Section 14B of the East Haddam Zoning
Regulations) must be completed in conformance with the provisions of the East Haddam Zoning Regulation prior to
the commencement of any development activities. Approvals issued under this regulation shall expire if actual
construction of a permitted structure does not commence within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the permit
approval date.
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18.4.4 SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION PROCEDURES
A Special Exception Review is hereby established for all construction and other development to be undertaken in
Special Flood Hazard Areas in this community. Prior to any development activities, application for a Special
Exception Review shall be made to the Planning and Zoning Office on forms provided and may include, but not be
limited to, plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing, at a minimum, the property lines and location of the parcel; the
nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the area in question; limit and extent of the 100-year floodplain
and/or floodway boundary and base flood elevation(s); existing and proposed structures, fill, storage of materials,
drainage facilities and the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information is required to be
submitted to the East Haddam Planning and Zoning Office.
18.4.4.1 Application Stage
The applicant shall provide at least the following information, where applicable. Additional information may be
required on the Special Exception application form.
18.4.4.1.1 Base flood elevation (BFE) for the site in question as determined in the FEMA
Flood Insurance Study (FIS) or Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The FIS flood profiles provide more accurate
BFE data than the FIRM. The extent of the 100- year floodplain and floodway must be depicted with a boundary
line on any site plans and shown in relation to existing and proposed structures or development;
18.4.4.1.2 Elevation in relation to mean sea level of the proposed lowest floor, including basement, of all new
construction, substantial improvements or repairs to structures that have sustained substantial damage;
18.4.4.1.3 Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any non-residential new construction, substantial
improvements or repair to structures that have sustained substantial damage will be dry flood-proofed;
18.4.4.1.4 Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of the proposed
development. Computations by a licensed professional engineer must be submitted that demonstrate that the altered
or relocated segment will provide equal or greater conveyance than the original stream segment. The applicant must
submit any maps, computations or other materials required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
in order to officially amend or revise the Flood Insurance Rate Map. The applicant must pay any fees or other costs
assessed by FEMA for this purpose. The applicant must also provide assurances that the conveyance capacity of the
altered or relocated stream segment will be maintained;
18.4.4.1.5 A statement and supporting documentation (all costs of project, market value of structure, etc.) verifying
that the proposed alterations to an existing structure meets or does not meet the criteria of the substantial
improvement and/or substantial damage definition. If a development meets the definition of substantial improvement
and/or substantial damage, the structure must be brought into compliance with all floodplain regulations as if it was
new construction;
18.4.4.1.6 Where applicable the following certifications by a Connecticut registered engineer or architect are
required, and must be provided to the East Haddam Planning and Zoning Office. The design and methods of
construction must be certified to be in accordance with accepted standards of practice and with the provisions of
Section 5.3.
(a) Non-residential flood-proofing must meet the provisions of Section 5.3.1.2;
(b) Fully enclosed areas below the base flood elevation (BFE) must meet the minimum design criteria in Section
18.5.3.1.3;
(c) No (0.00) increase in floodway water surface elevations are allowed. Any development in a floodway must
meet the provisions of Section 5.3.4;
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18.4.4.2 Construction Stage
Upon completion of the applicable portion of construction, the applicant shall provide verification to the Zoning
Enforcement Officer of the following as is applicable:
18.4.4.2.1. Lowest floor elevation shall be verified for:
(a) A structure in Zones A, AE, A1-30, AO or AH is the top of the lowest floor (including basement); An elevation
certificate prepared by a Connecticut licensed land surveyor must be provided.
(b) A non-residential structure which has been dry flood-proofed is the elevation to which the flood-proofing is
effective (Note: For insurance purposes, a dry flood-proofed, non-residential structure is rated based on the
elevation of its lowest floor unless it is floodproofed to one foot above the BFE.). A FEMA Floodproofing
Certificate (FEMA Form 81-65) prepared by a Connecticut licensed engineer or architect must be provided.
18.4.4.2.2. Deficiencies detected by the review of the above listed shall be corrected by the permit holder
immediately and prior to further progressive work being permitted to proceed. Failure to submit the survey or failure
to make said corrections required hereby, shall be cause to issue a stop-work order for the project.
18.4.5 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR AND THE
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Duties of the Zoning Enforcement Officer and Planning and Zoning Commission shall include, but not be limited to:
18.4.5.1 Review all Special Exception applications for completeness, particularly with the requirements of Section
18.4.4.1. and Section 14B of the Planning and Zoning Regulations
18.4.5.2 Review all Special Exception applications to determine whether the proposed development and building
sites will be reasonably safe from flooding.
18.4.5.3 Review all development permits to assure that the permit requirements of this regulation have been
satisfied.
18.4.5.4 Review all permit applications to assure that all necessary federal or state permits have been received.
Require that copies of such permits be provided and maintained on file with the permit application. Such permits
include, but are not limited to, Stream Channel Encroachment Line (SCEL) Permit, Coastal Area Management
(CAM) Permit, Water Diversion Permit, Dam Safety Permit, and Army Corps of Engineers 401 and 404 Permits.
18.4.5.5 Notify the regional planning agency and affected municipality at least thirty-five (35) days prior to a public
hearing if any change of regulation or use of a flood zone will affect an area within five hundred (500) feet of
another municipality.
18.4.5.6 Notify the adjacent communities and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Inland Water
Resources Division, prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to
the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
18.4.5.7 Assure that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse so that the
flood carrying capacity is not diminished.
18.4.5.8. Obtain, record and maintain the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor (including
basement) of all new construction, substantial improvements or repair to a structure that has sustained substantial
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damage. The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall require and maintain Elevation Certificates provided by the
applicant and prepared by a Connecticut licensed land surveyor, engineer or architect containing this information.
18. 4.5.9 Obtain, record and maintain the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the new construction,
substantial improvement or repair to a structure that has sustained substantial damage has been flood-proofed. The
Zoning Enforcement Officer shall require and maintain FEMA Floodproofing Certificates for Non-Residential
Structures (FEMA Form 81-65). Floodproofing Certificates provided by the applicant and prepared by a
Connecticut licensed engineer of architect containing this information.
18.4.5.10 When flood-proofing is utilized for a particular structure, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall obtain
certification from a registered professional engineer or architect, in accordance with Section 18.5.3.1.2.
18.4.5.11 Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of boundaries of the area of special flood hazard
(for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions) the
Zoning Enforcement Officer shall make necessary interpretation. The person contesting the location of the boundary
shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in this regulation.
18.4.5.12 Require the applicant to provide base flood elevation data for all proposed development, including
manufactured home parks and subdivisions.
18.4.5.12 When base flood elevation data or floodway data have not been provided in accordance with Section
18.3.2 and Section 18.4.4, the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood
elevation and floodway data available from a federal, state or other source in order to administer the provisions of
Section 18.5.0. All records pertaining to the provisions of this regulation shall be obtained and maintained in the
Planning and Zoning Office.
18.4.5.13 Upon completion of the permitted development and prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO),
necessary as-built surveys (prepared by a Connecticut Licensed Professional as per Connecticut State Statutes) and
engineering and architectural certifications shall be provided to the Zoning Enforcement Officer demonstrating
compliance with the approved plans and standards set forth in Section 18.4.4.
18.5.0 PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION
18.5.1 GENERAL STANDARDS
In all Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) the following provisions are required:
18.5.1.1 New construction, substantial improvements, and structures that have sustained substantial
damage shall be constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage.
18.5.1.2 New construction, substantial improvements, and structures that have sustained substantial
damage shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.
18.5.1.3 New construction, substantial improvements, and repairs to structures that have sustained substantial
damage shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure resulting from
hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy.
18.5.1.4 New construction, substantial improvements and repair to structures that have sustained substantial
damage cannot be constructed or located entirely or partially over water.
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18.5.1.5 Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning equipment, HVAC ductwork, and other service
facilities, or any machinery or utility equipment or connections servicing a structure shall be elevated to or above the
base flood elevation (BFE) to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions
of flooding. This includes, but is not limited to, furnaces, oil or propane tanks, air conditioners, heat pumps, hot
water heaters, ventilation ductwork, washer and dryer hook-ups, electrical junction boxes, and circuit breaker boxes.
18.5.1.6 New and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of
floodwaters into the system.
18.5.1.7 New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of
floodwaters into the system and discharges from the system into flood waters.
18.5.1.8 On-site waste disposal systems shall be located and constructed to avoid impairment to them or
contamination from them during flooding.
18.5.1.9 Above-ground storage tanks (oil, propane, etc.) which are located outside or inside of the structure must
either be elevated above the base flood elevation (BFE) on a concrete pad, or be securely anchored with tie-down
straps to prevent flotation or lateral movement, have the top of the fill pipe extended above the BFE, and have a
screw fill cap that does not allow for the infiltration of flood water.
18.5.1.10 In any portion of a watercourse that is altered or relocated, the flood carrying capacity must be
maintained. Notify adjacent communities and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP),
Inland Water Resources Division prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse.
18.5.1.11 If any portion of a structure lies within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), the entire structure is
considered to be in the SFHA. The entire structure must meet the construction requirements of the flood zone. The
structure includes any attached additions, garages, decks, sunrooms, or any other structure attached to the main
structure. Decks or porches that extend into a more restrictive flood zone will require the entire structure to meet the
standards of the more restrictive zone.
18.5.1.12 If a structure lies within two or more flood zones, the construction standards of the most restrictive zone
apply to the entire structure (i.e., V zone is more restrictive than A zone; structure must be built to the highest BFE).
The structure includes any attached additions, garages, decks, sunrooms, or any other structure attached to the main
structure. (Decks or porches that extend into a more restrictive zone will require the entire structure to meet the
requirements of the more restrictive zone.)
18.5.1.13 Compensatory Storage. The water holding capacity of the floodplain, except those areas that are tidally
influenced, shall not be reduced. Any reduction caused by filling, new construction or substantial improvements
involving an increase in footprint to the structure, shall be compensated for by deepening and/or widening of the
floodplain. Storage shall be provided on-site, unless easements have been gained from adjacent property owners; it
shall be provided within the same hydraulic reach and a volume not previously used for flood storage; it shall be
hydraulically comparable and incrementally equal to the theoretical volume of flood water at each elevation, up to
and including the 100-year flood elevation, which would be displaced by the proposed project. Such compensatory
volume shall have an unrestricted hydraulic connection to the same waterway or water body. Compensatory storage
can be provided off-site if approved by the municipality.
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18.5.1.14 Equal Conveyance. Within the floodplain, except those areas which are tidally influenced, as designated
on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the community, encroachments resulting from filling, new construction
or substantial improvements involving an increase in footprint of the structure, are prohibited unless the applicant
provides certification by a registered professional engineer demonstrating, with supporting hydrologic and hydraulic
analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice, that such encroachments shall not result in any
(0.00 feet) increase in flood levels (base flood elevation). Work within the floodplain and the land adjacent to the
floodplain, including work to provide compensatory storage shall not be constructed in such a way so as to cause an
increase in flood stage or flood velocity.
18.5.1.15 Dry Land Access. Each new residential or non-residential development in the Special Flood Hazard Area
(Zones A, A1-30, AE, AO, AH) shall have direct access to a walkway, driveway, or roadway whose surface
elevation is not less than the base flood elevation (BFE) and such escape route shall lead directly out of the
floodplain area.
18.5.2 STANDARDS FOR WATERCOURSES WITHOUT ESTABLISHED BASE FLOOD
ELEVATIONS (UN-NUMBERED A ZONE), ADOPTED FLOODWAYS AND/OR FLOOD MAPPING
18.5.2.1 The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall require base flood elevation (BFE) data be provide with any
application for new construction, substantial improvement, repair to structures which have sustained substantial
damage or other development in Zone A without a FEMA-published BFE (un-numbered A Zone). The Zoning
Enforcement Officer shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any BFE and floodway data available from a federal,
state or other source, including data developed for subdivision proposals, as criteria for requiring that new
construction, substantial improvements, repair to structures which have sustained substantial damage or other
development in un-numbered A Zones on the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) meet the standards in
Section 18.4.4 and Section 18.5.3. If no BFE can be determined, the lowest floor, including basement, must be
elevated to two (2) feet above the highest adjacent grade next to the structure.
18.5.2.2 When BFEs have been determined within Zones A1-30 and AE on the community’s FIRM but a
regulatory floodway has not been designated, the Zoning Enforcement Officer must require that no new construction,
substantial improvements, repair to structures which have sustained substantial damage or other development,
including fill, shall be permitted which will increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than 0.1 foot
at any point within the community when all existing and anticipated development is considered cumulatively with the
proposed development.
18.5.2.3 The Zoning Enforcement Officer may request floodway data of an applicant for watercourses without
FEMA-published floodways. When such data is provided by an applicant or whenever such data is available from
any other source (in response to the municipality’s request or not), the community shall adopt a regulatory floodway
based on the principle that the floodway must be able to convey the waters of the base flood without increasing the
water surface elevation more than 0.1 foot at any point within the community.
18.5.2.4 The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any BFE and floodway data
available from a federal, state or other source, as criteria for requiring that new construction, substantial
improvements, repair to structures which have sustained substantial damage or other development in any area of
potential, demonstrable or historical flooding within the community meet the standards in Section 18.4.4 and Section
18.5.3.
18.5.2.5 Under the provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1, Section 65.12, of the National Flood Insurance Program
regulations, a community may approve certain development in Zones A1-30, AE, AH, on the community’s FIRM
which increases the water surface elevation of the base flood by more than one (1.0) foot, provided that the
community first completes all of the provisions required by Section 65.12.
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18.5.3 SPECIFIC STANDARDS
18.5.3.1 Construction Standards in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), Zones A, A1-30, AE.
18.5.3.1.1 Residential Construction.
All new construction, substantial improvements, and repair to structures that have sustained substantial damage
which are residential structures shall have the bottom of the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot
above the base flood elevation (BFE). Electrical, plumbing, machinery or other utility equipment that service the
structure must be elevated to or above the BFE.
18.5.3.1.2 Non-Residential Construction.
All new construction, substantial improvements, and repair to structures that have sustained substantial damage
which are commercial, industrial or non-residential structures shall:
(a) Have the bottom of the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot above the base flood elevation (BFE);
or
(b) In lieu of being elevated, non-residential structures may be dry flood-proofed to one (1) foot above the BFE
provided that together with all attendant utilities and sanitary facilities the areas of the structure below the required
elevation are watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water, and provided that such
structures are composed of structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic
loads and the effects of buoyancy. A Connecticut registered professional engineer or architect shall review and/or
develop structural design specifications and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and methods
of construction are in accordance with acceptable standards of practice for meeting the provisions of this section.
Such certification shall be provided to the Zoning Enforcement Officer on the FEMA Floodproofing Certificate,
Form 81-65.
(c) Electrical, plumbing, machinery or other utility equipment that service the structure must be elevated to one foot
above the BFE.
18.5.3.1.3 Fully Enclosed Areas Below The Base Flood Elevation Of Elevated Buildings.
All new construction, substantial improvements, or repair of substantial damage to residential or non-residential
structures that include fully enclosed areas formed by a foundation and other exterior walls below the base flood
elevation (BFE) of an elevated building, shall be designed to preclude finished living space and be designed allow
for the entry and exit of flood waters to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls (wet flood-
proofing). Designs for complying with this requirement must either be certified by a Connecticut registered
professional engineer or architect, or meet the following minimum criteria listed in sections (a)-(g) below: (a)
Provide a minimum of two (2) openings (hydraulic flood vents) having a total net area of not less than one square
inch for every one square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding. These hydraulic openings must be located on at
least two different walls. Only the area (square footage) that lies below the BFE can be used in the calculation of net
area of vents required. If the structure has more than one enclosed area, openings must be installed in the exterior
walls of each enclosed area so that flood waters can enter directly from the outside;
(b) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one (1) foot above grade. At least one side of the structure’s
fully enclosed area must be at or above grade. Fill placed around the foundation walls must be graded so that the
elevation inside the enclosed area is equal to or higher than the adjacent outside elevation on at least one side of the
building. The finished floor of the enclosed area shall be no lower bottom of the foundation openings. The
foundation slab of a residential structure, including the slab of a crawlspace, must be set equal to the outside finished
grade on at least one side of the building;
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(c) The openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices provided they permit
the automatic entry and exit of flood waters in both directions without any external influence or control such as
human intervention, including the use of electrical and other non-automatic mechanical means. Other coverings may
be designed and certified by an engineer or approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer;
(d) The area cannot be used as finished living space. Use of the enclosed area shall be the minimum necessary and
shall only be used for the parking of vehicles, building access or limited storage. Access to the enclosed area shall
be the minimum necessary to allow for the parking of vehicles (garage door) or limited storage of maintenance
equipment used in connection with the premises (standard exterior door) entry to the living area (stairway or
elevator). The enclosed area shall not be used for human habitation or partitioned into separate rooms;
(e) All interior walls, floor, and ceiling materials located below the BFE shall be unfinished and resistant to flood
damage.
(f) Electrical, plumbing, HVAC ductwork, machinery or other utility equipment and connections that service the
structure (including, but not limited to, furnaces, oil or propane tanks, air conditioners, heat pumps, hot water
heaters, ventilation, washers, dryers, electrical junction boxes, circuit breaker boxes and food freezers) are prohibited
in the fully enclosed area below the BFE. Utilities or service equipment located in this enclosed area, even if
elevated above the BFE in the space, will subject the structure to increased flood insurance rates.
(g) A residential building with a structurally attached garage having the floor slab below the BFE is considered an
enclosed area below the BFE and must meet the standards of Sections 18.5.3.1.3 (a)-(f). A garage attached to a
residential structure, constructed with the garage floor slab below the BFE, must be designed to allow for the
automatic entry and exit of floodwaters in both directions. Flood openings or vents are required in the exterior walls
of the garage or in the garage doors. The human intervention necessary to open garage doors when flooding occurs
is not an acceptable means of meeting the openings requirements. In addition to the automatic entry of floodwaters,
the areas of the garage below BFE must be constructed with flood resistant materials. Garages attached to non-
residential structures must also meet the aforementioned requirements or be dry floodproofed as per the requirements
of Section 18.5.3.1.2.
18.5.3 Manufactured (Mobile) Homes and Recreational Vehicles (RVs).
18.5.3.1…..In all Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), any manufactured homes, as noted in Section 8-2 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, are to be newly placed, undergoing a substantial improvement or repaired as a result of
substantial damage, shall be elevated so that the bottom of the lowest floor is at or above the base flood elevation
(BFE). The manufactured home must also meet all the construction standards per Section 5.3.1.
18.5.3.2.2 All manufactured homes within a SFHA shall be placed on a permanent foundation which itself is
securely anchored and to which the structure is securely anchored so that it will resist flotation, lateral movement and
hydrostatic pressures. Anchoring may include, but not be limited to, the use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground
anchors.
18.5.3.2.3 All manufactured homes within a SFHA shall be installed using methods and practices which minimize
flood damage. Adequate access and drainage should be provided. Elevation construction standards include piling
foundations placed no more than ten (10) feet apart, and reinforcement is provided for piers more than six (6) feet
above ground level.
18.5.3.2.4 Recreational vehicles placed on sites within a SFHA shall either (i) be on the site for fewer than 180
consecutive days, and (ii) be fully licensed and ready for highway use, OR (iii) meet all the general standard of
Section 18.5.1 and the elevation and anchoring requirement of Section 18.5.3.2.1, 18.5.3.2.2, and 18.5.3.2.3. A
recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by
quick disconnect type utilities and security devices, and has no permanently attached additions. See Section 15 for
further restrictions on recreational vehicles.
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18.5.3.3 Floodways
Located within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) are areas designated as floodways on the community’s Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) or Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps (FBFM). Since the floodway is an extremely
hazardous area due to the velocity of flood waters which carry debris, potential projectiles and has erosion potential,
no encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, repairs to substantially damaged
structures and other developments shall be permitted unless certification, with supporting technical data, by a
Connecticut licensed professional engineer is provided demonstrating that encroachments shall not result in any
(0.00 feet) increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood discharge. Fences in the floodway must be
aligned with the flow and be of an open design. A permit may be given which allows encroachments resulting in
increases in base flood elevations provided the community first obtains a conditional floodway revision by meeting
the requirements of C.F.R. 44, Chapter 1, Subsection 65.12.
18.5.3.4 Standards for Development in Areas of Shallow Flooding (Zones AO and AH)
Located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) are areas designated as shallow flooding areas (AO and AH
Zones). These areas have flood hazards associated with base flood depths of one (1) to three (3) feet where a clearly
defined channel does not exist and where the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate. In AO and AH
zones, the following provisions apply:
18.5.3.4.1 For residential structures, all new construction, substantial improvements and repair to structures that
have sustained substantial damage shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to one foot above the
depth number specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), in feet, above the highest adjacent grade. If no
depth number is specified, the lowest floor, including basement, shall be elevated, at least three (3) feet above the
highest adjacent grade.
18.5.3.4.2 For non-residential structures, all new construction, substantial improvements and repair to structures
that have sustained substantial damage shall:
(a) Have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to one foot above the depth number specified on the Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), in feet, above the highest adjacent grade. If no depth number is specified, the lowest
floor, including basement, shall be elevated at least three (3) feet above the highest adjacent grade; or
(b) Together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities be completely flood-proofed to or above the depth number,
in feet, specified on the FIRM above the highest adjacent grade, or if no depth number is specified at least three (3)
feet above the highest adjacent grade, so that any space below that level is watertight with walls substantially
impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic
and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy. Designs for complying with this requirement must be certified by
either a Connecticut licensed professional engineer or architect.
18.5.3.5.3 On-site drainage for all proposed structures in AO and AH Zones located on slopes shall provide
adequate drainage paths to guide flood waters around and away from such structures.
18.6 SUBDIVISION PROPOSALS Section 10.4 of the Zoning Regulations requires a minimum
square that excludes wetlands and upland review areas. Most floodplains are wetland soils and in East Haddam's
case the delineations of floodplains and wetlands soils are in close proximity. Since the minimum square includes
the 100 foot upland review area, any proposed subdivision in or next to a floodplain would not meet the requirement
of the subdivision regulations.
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18.7.0 A SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPROVAL IN THE SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA MAY
BE CONDITIONED IN SPECIFIC SITUATIONS
a. Buildings on a Historic Register - Conditional approval may be issued for the reconstruction,
rehabilitation or restoration of structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Inventory of
Historic Places, or any locally-adopted historic district without regard to the procedures set forth in the remainder of
this section and provided the proposed reconstruction, rehabilitation or restoration will not result in the structure
losing its historical designation.
b. Functionally Dependent Use or Facility - Conditional approval may be issued for new construction and
substantial improvements and other development necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent use or
facility provided the structure or other development is protected by methods that minimize flood damage, creates no
additional threat to public safety and meet all the requirements of Section 8.4.
c. Floodway Prohibition - Conditional approvals shall not be issued within any designated floodway if
any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
18.7.1 CONSIDERATIONS FOR GRANTING A CONDITIONAL APPROVAL
In passing upon such applications, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider all technical evaluations, all
relevant factors, all standards specified in other sections of this regulation and the items listed below as 18.7.3.1 –
18.7.3.11. Upon consideration of these factors and the purposes of this regulation, the Planning and Zoning
Commission may attach such conditions to the granting such approval as it deems necessary to further the purposes
of this regulation.
a. The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;
b. The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
c. The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the
individual owner;
d. The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community;
e. The necessity of the facility to waterfront location, in the case of a functionally dependent facility;
f. The availability of alternative locations not subject to flooding or erosion damage for the proposed use;
g. The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;
h. The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain management program for that
area;
i. The safety access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;
j. The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the flood waters and the effects of
wave action, if applicable, expected at the site; and
k. The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions including maintenance and repair
of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems, and streets and bridges.
18.8.0 ENFORCEMENT "See Section 2.2 - Enforcement and Penalties"
18.9.0 PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION "See Section 2.2 - Enforcement and Penalties"
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SECTION 19 REGULATION OF EARTH MATERIAL OPERATIONS
19.1. The purpose of this Section is to provide the regulations for the preservation of a cover crop on the land to
prevent erosion, and to control any earth material operations that may create a safety or health hazard to the public or
the adjacent property owners, or be detrimental to the immediate neighborhood or the Town of East Haddam. The
covering of earth material operations may be done with the top four (4) inches of topsoil removed therefrom, or by
furnishing new topsoil or loam from off the premises. Excavations which uncover ledge or rock outcrops need not
be covered or seeded.
19.2. The filling, removal, or excavation of sand, gravel, clay, peat, loam, or topsoil (herein referred to as “Earth
Material Operations”) is permitted in all zones, with the exception of the land designated as the “Conservation
Zone”, after issuance of a special exception by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
19.3. The following filling, removal or excavation activities are permitted in all zones, including the Conservation
Zone, without a special exception provided no permanent damage is done to the landscape:
19.3.1. Operations involving earth material removal legally in existence at the time of passage of these regulations,
may continue provided there is no additional operations or processes added. Application for a special exception shall
be made prior to any extension of such use.
19.3.2. Foundation, trench and related site excavation performed after the issuance of a building permit; and
19.3.3. Filling, removal, or excavation in connection with the landscaping and grading of land for a purpose for
which a building permit is not required, provided that such filling, removal, or excavation shall not exceed 500 cubic
yards.
19.3.4 Proposed pond excavations have to have the approval of the East Haddam Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
Commission prior to applying to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
19.4. In addition to the customary special exception and site plan requirements as set forth in Section 14A of these
regulations, a site plan shall be submitted showing the following:
19.4.1. Location of the premises, names of abutting owners, and an estimate of the amount of material to be
excavated or removed.
19.4.2. Grading plan showing existing contours in the area to be excavated and proposed contours for the area after
operations. Such plans shall include the area to be excavated as well as the surrounding area within 50 feet of the
excavation and shall be drawn at a convenient scale with contours shown at intervals of not less than five (5) feet.
19.4.3. Existing and proposed drainage of the site and details of plans to control erosion during excavation.
19.4.4. Proposed truck access to the excavation and work roadways within the site.
19.4.5. The location and type of any buildings or fixed machinery to be erected.
19.4.6. Details of the final grading and planting of the site to prevent erosion of the site at the conclusion of
operations.
19.4.7. An estimate of the number and types of trucks and other machinery to be used on the site.
19.4.8. The estimated starting and completion dates and the estimated hours and days of the week proposed for
operations at the site.
19.4.9. The plan shall provide for a fence or embankment for the protection and safety of vehicular and pedestrian
traffic and a reasonable means of screening the excavation from the view of highway traffic.
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19.4.10. The map requirement may be waived by the Commission when its opinion is such that a map is unnecessary
because of the small size of the operation, or other valid reason whereby the health, safety, and public welfare will
not be adversely affected.
19.5. The following conditions must be met for earth material operations:
19.5.1. Failure to comply with the plans as approved and any deviation from the plans shall be cause for the
Planning and Zoning Commission to revoke the permit.
19.5.2. The applicant shall post a performance bond with the Town Treasurer in an amount approved by the
Planning and Zoning Commission as sufficient to guarantee conformity with the provisions of the permit issued
hereunder. To encourage the completion of sections of the operation and to prevent erosion, and in order to promote
the rapid return of the land to its natural state, the Commission may reduce the bond requirements as portions of the
work are completed in accordance with the foregoing provisions.
19.5.3. No fixed machinery shall be erected within 100 feet of any property or street line.
19.5.4. No earth material operation shall take place within 100 feet of any property owner’s line except by written
consent of abutting property owner or within 100 feet of a street line.
19.5.5. No building except a field office or temporary shelter for machinery shall be erected on the premises except
as may be permitted in the Zoning Regulations.
19.5.6. At all stages of operations, proper drainage shall be provided to prevent the stagnation of water and to
prevent harmful effects upon surrounding properties.
19.5.7. During the period of filling, removal, or excavation barricades or fences shall be erected as are deemed
necessary by the Planning and Zoning Commission for the protection of pedestrians and vehicles. At no time shall
an overhang be permitted.
19.5.8. Truck access to earth material operations shall be so arranged as to minimize danger to traffic and nuisance
to surrounding properties. That portion of access road within the area of operation shall be treated to minimize dust.
19.5.9. Proper measures shall be taken to minimize the nuisance of noise and flying dust or rock. Such measures
may include limitations upon the stock-piling of excavated materials on the site.
19.5.10. Quarrying of bedrock shall be prohibited.
19.5.11. Screening, sifting, washing, and crushing may be conducted upon the premises provided such operations
are located at least 100 feet from any property or street line. Only portable crushers may be used.
19.5.12. Overburden shall be stockpiled in rows or concentrated piles and stabilized in an acceptable manner so that
it does not become a source of dust beyond the applicant’s property.
19.5.13 There shall be no excavation and/or removal between 5 P.M. and 7 A.M. nor on Saturdays, Sundays or
legal holidays, except with the approval of the Commission.
19.5.14. At no time may the disturbed area of filling, removal or excavation operations exceed five (5) acres in
extent. The applicant may ask for a greater disturbed area if it is believed the operation will perform better in
stockpile maintenance and machine use. The Commission in granting the larger area will have to discuss the impact
od the operation to the surrounding area.
19.5.15. When earth material operations are completed, or work has progressed to where reclamation is practicable,
the disturbed area shall be graded so that slopes shall be no steeper than 1:3 (vertical to horizontal). A layer of
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topsoil shall be spread over the disturbed area, except exposed rock surfaces, to a minimum depth of four (4) inches
in accordance with the approved final grading plan. The area shall then be seeded with suitable cover-crop.
19.7. Application and Fee: Application for a special exception to conduct an earth material operation shall be
made to the Planning and Zoning Commission by the property owner or his authorized agent on forms available at
the office of the Commission. Such application shall be accompanied by a fee payable to the Town of East Haddam
that is equal to the cost of the Town for engineering review, administrative cost, and public hearing cost.
19.8. All approved Earth Removal Operations shall be inspected at least once a year by the Zoning Enforcement
Officer to ensure compliance with Zoning Regulations and the specific conditions for the site. The owner or
operator shall schedule the annual inspection with the Zoning Enforcement Officer and shall be present to answer
any questions that may arise. The final inspection report shall become part of the zoning file.
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SECTION 20 COMMERCIAL CUTTING OF TIMBER
20. Introduction: Harvesting of forest tree species is an integral part of forest management by which wood for
human use is obtained and by which forests are established and tended. It is recognized that during harvesting
operations, there will be temporary change in the forest environment. It is the purpose of these guidelines to
establish harvesting standards which will maintain the productivity of land for continuous forest crops, improve wild
life habitat, and minimize negative environmental impact.
20.2. Special Exception Requirement: Within the Conservation Zone (Gateway) commercial cutting of timber, as
defined in Section 5, may not be undertaken without a special exception from the Planning and Zoning Commission,
except as follows:
20.2.1. Land used for agricultural purposes and cultivation of crops other than forest products;
20.2.2. Land used or being developed for residential, recreational or other non-woodland commercial purposes;
20.2.3. Thinning and clearing in connection with public improvements:
20.2.4. Land used for access to abutting land; and
20.2.5. Cultured Christmas tree area.
20.3. Special Exception Applications: The application for a special exception shall include the following
requirements in addition to the customary special exception requirements contained in Section 14:
20.3.1. A site plan showing the applicant’s property and the abutting property owners.
20.3.2. A cutting plan indicating the nature of the operations.
20.3.3. A certification of the cutting plan by a public or consulting forester indicating the plan’s conformance with
the minimum standards set forth herein.
20.3.4. Any other information, as set forth in Section 14 of these regulations, as the Commission may require.
20.3.5. A fee of $75.00 payable to the Town of East Haddam.
20.4. Water Course Protection:
20.4.1. During harvest operation water courses shall be protected from siltation. Partial cuttings, designed to create
uneven aged stands, will be used within 100 feet of these watercourses. No more than 50% of the merchantable
volume will be removed, taking care in selection of leave trees to minimize water temperature increases and visual
impact.
20.4.2. Trees shall not be felled into or across streams. Logging debris accidentally dropped into streams and ponds
shall be promptly removed.
20.4.3. Harvesting equipment will not be allowed in a stream, and the channel is not to be altered. All stream
crossings shall be at a right angle.
20.4.4. After the completion of a harvest operations, banks at stream crossings will be graded and restored to their
original condition. Re-seeding with an appropriate grass mixture may be required.
20.5. Logging Roads and Trails: 6/1/95r
The location of all main haul or skid roads, including alternative routes, shall be approved by the Commission or the
Land Use Administrator prior to the commencement of harvesting operations.
20.5.1. All roads shall be located so as to minimize construction or use impact on the land.
20.5.2. Grades shall not exceed 10% nor be less than 1%.
20.5.3. Adequate drainage control systems and stabilization systems shall be provided and maintained to control
water flow.
20.5.4. Unless otherwise stipulated, all roads, main skid trails, landings and - sites will be stabilized. Temporary
culverts will be removed, water bars installed where necessary, ruts filled or graded out and gutters cleaned.
20.5.5. Where required for erosion control or where required for wildlife protection, major skid roads, landings
and/or sawmill sites will be limed, fertilized, seeded with an appropriate mixture or grass and legumes.
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20.6 Aesthetic Considerations:
20.6.1. Border Strips:
20.6.1.1. Within 100 feet of any automobile road, recreation trail or other recreation area, or boundary line,
harvesting of trees will be partial cuttings. Not more than 50% of the merchantable volume may be removed. In
high visibility areas, uneven age stands will be required to provide change and variety in scenery.
20.6.1.2. Unique tree specimens, flowering shrubs and trees, or those species that have value as food producers or
den sites for birds and wildlife will be preserved as directed by the Commission.
20.6.2. Brush Control:
20.6.2.1. Undesirable sprout growth or brush must be controlled using appropriate herbicide treatments. Chemicals
used in performing this practice must carry a Federal registration and be applied strictly in accordance with
authorized uses, label directions, and Federal and State regulations.
20.6.2.2. Special consideration shall be given to those border strips in the following situations: 1) screen clearcuts,
sheltered cutting or other heavy cuts that would be and 2) screen yarding and loading areas. All debris shall be
removed.
20.6.3. Slash:
20.6.3.1. No slash will be left within 50 feet of any automobile road, established recreation trail, pond, lake or
stream.
20.6.3.2. Within the remaining width of a border strip, all slash will be chipped or lopped and scattered so that it
does not exceed four feet in height.
20.6.3.3. On all other harvest areas, slash, severely bent or broken trees shall be dropped and/or lopped to a height
not to exceed six feet.
20.7. Harvest Methods: Because of the wide variation in forest types, stand size classes, stocking levels and
timber volumes which exist in Connecticut woodlands there are a variety of methods that can be used, either singly
or in a combination in harvesting and reforestation to meet the stated purpose. These methods include: Clear-cutting
with natural reproduction; Direct seeding or planting; Seed-tree cutting; Selection cutting including diameter limit
harvesting, shelterwood cutting, and such other methods as shall be consistent with good forestry practice.
Although even-age management is an accepted silvicultural practice, particularly with hardwood species, its use
should be practiced judiciously. A clear-cut area presents a severe visual impact to those unfamiliar with this harvest
method; therefore, clear-cutting will have the following restrictions:
20.7.1. Maximum of five (5) acres in size.
20.7.2. Irregular in shape - avoid linear cutting bounds.
20.7.3. Soften edges by partial cutting within 50 to 100 feet of clear-cut boundaries.
20.7.4. Screen clear-cut areas with border strips along roads, trails, or other areas of heavy public use.
20.7.5. Leave ridge tops uncut - these areas are the most visible.
20.7.6. In most cases, even-aged management may be accomplished through shelterwood cuttings rather than clear-
cutting.
20.8. Fire Control Considerations: Access roads and fire lanes will be left clear of slash when a cutting job is
completed. Designated roads will be graded so as to be passable by fire equipment. Where access road construction
is included in a harvest operation construction of loading docks and fire water holes at locations deemed strategic by
the Commission will be required.
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SECTION 21 OUTDOOR WOOD- BURNING FURNACES
Outdoor wood-burning furnaces (OWFs) install after the effective date of this regulation are subject to the following
conditions:
(a) The installation of the outdoor wood-burning furnace shall not be not less than 200 feet from the nearest property
line and not less than 500 feet from any school, church, health-care facility, or municipal recreational facility.
(b) The installation of the chimney of the outdoor wood-burning furnace is to be at a height that is two feet more
than the height of the roof peaks of the residences that are located within 500 feet of the outdoor wood-burning
furnace provided the chimney height is not more than 55 feet. Chimney height must be a minimum of four feet above
the outdoor wood burning furnace owner's home roofline, and the chimney must have a spark arrestor.
(c) A site plan shall be submitted documenting the location of the outdoor wood-burning furnace, horizontal and
vertical control distances to all residences within the five-hundred-foot radius, and comparative heights of the
chimney stack and residential rooflines. The zoning enforcement officer may request this location and height
determination be submitted by a licensed surveyor.
(d) No materials may be burned in the outdoor wood-burning furnace other than wood that has no paint, stains, or
other types of coatings, and has not been treated with, including, but not limited to, copper chromium arsenate,
creosote, or pentachlorophenol or any other chemical or material that would constitute a violation of the State of
Connecticut Public Act for OWFs.
(e) Installation and operation of the outdoor wood-burning furnace is in accordance with the manufacturer's written
instructions, provided such instructions do not conflict with the provisions of this subsection.
(f) The outdoor wood-burning furnace shall meet the provisions of § 22a-174k, as amended, of the Connecticut
General Statutes and qualify under the Environmental Protection Agency Phase I voluntary program.
(i) Operation is permitted only between September 15 and May 15.
(j) Permits are required from the Zoning Office and the Building Department.
(k) This subsection shall apply to all districts in the Town of East Haddam.
(l) The provisions of this subsection shall be enforced by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the
Town of East Haddam.
(m) Any person who operates an outdoor wood-burning furnace in violation of this subsection shall be deemed to
have committed an infraction and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Chapter 124 of the
Connecticut General Statutes. Furthermore, the Commission may, at its sole discretion, direct the Town counsel to
commence criminal or civil action in State or Federal Court for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of these
Regulations.
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SECTION 22 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
22.1. Intent Recent advances in wireless communications technology have resulted in a new generation of
telecommunication services. These new services transmit electromagnetic waves of such a frequency and power that
will likely require numerous antenna locations. These antennas may be located on buildings, water towers and other
similar structures, but will also frequently be located on new or enlarged towers. This requires that the Town of East
Haddam regulate these wireless communication system facilities in a different manner than conventional television
and radio transmission towers which are able to transmit their signals for much greater distances.
A number of providers of wireless communication services have recently been licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission and additional providers are expected to be licensed in the near future. These firms
are expected to pursue antenna sites within the Town of East Haddam and these efforts are expected to include
requests to construct new communication towers.
The intent of this proposed regulation is to provide for the establishment and/or expansion of wireless
telecommunication services within the Town of East Haddam while protecting neighborhoods and minimizing the
adverse visual and operational effects of wireless telecommunications facilities through careful design, siting and
screening. More specifically this regulation has been developed in order to:
(1). Update the Town of East Haddam’s Zoning Regulations to comply with the Telecommunications Act of 1996
and provide for the establishment and expansion of wireless telecommunications services;
(2). Minimize the number and height of towers and encourage the use of existing and the joint use of new towers for
the placement of telecommunication antennas.
(3). Provide for the needs of the Town of East Haddam for:
(a). public health and safety;
(b). telecommunication facilities for the Town of East Haddam’s citizens and East Haddam’s business and
industrial sector;
(c). protection of sensitive areas from adverse aesthetic and environmental impacts from
telecommunication facilities.
(4). Maximize use of existing and approved towers and other structures to accommodate new antennas and
transmitters in order to reduce the number of communication towers needed to serve the community;
(5). Encourage providers to co-locate their facilities on a single tower;
(6). Site facilities below visually prominent ridge lines;
(7). Minimize the location of towers and antennas in visually sensitive areas;
(8). Encourage creative design measures to camouflage facilities;
(9). Protect historic and residential areas from potential adverse impacts of such towers;
(10). Avoid potential damage to adjacent properties from tower failure through engineering and careful siting of
tower structures.
22.2 Definitions
For the purposes of this Section 22, the following terms shall have the stated definitions;
ABANDONED means a Wireless Telecommunications Facility for which there exist no current license to transmit
issued by the Federal Communication Commission, or the discontinuance of operation on the site.
ANTENNA means a device used to receive or transmit electromagnetic waves. Examples include, but are not
limited to whip antennas, panel antennas and dish antennas.
APPLICANT shall be the licensed carrier, provider and land owner, acting jointly.
BASE means location where a tower is attached to its foundation.
BASE EQUIPMENT means a structure or building at the base of the mount or a box located inside such a structure
or building within which are housed service, electrical and back-up power equipment.
BASE HEIGHT means the maximum building height in the subject zone plus 10 feet.
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CO-LOCATION, or CO-LOCATED, means the use of a single mount or site by more than one licensed carrier.
Co-location also means locating a wireless telecommunication facility on an existing structure (e.g. water tower) or
building provided that the facility does not extend beyond 10 feet above the mount or, for electric transmission tower
mounts, that the facility does not extend beyond 15 feet above the mount.
COMMISSION means the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of East Haddam.
HEIGHT OF TOWER means the vertical distance measured in feet from the lowest existing ground elevation of
such tower base to the topmost point of the tower including any antenna or other appurtenances. The “existing
ground elevation” shall mean the actual elevations of the property at the time of the adoption of this Section, or the
elevation approved by the Commission in connection with any application filed hereunder.
HIGH VISUAL IMPACT means that the base, base equipment and lower 50% of a tower is visible as viewed by an
observer from any sensitive area.
LICENSED CARRIER (or PROVIDER) means a company authorized by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) to build and operate the proposed wireless telecommunication facility.
LOW VISUAL IMPACT means that the base, base equipment and lower 50% of a tower is behind a building of at
least one story in height or a stand of trees (the average height of which is not lower than 40 feet and which in the
Winter screens at least 80% of the base, base equipment and lower part of a tower), as viewed by an observer from
any sensitive area.
MOUNT means the structure or surface upon which antennas are mounted. There are four types of mounts;
(1). Within the existing building,
(2). Roof-mounted is mounted on the roof of a building;
(3). Side-mounted is mounted on the side or facade of a building;
(4). Ground-mounted is mounted on the ground, including mounting on a tower.
NON SENSITIVE means all areas not categorized as sensitive (see SENSITIVE below.)
OTHER DESIGNATED AREAS Can be designated particularly sensitive areas by reference to the Plan of
Development, Flood Zones lines along major rivers, Environmental Reports, etc.
RESIDENTIALLY DEVELOPED AREAS Residential subdivisions approved in accordance with the East
Haddam Subdivision Regulations, or residential neighborhoods which predate the adoption of such Regulations; or
within 250 feet of such subdivision or neighborhoods.
SENSITIVE AREAS
(1). Historic Districts or Properties, existing or future, designated or adopted in accordance with the Connecticut
General Statutes Chapter 97a, or within a distance of 250 feet from the boundary of such Historic District, or the lot
upon which such Historic Property is located.
(2). Buildings, structures, or places listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or within 250 feet from the lot
upon which such Historic building, structure, or place is located.
(3). Lake and Riverfront District (LR District)
(4). The Conservation Zone created pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stats. Chapter 477a.
(5). Areas of Special Concern as identified by Natural Resources Map prepared by the Department of
Environmental Protection and on file in the Office of the Town Clerk and the Land Use Office.
(6). Scenic Roads designated in accordance with Conn. Gen. Stats. 13b-31b, et. Seq. (for State Highways) or Conn.
Gen. Stats. 7-149a, et. Seq. (for municipal roads and highways).
(7). Residentially Developed Areas, as defined herein,
(8). Open Spaces and Parks belonging to the State of Connecticut; the Town of East Haddam; a non-profit land trust
or other conservation entity, or non-profit homeowners associations or common interest communities.
(9). Scenic views and vistas as designated by the Conservation Commission in the 1977 Report and as amended.
(10). Other Designated Areas, as defined herein.
Note that any antennae within a Historic District may require separate approval from the East Haddam Historic
District Commission in accordance with its Regulations and the Connecticut General Statutes.
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SETBACK means the distance equaling the height of the tower from any property line of the proposed site except
in those instances where the antenna is co-located on an existing structure.
TOWER means a mount structure that is intended solely to support equipment used to receive and/or transmit
electromagnetic waves. Design examples of towers include (a) self-supporting lattice, (b) guyed and (c) monopole.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (FACILITIES) means the mount including any antennas
or other appurtenances for the provision of wireless telecommunications services, including but not limited to those
services defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
VIEWSHED ANALYSIS A map or other depiction, which illustrates those areas of the Town from which any
portion of the wireless telecommunications facility will be visible by direct line of sight at ground level during the
winter months when deciduous trees do not have leaves.
22.3. General Requirements
(1). Co-Location Encouraged: Co-location is encouraged and preferred to the construction of a new mount or
tower. The applicant shall commit to allow co-location in accordance with this Section. Applicants shall provide a
description of existing telecommunication towers or other suitable mounts in the service area and documentation
indicating why their telecommunication antennas cannot be mounted on these towers. Such documentation shall
include demonstration that the shared use is not technically, legally, or environmentally feasible; or, for towers
constructed prior to the effective date of this section, that shared use is not economically feasible or that the owner of
such facility/facilities has/have refused permission for the shared use. The owner of any tower approved under this
Section shall be required to make space available for additional antennas to the maximum feasible number of other
uses, including competitors. Such availability shall be made under commercially reasonable terms and conditions.
Failure of an owner to share use of a tower approved hereunder shall constitute a violation of any permit issued to
such owner, and shall be grounds for the Commission, upon public hearing and notice to the owner, to revoke such
permit.
In the event co-location is found to be unfeasible by the applicant, the Commission may retain a technical expert to
verify if co-location at the site is feasible or is not feasible. The cost for such a technical expert will be at the
expense of the applicant, and such cost shall be reimbursed prior to the decision on any pending application. Failure
to reimburse the Commission for such costs shall be grounds for denial of the application without prejudice.
(2). Alternative Sites; The Commission may require the investigation of alternative sites by the applicant and
demonstration of a good faith effort to co-locate with other carriers. Such good faith effort includes contact with all
other licensed carriers licensed to operate a wireless telecommunications facility in East Haddam and in adjoining
towns where existing or proposed towers could serve as alternative sites.
In the event the applicant finds the alternate site to be unfeasible, the Commission may retain a technical expert to
verify if the alternate site is feasible or not. The cost for such a technical expert will be at the expense of the
applicant, and such cost shall be reimbursed prior to the decision on any pending application. Failure to reimburse
the Commission for such costs shall be grounds for denial of the application without prejudice.
(3). Principal or Accessory Uses; Antennas and towers may be considered either principal or accessory uses. An
existing telecommunication facility or other use on the site shall not necessarily preclude the location of a new
facility on the site, if the new facility meets the intent, standards and requirements of these requirements of these
regulations.
(4). Compliance with Other Laws; The applicant shall present evidence that the proposal meets the minimum
standards and requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and FCC or any other applicable Town,
State or Federal codes, standards or requirements.
(5). No Negative Impacts: If any proposed facility is found by the Commission to result in significant negative
impacts on the public health, safety, or welfare, it shall not be approved. Such significant negative impacts shall not
include the health or environmental effects or radio frequency emissions to the extent that such emissions comply
with standards adopted by the Federal Communications Commissions.
(6). Abandonment/Discontinuation: At such time that a licensed carrier plans to abandon or discontinue operation
of a wireless telecommunications facility, such carrier will notify the Commission by certified U.S. mail of the
proposed date of abandonment or discontinuation of operations. Such notice shall be given no less than 30 days
prior to abandonment or discontinuation of operations.
In the event that a licensed carrier fails to give such notice, the wireless telecommunications facility shall be
considered abandoned upon such discontinuation of operations.
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Upon abandonment or discontinuation of use, the carrier shall physically remove the wireless telecommunications
facility within 90 days from the date of abandonment or discontinuation of use. “Physically remove” shall include,
but not be limited to removal of antennas, mount, base equipment, and security barriers from the subject property
and restoring the location of the wireless telecommunications facility to its natural condition, except that any
landscaping and grading shall remain in the after-condition. The Commission shall secure the removal of the
wireless telecommunications facility by means of a bond, the amount of such bond shall be determined in accordance
with Section 22.5.(14).
If a carrier fails to remove a wireless telecommunications facility in accordance with this section of this ordinance,
the Town of East Haddam shall have the authority to enter the subject property and physically remove the facility.
The carrier/owner shall first have an opportunity through a public hearing to demonstrate why such structure shall
not be removed. Costs for the removal of the wireless telecommunications facility shall be charged to the carrier in
the event the Town of East Haddam must remove the facility, and the cost thereof may be deducted from any bond
posted by the carrier.
(7). Expansion/Alteration of Existing Facility; Where a previously approved facility is proposed to be extended
or substantially altered in a manner that in any way changes the character or intensity of the use, such proposed
extension or substantial change or alteration will be treated as a new application under this section.
(8). Term of Permit: Approvals for wireless telecommunication facilities are limited to a 10 year time period.
Upon expiration of the time period, the applicant may seek renewal. If renewal is sought, the Commission may deny
the renewal only if it finds that the requirements of this Section have not been met, or that the facility has a
significant impact on the quality of life in the community which was not disclosed or reasonably discoverable at the
time of the original application, or that due to developments in communication technologies the facility is outmoded.
If renewal is not sought, or renewal is sought but denied, the facility shall constitute a zoning violation and the
procedures under the abandonment provisions of this Section shall be imposed.
(9). Maintenance Required: The applicant shall maintain the wireless telecommunications facility. Such
maintenance shall include, but shall not be limited to, painting, structural integrity and landscaping. In the event the
applicant fails to maintain the facility the Town of East Haddam may undertake the maintenance at the expense of
the applicant.
(10). Submission of Radio Frequency Emissions: After a wireless telecommunications facility is operational, the
applicant shall submit, within 90 days of beginning operations, actually existing and maximum future projected
measurements of radio frequency (RF) radiation from a wireless telecommunications facility. Should the applicant
be required to submit additional information to the FCC regarding RF radiation after beginning operations, the
applicant shall also submit such additional information to the Commission. Should a new wireless
telecommunication tower require co-locators, to the degree possible, the maximum future projected measurements of
RF radiation shall be submitted to the Commission. Violation of any standard for RF radiation adopted by the
Federal government shall constitute a violation of any permit issued hereunder, and shall be grounds for revocation
of such permit as provided herein.
(11). Facility on Town Property: In the event that a facility is constructed on Town property, the Town shall be
held harmless from any responsibility due to structural or other failures of the facility. Such hold harmless shall be
set forth in a written document satisfactory to the Town Attorney.
(12). Economic Development: In order to promote economic development, the Commission may consider the
adequacy of service in commercial and industrial areas when evaluating any application.
(13). Licensed Carrier and Owner as Applicant: Application for any wireless telecommunication facility shall be
made by a licensed carrier only acting jointly with all record owners of the subject property, and referred to in this
Section as the applicant. The applicant shall provide written notice to the Commission, within 90 days, of any
change in the composition of the parties constituting the applicant of a wireless telecommunications facility.
(14). Making Facilities Available for Use by Municipal Agencies: Each applicant may be required to
accommodate antennas, base equipment, and other space and access rights as necessary in order to permit the facility
to be used by municipal agencies of the Town of East Haddam, including its fire, police, ambulance, and other
emergency services. This requirement shall be a continuing obligation, such that municipal equipment can be added,
altered, or expanded at any time during the term of the permit. The Commission may waive this requirement where
it finds that municipal equipment will create interference with the applicant’s transmissions, where the tower lacks
the structural ability to accept municipal antennas, or where other physical constraints reasonably prevent the
applicant from complying with this section.
22.4. Specific Standards
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(1). Location Standards:
(a). Facilities Clustering - If the Commission finds that a particular area or site, structure or building is well-suited to
the location of one or more facilities, it may require the clustering of mounts in or on said area site, structure or
building provided that all facilities meet the requirements of this Section.
(b). Locations in order of preference for facilities (i) being the most preferred, (vi) being the least;
i. on existing or approved towers;
ii. within existing structures (e.g. steeple, spires, etc.);
iii. on existing structures (e.g. buildings, water towers and utility poles);
iv. in non sensitive areas;
v. in sensitive areas with low visual impacts;
vi. in sensitive areas with high visual impacts with mitigation.
(c). the applicant shall show the Commission the applicant’s plan or model for the coverage of all areas in the Town
of East Haddam and the locations of all existing and proposed towers that would provide that coverage.
(d). the applicant shall show all facilities within the Town of East Haddam and within one mile of the Town’s
boundary with adjacent communities.
(2) Site Standards
(a). To the extent possible, all utilities serving the facility shall be underground. The Commission may allow
overhead utilities where excessive conditions such as ledge or wetlands exist.
(b). Unless base equipment is located in underground vaults or in an existing structure and no security fence is
required, the base area of a facility shall be large enough to accommodate;
i. the required base equipment access drive and parking for all carrier vehicles anticipated;
ii. screening and landscaping area at least 20 feet wide around the outside of the security fence perimeter or the area
around the smallest rectangle that can be drawn about all base equipment if no fencing is required. This area shall be
planted to screen the base equipment or security fence from view. The Commission may also require walls to
achieve the screening function especially where the tower is close to a building located on the site and the wall can
be made to seem as an extension of the building.
(c). A tower proposed as a ground mounted facility shall have the following setback distances:
i. In non sensitive areas, the setback shall be no less than one and one half the height of the tower.
ii. In sensitive areas deemed to have low visual impacts, the setback shall be no less than two times the height of the
tower.
iii. In sensitive areas deemed to have high visual impacts, the setback shall be three times the height of the
tower.
iv. In non sensitive areas, where it can be demonstrated by the applicant and approved by the Commission, that it is
unlikely that any building will be constructed on adjacent property within the tower fall zone and the that the
property is not or could not be used for residential purposes, the distance maybe reduced to one half the tower
height.
(d). Base equipment structures, cabinets and fencing of ground-mounted facilities shall not be located within any
required yard.
(3). Structural Standards
(a). After review of the application, the viewshed analysis, co-location potential of the site, coverage requirements,
and other information received, the Commission may approve or require the use of a tower design other than the type
submitted where the Commission finds that the visual impacts will be thereby reduced, or countervailing benefits
derived, or other objectives of these Regulations met.
(b). Unless required by the FAA, the color of towers and other visible facility equipment shall be a non-contrasting
blue or gray or other neutral color.
(c). Unless required by the FAA, no lights shall be permitted on any facility higher than 14 feet above the
surrounding grade. No strobe lights shall be permitted on any facility deemed to have a high visual impact, and shall
be strenuously avoided for any facility deemed to have low visual impact.
(d). No signs other than for safety or security directly involving the operation of the facility shall be permitted.
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(e). To minimize tower proliferation, towers shall be designed structurally to adequately carry the weight, load/stress
and height to permit at least three (3) additional co-locators including municipal antennas, unless specifically waived
by the Commission. To achieve this, the tower may be designed for incremental height expansion. The applicant
shall have a professional engineer certify the proposed structure shall be capable of supporting the specific load
bearing including co-location of additional facilities, ice and wind loading, and maintenance issues. The plans shall
bear the seal of a Registered Professional Structural Engineer licensed to do business in the State of Connecticut,
certifying structural load capacity for antennas and wind load recommended by the EIA (Electronic Industry
Association).
(f). The maximum size of dish antennas shall be 4.5 feet in diameter. The maximum size of a panel antenna shall be
2 feet by 6 feet.
(g). Except as provided below, roof-mounted facilities shall not extend more than 10 feet above the maximum height
of the building and shall be located away from the roof perimeter to minimize visibility from the ground.
(h). Roof mounts on existing buildings may extend higher than 10 feet above the surface of any roof on buildings in
industrial or commercial areas provided that;
i. no base equipment, cabinets, fences or screens are visible from streets or surrounding properties;
ii. the Commission finds that the proposal does not significantly and negatively impact the area;
iii. the Commission finds that there does not exist a significant number of locations from which the top of the roof is
visible;
iv. the proposed structure is not to be within any sensitive area.
(i). Antennas mounted on the facade of buildings shall be of a design, color, and material which blends with the
materials of the existing building to the greatest extent possible and shall be located to create the least conflict in
compatibility with the appearance of the building.
(j). The Height of the Tower shall not exceed the height requirement of the Town and district unless the applicant
can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Commission that such service can only be provided at the location and at
the height requested, but in no event shall the total height exceed 199 feet. The Commission shall require the
submission of the results of propagation modeling to facilitate its review of proposed tower height. The applicant
shall submit a propagation study for the lowest and highest antennae height on the tower to ensure adequate coverage
of East Haddam while minimizing visual impacts. The Commission may request propagation modeling for higher or
lower heights. Further, any proposed tower shall be designed in all respects to accommodate both the applicant’s
antennas and comparable antennas for at least three additional users if the tower is over 150 feet, two additional
users if the tower is over 100 feet but less than 150 feet, or for at least one additional user if the tower is over 50 feet
but less than 100 feet in height. The Commission may require the tower to be of such design as to allow for future
rearrangement of antennas upon the tower and to accommodate antennas mounted at varying heights. See the
requirements for co-location herein above.
(k). Any facility to be located within Special Flood Hazard Areas shall comply with all application provisions of
these Regulations. See Section 18 of these Regulations.
(5). Temporary Mobile Facility: The temporary use of a mobile wireless telecommunication facility sometimes
known as Cell on Wheels (COW) based on such factors as its size, the size of the site, its placement on the site,
potential safety impacts and the degree to which the COW does not compromise the character of the surrounding
area and generally meets the intent of this regulations, may be approved as follows:
(a). By a Zoning Permit issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer allowed for an initial period of up to three (3)
months if they find that the COW has not created nuisances, hazards or excessively compromised the character of the
area.
(b). The Commission, may, by Site Plan Review, grant approval for up to an additional three (3) months beyond any
approval period granted by the Zoning Enforcement Officer, it confirms the findings in (a) above.
(c). The Commission may, by Special Exception, grant approval for up to an additional three (3) months beyond any
approval period granted by the Commission through Site Plan Review approval in (b) above, if the applicant can
show a need to extend such time of temporary facility operation, and an application for one or more permanent
location(s) are in active preparation or have been submitted for consideration. The Commission may grant approval
for the time during which the construction of any permanent facility approved by the Town is being delayed by a
pending administrative appeal or other legal proceeding, provided such extension shall be for no more than the
period of pendency of such legal proceeding, plus the time required to construct the facility upon the conclusion of
such proceeding.
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22.5. Submission requirements
Except for Cell on Wheels (see above), all wireless telecommunications facilities shall require a Special Exception in
accordance with Section 14B of these Regulations. Any application for a wireless telecommunications facility,
whether by Zoning Permit, Site Plan Review (for Cell on Wheels), or by Special Exception or variance, shall contain
all that information required in accordance with the applicable provisions of these Regulations, and, in addition, the
following:
1. A plan showing where and how the proposed antenna will be affixed to a particular building or structure.
2. Details of all proposed antenna and mounting equipment including size and color.
3. Elevations of all proposed shielding and details of materials including color.
4. An elevation of all proposed equipment building or boxes. Details of all proposed fencing including color.
5. A design drawing including cross section and elevation of all proposed towers. A description of the tower’s
capacity including the number and type of antennas it can accommodate as well as the proposed location of all
mounting positions for co-located antennas and the minimum separation distances between antennas. Where a tower
is proposed the design shall illustrate how the tower will collapse upon itself or on the property without encroaching
upon any adjoining property line. In order to facilitate the evaluation of the site in relation to the proposed use, the
Commission may require sections of the site and environs, balloon tests, photographic superimpositions and other
studies in connection with any application.
6. A report from a licensed engineer indicating that the proposed wireless telecommunication site will comply with
the emission standards found in Subsection 22.3.(10) of this section, modeled at the full, ultimate capacity of the
facility, and measured at the perimeter of any fenced enclosure surrounding the tower. Such report shall also certify
that the installation of such site will not interfere with public safety communications, and shall provide supporting
data and calculation as will permit an independent engineer to confirm the conclusions of said report.
7. An analysis of the fall zone for the proposed tower prepared by a licensed engineer.
8. Proof that either the applicant or a co-applicant holds a bona fide license from the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) to provide the telecommunication services that the proposed tower is designed to support.
9. A report or letter from the Federal Aviation Administration that the proposed tower complies with all airport
safety requirements for any airports in the vicinity of the site.
10. A map depicting the extent of the provider’s planned coverage within the Town of East Haddam and the service
area of the proposed wireless telecommunication site, and a master plan depicting how coverage within the Town is
to be provided, including future tower sites.
11. A map indicating the service radius for the proposed wireless telecommunication site.
12. Upon request of the Commission the applicant shall provide a simulation of the proposed wireless
telecommunication site in order to help the Commission ascertain the visual impacts associated with such proposal.
13. The applicant shall provide a view shed analysis for all areas from which the tower would be visible.
14. A plan for the removal of the wireless telecommunications facility upon its abandonment or obsolescence,
including detailed procedures and methods to be employed, and accompanied by an estimate of the cost of such
removal. Such estimate shall include the cost of any engineering or other supervisory services.
15. Alternate sites where the proposed wireless telecommunications facility could be located if the proposed site is
found to be unacceptable. Allegations by the applicant that there are no alternative sites will require detailed, written
reports by the qualified engineers to support such allegations, there being a presumption that cases where there is
only one feasible site are very rare.
16. The location of any designated Scenic Roads, Historic District or buildings on State or Federal registers of
Historic Structures, Gateway and Conservation Zones, Lake (L), East Haddam Village District, Areas of Special
Concern as identified by the Natural Resources Map, State Forest or State Parks, Designated Open Space, Town
Parks, all other areas included within the definition of “Sensitive Areas” in section 22.2 of this Section, and schools
within a two mile radius of the proposed facility.
17. For a wireless telecommunication facility requiring a Special Exception application, the notification area set
forth in Section14B.C.3 of these Regulations shall be within 250 feet (rather than 100 feet) from any property line of
the proposed site.
18. In addition to Section 22.3, General Requirements, and to the criteria of Section 14.B, Special Exception
Review, in evaluating a wireless telecommunication facility requiring a Special Exception or variance application,
the Commission shall also consider the potential for co-location, alternative site locations, feasible alternative
technologies and cooperation by the applicant regarding the use of the wireless telecommunication facility for Town
emergency communication services, except that consideration of renewals shall be evaluated by Subsection 22.3(8)
only. The applicant shall provide such information as will permit the Commission or the Board to conduct such
evaluations.
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SECTION 22.6 FEES
1. For telecommunication facilities which are up to the base height, co-locating and not otherwise permitted by right
or renewals under Subsection 22.3.(8), the basic application fee shall be $200.00.
2. For a mobile wireless telecommunication facility sometimes known as Cell on Wheels (COW), the fee is $250.00,
3. For telecommunications facility over the base height but less than 100 feet, the application fee is $2000.00.
4. For telecommunication towers over 100 feet but less than 150 feet, the application fee is $2500.00.
5. For telecommunication towers over 150 feet, the application fee is $3000.00. ]
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SECTION 23 CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION
23.1. Findings: The Commission finds that in some cases the strict adherence to traditional land development and
subdivision techniques within the Town of East Haddam has resulted in:
(i). The consumption of areas containing valuable recreational, agricultural, forest and other unique natural
resources:
(ii). The construction of extensive roads and other improvements requiring maintenance by the Town of East
Haddam;
(iii). The development of sites without specific consideration of the limitations of, or opportunities offered by, the
existing topographical and soil conditions; and
(iv). The destruction of significant historic sites, geological features, severe slopes, scenic vistas, significant stands
of trees, water courses, wetlands, wildlife habitat or other areas of environmental value, natural beauty or historic
interest.
23.2. Purpose. It is the purpose of this Section 23 to respond to the foregoing findings by providing an opportunity
for the preservation and protection of the Town of East Haddam’s natural resources by permitting a transfer of
density by way of reduction in the minimum lot size normally required in specified zones for residential development
in return for the dedication of designated areas as Open Space; provided, however, that the total number of lots in
such subdivision does not exceed the number otherwise permitted under these Regulations and the East Haddam
Subdivision Regulations.
23.3. Definitions. For other definitions – See Section 5 of the Zoning Regulations
AGGREGATE MAXIMUM LOT AVERAGE The total acres to be sold as building lots divided by the number of
such lots.
BUFFERS/BUFFER STRIPS: Open spaces, landscaped areas, fences, walls, berms, or any combination thereof
used to physically separate or screen one use or property from another so as to visually shield or block noise, lights,
or other nuisances or serve as a filter to protect natural resources from potential adverse impact of adjacent land uses.
CONSERVATION AREA Environmentally sensitive areas with characteristics such as wetlands, floodplains,
unprotected elements of the natural landscape such as steep slopes, mature or productive forestland, contiguous open
space or connective green belts, prime farmland, land that protects critical or threatened natural communities and
species as identified by the Department of Environmental Protection, areas that have recreation value as
recommended in the Recreation and/or Open Space Plan component of the Plan of Conservation and Development,
wildlife habitats, and cultural features such as historic and archeological sites, and scenic views.
CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT A form of development that permits a reduction in lot area and bulk
requirements as required in the Zoning District, provided there is no increase in the number of lots permitted as
would be in a Conventional Subdivision, and the remaining land is devoted to open space, active recreation,
preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, or agriculture.
CONSERVATION EASEMENT Conservation Easement shall mean the grant of a property right transferred to a
non-profit or government entity where the landowner retains the legal title and all rights associated with the land
except where the land shall remain in its natural state and preclude future development as set forth in the standard
“Conservation Easement” approved by the Town of East Haddam, including easements permitting agricultural and
forestry uses.
CONVENTIONAL DEVELOPMENT A form of development that permits the division of land in the standard
form provided by the Subdivision Regulation of the Town for the District in which it is located, other than Planned
Residential Development and Conservation Developments.
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Development Restriction. A restriction which perpetually prohibits further development or use inconsistent with or
inimical to the enhancement, preservation and protection of a defined area for the benefit of fish, wildlife, plants, or
other similar ecosystems or preserves such areas predominantly in their natural scenic or open condition; but which
may, at the sole discretion of the Commission, permit recreational and/or agricultural uses which do not involve any
significant alteration or development of the restricted area in a manner which is inconsistent or inimical to the
preservation and protection of the restricted area.
Normal Lot Size. The lot size, expressed in acres, normally applicable to the zoning district in which the proposed
Conservation Subdivision is located.
Open Space Land or water areas which include but are not limited to: areas left in their existing state; agricultural
land for which development rights have been assigned or otherwise alienated in perpetuity; areas and facilities for
non-commercial, non-profit recreation, areas for wildlife habitat, passive and active recreation, groundwater
recharge, scenic preservation, and other lands accomplishing the purpose set forth in Section 4.9 of these regulations.
23.4. General Requirements. A Conservation Subdivision:
(i). Shall only be permitted in the R-2 or R-4 zones.
(ii). Shall consist of a parcel(s) of land containing 20 or more acres, or where a subdivision of 5 or more lots is
proposed. The acreage may be less, as approved by the Commission, if the Application abuts adjoining land for
which a Conservation Subdivision, formerly known as an “Open Space Subdivision”, has been approved or includes
areas identified as existing or potential Conservation Areas.
(iii). Compared to a legally approvable Conventional Subdivision, the Conservation Subdivision proposal must not
be substantially harmful of the property values of surrounding landowners and in keeping with the general character
of the surrounding area.
(iv). Must, except as provided in this Section 23, comply with all applicable sections of these Regulations and the
East Haddam Subdivision Regulations and applicable provisions of Federal, state and local law.
(v). Must provide beneficial utilization of suitable soil and topographic conditions and protection of soils and
topographic conditions not suitable for development.
(vii). Shall be used only for detached single family dwellings and permitted accessory uses. All other uses shall
require the Normal Lot Size and be subject to approval of the Commission in accordance with the applicable sections
of these Regulations. Any other use which is proposed, after the approval of the Conservation Subdivision, shall
require an amendment to the Special Exception granted under this Section 23 in accordance with the applicable
sections of the Regulations.
(viii). Must be consistent with the intent of planning and zoning to promote the public health, safety and welfare of
the Town of East Haddam and the East Haddam Plan of Development, the Natural Resources Inventory and the
Town Open Space Plan.
23.5.. Application Procedure
a. Pre-Application Conference. The Commission recommends that prior to submission of an application for
approval of a Conservation Subdivision, the applicant initiate a pre-application conference with the Commission and
its staff to discuss conceptual aspects of the proposed Conservation Subdivision compared to a proposed
Conventional Subdivision and prepare and present a preliminary plan for informal consideration by the Commission.
The pre-application conference is recommended to permit the general consideration of factors and problems
affecting the development of the subject site before the applicant proceeds with the application and the preparation
of final maps, plans and documents required to accompany such application.
Following the pre-application conference, the Commission may provide informal, non-binding suggestions to the
applicant as to whether to proceed with an application under this Section 23 or to adhere to the Conventional
Subdivision requirements of the applicable sections of the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations.
Neither the pre-application conference, the informal consideration of preliminary plans nor the Commission’s
suggestions shall be deemed to constitute any portion of the application for approval of an Conservation Subdivision.
b. Application. An application for the approval of a Conservation Subdivision shall:
(i) Require approval of the Commission (one) as a Special Exception and (two) as a subdivision in accordance with
the applicable sections of these Regulations and the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations.
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(ii) The applicant shall use a four step process to create a Conservation Subdivision. This process shall be
demonstrated with a site plan and detailed narrative. The design process shall identify historical, cultural and natural
resources, potential open space corridors, views, sensitive wildlife areas, and other areas that should not be adversely
impacted by development. This process is outlined in Section 3.02c of the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations
(iii) Be submitted with a proper and complete special exception form and subdivision application form; a check
made payable to the Town of East Haddam in the amount specified in the Fee Schedule and all required supporting
information;
(iv) In order to determine the maximum number of lots allowable within the proposed Open Space Subdivision, the
applicant shall submit a proposed Conventional Subdivision plan using the Normal Lot Size and a proposed
Conservation Subdivision plan which will be reviewed by the Commission, its staff and any applicable Federal, state
and local agencies or authorities without the application of this Section 23.
(v) Said application shall be accompanied by ten (10) copies of the proposed plans setting forth the information
required by this Section 23 and the applicable sections of these Regulations as well as such additional information as
the Commission may require for a review of the proposed Conservation Subdivision under the applicable sections of
these Regulations or in order to reach a determination of the impact of the Conservation Subdivision on the
surrounding area. Such additional information may include, but is not limited to, the following: information
concerning surrounding land uses, building locations, driveways, streets, topography, water courses and wetlands,
utilities and other information of a similar nature and purpose; a traffic impact study prepared by a Connecticut
registered professional engineer qualified to prepare such studies; an environmental impact statement prepared by
professionals qualified to prepare such studies; and any reports prepared by the applicant’s staff or consultants; and
(vi) Be accompanied by copies of the proposed certificate of incorporation, if any, bylaws, rules and regulations of
any association or corporation of the lot owners within the proposed Conservation Subdivision; copies of the
proposed covenants and restrictions to be placed in the deeds of conveyance to the lot owners, and copies of any
proposed deeds, agreements, conveyances and restrictions necessary for the creation of Open Space, including, a
precise statement of the proposed Development Restriction.
c. Public Hearing. The public hearings on the special exception and subdivision application shall be held
concurrently.
23.6. Standards and Controls.
a. Minimum Area, Yard and Coverage Requirement
R-4 R-2
Minimum Lot Area 1 acre .75 acre
Maximum Lot Area 1.5 acres 1.25 acres
Aggregate Maximum
Lot Average 1.25 acres 1 acre
Minimum Lot Width 150 ft 150 ft.
Minimum Front Yard 30ft 25ft
Minimum Side and
Rear Yards 30 ft. 25 ft.
Maximum Building
Coverage 10% 10%
Lot Impervious Surface
Coverage 15% 15%
b. Minimum Buildable Land Requirements Proposed Conservation Subdivision Lots shall contain a
configuration as prescribed in the conditions set forth under Section 4.06. of the Subdivision Regulation with the
exception that the minimum lot area is at least 21,780 square feet (1/2 acre) with the shortest side no less than 0ne
hundred (100) feet.
c. Conformance. Any lot with reduced area approved under the provisions of this Section 23 shall be deemed to be
a conforming lot notwithstanding the Normal Lot Size; provided, however, that such lot meets the requirements of
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other applicable sections of the Regulations and the East Haddam Subdivision Regulations. Any such lot shall be
designated on the approved Conservation Subdivision Plan which is presented for recording.
23.7. Open Space and Development Restriction.
a. Calculation of Required Open Space. In compensation for the reduction in the Normal Lot Size, the proposed
Conservation Subdivision shall require the dedication as Open Space. The balance of the land that is not designated
as proposed building lots or public improvements (streets and rights of way) shall be the Open Space Area.
b. Dedication of Open Space. Open Space shall be dedicated, by conveyance, in fee simple, to one of the
following:
(i). The Town of East Haddam;
(ii). The State of Connecticut;
(iii). A private not-for-profit conservation trust which assures the preservation and maintenance of the Open Space
in perpetuity; or
(iv). Such other private or governmental entity which assures the preservation and maintenance of the Open Space in
perpetuity and is acceptable to the Commission.
(v). An association or corporation composed of the owners of all lots within the Conservation Subdivision;
The Applicant shall designate in its Application which of the foregoing entities are proposed to own the Open Space,
but, as part of the approval of such application, the Commission may modify such designation to require ownership
by an entity set forth in subsection (i) - (v) above. The Commission may not require ownership by an entity
described in subsections (iii) - (v),, which shall be approved only when proposed by the Applicant. Furthermore, the
Commission may modify any Application so as to designate Open Space in locations other than those proposed. In
determining whether the proposed entity is appropriate to own the proposed Open Space, or whether to require Open
Space in locations different from those proposed, the Commission shall consider the following factors: the
ownership of any existing open space on adjacent properties, or the proximity to non-adjacent open space which
might reasonably interconnect with the proposed Open Space in the future; the proposed use of the Open Space for
active or passive uses, and the extent of maintenance, supervision, or management required; the potential benefits
which the Open Space might provide to residents of the Town or the State, if it were accessible to them; the size,
shape, topography, and character of the Open Space; the recommendations of the East Haddam Plan of
Development; the reports or recommendations of any State or Town agencies, including, but not limited to, the
Board of Selectmen, the Inland/Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, the Recreation Commission, the
Conservation Commission, the Middlesex Regional Planning Agency, and the Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection.
c. Alteration of Open Space. Any excavation, filling, regarding or alteration of Open Space; any construction or
expansion of any building, structure or other improvements thereon, or any paving or surfacing of Open Space
subsequent to the date of approval of the Conservation Subdivision shall require an amendment to the special
exception granted under this Section 23 in accordance with the applicable sections of these Regulations.
d. Evidence of Acceptance. If Open Space is to be owned by a private not-for-profit conservation trust or
corporation, the State of Connecticut, the Town of East Haddam or another entity, the application shall contain
written evidence from the proposed entity satisfactory to the Commission, stating that it is willing to accept
ownership of and responsibility for the preservation and maintenance of the Open Space.
e. Required Provisions. Regardless of the manner of ownership of the Open Space, the instrument of conveyance
must include provisions satisfactory in form and substance to the Commission to ensure:
(i). The continued use of such land for the intended purposes;
(ii). The continuity of proper maintenance for those portions of the Open Space requiring maintenance;
(iii). When appropriate, the availability of funds required for such maintenance;
(iv). Adequate insurance protection; and
(v). Recovery for loss sustained by casualty, condemnation or otherwise.
f. Boundary Lines. The boundary lines of all Open Space shall be set in the field and marked by permanent,
readily-visible markers supplied by the applicant at a six foot height and with iron pins on the ground where such
lines intersect any lot line, road or perimeter line within the proposed Conservation Subdivision and at such other
points as may be required by the Commission to insure identification in the field.
g. Recording. At the time the approved Conservation Subdivision Plan is filed, the applicant shall record on the
East Haddam Land Records all legal documents required to ensure the aforesaid guarantees.
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h. Right to Enforce. A right to enforce the Development Restriction shall be conveyed to (i) the Town of East
Haddam, the State of Connecticut or a private, not-for-profit conservation trust or corporation dedicated to
conservation or preservation purposes in cases where the Open Space is dedicated to an association or corporation of
lot owners in cases where Open Space is dedicated to the Town of East Haddam, the State of Connecticut or a
private not-for-profit conservation trust or corporation. Any deed of conveyance shall contain language providing
the holder of the Development Restriction with the right to obtain reimbursement for all costs it reasonably incurs,
including attorneys fees, in any action to enforce the Development Restriction, in which it is the prevailing party.
i. Association Requirements. If the Open Space is to be dedicated to an association or corporation of lot owners
then the Commission may set additional requirements, including, but not limited to the following:
(i)Creation of the association or corporation prior to the sale of any lot;
(ii). Mandatory membership in the association or corporation by all original lot owners and any subsequent owner;
and
(iii). The association or corporation shall have the power to assess and collect from each lot owner a specified share
of, and where necessary provide reserves the costs associated with maintenance, repair, upkeep and insurance of the
Open Space.
23.8. Protection of Surrounding Areas. In reviewing the proposed Conservation Subdivisions, the Commission
shall additionally utilize and implement the following criteria:
a. The recommendations of the East Haddam Plan of Development, as amended, relative to open space and
recreation.
b. The suitability of areas within the proposed Conservation Subdivision for Open Space purposes in light of the
topography, size, shape, and character of the land to be subdivided, and its relationship to other existing or proposed
areas of open space.
c. The maintenance, insurance, and other burdens placed on upon the residents of the Conservation Subdivision,
and/or the Town of East Haddam.
d. The increase in the burden imposed by the proposed Conservation Subdivision on existing and proposed areas of
open space.
e. The recommendations of the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, the Inland/Wetlands and Watercourses
Commission, the Conservation Commission, the Recreation Commission, and any other public or private agencies or
authorities providing comment to the Commission.
f. The level of access to the areas of Open Space afforded to members of the general public.
e. The Commission shall require the implementation of Buffers between existing roadways, existing developments,
working farmland, environmentally sensitive areas, views and vistas.
23.9. Effective Date. This Section 23 shall be effective as of June 1, 1990. Revised Sept. 13, 2003
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SECTION 24 CONVERSION SEASONAL/YEAR-ROUND OCCUPANCY
(APPROVED: 7/13/81) (EFFECTIVE: 8/1/81) 3/15/01r
24.0. Intent: The purpose of this section is to promote and assure the health, safety and welfare of the Town of East
Haddam for the Town and persons who wish to convert existing seasonal dwellings into year-round dwellings.
24.1. The Planning & Zoning Commission may permit in all zoning districts, upon application by the owner,
conversion of existing property used as seasonal to year-round occupancy.
24.1.1. The lot must contain a minimum of 21,780 square feet of area 8/1/82r
24.1.2. Living space: Any dwelling in existence and used seasonally and containing no less than 600 sq. ft. of
living space, with a maximum of 15% building coverage when these Regulations take effect may apply.
8/1/82r
24.2. Site Plan: Site plans shall contain the information required under Section 14A of these Regulations.
24.3. Criteria For Decision
In reviewing the site plan 24.2 for conversion, the Commission shall consider the following criteria. All decisions
must be made relative to these criteria.
1. Compatibility with the Plan of Development of the Town of East Haddam.
2. Compliance with Zoning Regulations of the Town of East Haddam.
3. Adequate access for fire and emergency vehicles and police protection.
4. Sanitary waste disposal plans shall conform to the State of Connecticut Public Health Code. No requirements
shall be waived.
5. The submission of insufficient information shall be considered to be grounds for modification or denial.
6. No sewage disposal system shall be located within 75 feet of a lake, pond, river, perennial stream or other body of
water.
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Section 25 Collection and Storage of Junk Material, Abandoned Vehicles, and Debris
25a. Purpose
The purpose of this regulation is to define, prohibit and abate blights and nuisances to protect, preserve, and
promote public health, safety and welfare; and to preserve and protect property values.
25b. General
Any other provision in the Regulations to the contrary notwithstanding, no person, firm, or corporation shall
collect or store, upon the landscape of any zoning district in the Town, junk appliances, metal materials, machinery,
or other debris or more than two unregistered motor vehicles. See Section 25d for exceptions. This Regulation shall
apply uniformly to the maintenance of all residential, nonresidential, and undeveloped premises now in existence or
hereafter constructed, maintained, or modified but shall exclude: agricultural lands as defined in Section 22-3(b) of
the Connecticut General Statutes.
25c. Definitions
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this Regulation.
Debris: Material which is incapable of performing the function for which it was designed including, but not limited
to: abandoned, discarded, or unused objects; junk comprised of equipment such as automobiles, boats, and recreation
vehicles which are unregistered and missing parts, not complete in appearance and in an obvious state of disrepair;
parts of automobiles, furniture, appliances, cans, boxes, scrap metal, scrap wood and building materials, tires,
batteries, containers, and garbage which are in the public view.
Decay: A wasting or wearing away; a gradual decline in strength, soundness or quality; to become decomposed or
rotten.
Dilapidated: Decayed or rotten beyond repair.
Junk: Discarded material, such as glass, rags, paper, or metal; articles worn out or fit to be discarded.
Person: Any man, woman, corporation, or other legal entity capable of owning real property.
Premises: A platted lot or part thereof or un-platted lot or parcel of land or plot of land, either occupied or
unoccupied by any dwelling or non-dwelling structure and includes any such building, accessory structure or other
structure thereon, or any part thereof. The term “premises,” where the context requires, shall be deemed to include
any buildings, dwellings, parcels of land or structures contained within the scope of this article.
Public view: Visible from any public right-of-way or neighboring property.
Structure: Any building, dwelling, fence, swimming pool, or similarly constructed object.
25d. Public Nuisance
It is hereby declared a public nuisance for any person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge or possession of
any premises in the Town of East Haddam to maintain such premises or any public right-of-way abutting said
premises in such manner that any of the following conditions exist thereon:
a). Any structure which is in a state of dilapidation; or decay; or is open to the elements; or unable to provide
shelter, or serve the purpose for which it was constructed due to damage, dilapidation, or decay;
b). More than two unregistered motor vehicles, pursuant to Section 14-150a of the Connecticut General Statutes;
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c). Residential, commercially, or industrial zoned property that has premises containing accumulated debris and junk
materials.
d). However, the collection and storage of materials, equipment, and vehicles reasonably associated with a business
which is permitted under Zoning Regulations as long as they poses no public health or safety concerns does not
constitute a violation..
25e. Minimum Standards
a). The provisions in this Regulation shall not be construed to prevent the enforcement of other statutes, codes,
ordinances or regulations.
b). In any case where a provision of this Regulation is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning,
building, fire, safety or health ordinance, regulation or other code of the Town or State, the provision which
establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of the health and safety, and property values of the
people shall prevail.
c). Nothing herein shall be construed to require any town official to hold a sale or public auction of motor vehicles.
Any licensed wrecker service or garage shall comply with the Conn. Gen. Stat. §14-150, as revised, in such matters
as, including but not limited to, owner notification, towing of motor vehicles, storage, and payment of service.
d). If a property is in violation of any regulation, code or ordinance on the effective date of this regulation, it
remains in violation of that regulation, code or ordinance. It is not the intent of this regulation to approve any
activity otherwise in violation of the regulations. If, on the effective date of this regulation, a property is in violation
of any other regulation, code or ordinance, it is still subject to whatever fines, injunctions or other penalties that other
violation would incur.
25f. Responsibility for Compliance
The owner, lessee, or occupant of premises subject to this regulation, including the agents thereof, shall be
jointly and severally obligated to comply with the provisions of this ordinance. Whenever the person, as herein
defined, is a corporation or other legal entity, the officers thereof shall be jointly and severally responsible with that
corporation or other legal entity.
25g. Enforcement and Penalties.
Any person, firm or corporation found in violation of this Regulation shall be given a thirty calendar day
notice by the Zoning Enforcement Officer to remove cited junk items or materials at no cost to the Town. These
Regulations shall be enforced by the Zoning Enforcement Officer(s), or his/her/their designee, who shall be
empowered to cause any building, structure, place or premises to be inspected and examined and to order, in writing,
the remedying of any conditions found to exist therein or thereat in violation of any provision of these Regulations,
or any permit or approval issue hereunder. The owner or agent of a building, structure, or property where such
violation shall have been committed or shall exist, or the lessee or tenant of an entire lot where such violation shall
have been committed or shall exist, or the agent, architect, builder, contractor or any other person who shall commit,
take part or assist in such violation or who shall maintain any building or premises in which such violations exist
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Chapter 124 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Furthermore, the Commission may, at its sole discretion, direct the Town counsel to commence criminal or civil
action in State or Federal Court for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of these Regulations. This could lead to
the Town's removal of cited violating items and materials at the violating party(ies) expense.
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SECTION 26 MOBILE FOOD UNIT REGULATIONS
Intent: The purpose of this regulation is to provide standards relative to the accessibility, appearance, and safety in
regards to mobile food unit vending.
26.1 Definition:
Mobile Food Unit: An itinerant Vender which serves food or drink from an approved conveyance (e.g. “food
truck”, “food cart”, “food trailer”) without a fixed location and without connection to a water supply or sewage
disposal system.
26.2 General Requirements for Mobile Food Unit Vending:
26.2.1 Mobile food units may be permitted by Special Exception in the following Districts after Special
Exception review and approval: the C/B/IG District, the IG District (excluding the IG-5 and IG-10 Districts),
the E.H. Village Highest Use and Moderate Use District, and L District provided they meet the following:
a. An application shall be filed under the criteria of Section 14 B – Special Exception review. The Commission
must find that the proposed operation complies with all applicable provisions of this section and Section 14 B. A
letter of permission and/or copy of an official lease agreement from the property owner to vend on the subject parcel
shall be submitted as part of the application.
b. The application will be in compliance with the Public Health Code as required by the Chatham Health District and
any Building Code or Fire Code requirements.
c. The Mobile Food Unit meets a twenty (20’) front setback and the side and rear setback requirements of its
underlying zoning district unless otherwise specified after special exception review.
d. Only one Mobile Food Unit or vehicle may be permitted per parcel unless otherwise permitted by the Commission
by Special Exception Review.
e. A minimum of four (4) parking spaces must be provided and maintained in addition to the minimum parking
required for the uses on the property.
f. Mobile food unit vendors and associated seating, if any, may not occupy parking spaces that are needed for other
businesses and uses to fulfill their minimum parking requirements. Mobile food units may not occupy any handicap
accessible parking spaces.
g. Ingress, egress, and internal circulation of vehicular traffic shall not create a hazard for traffic on an adjacent
street, on the subject parcel, or an adjacent parcels. Parking and circulation plans shall be reviewed by the
Commission.
i. The Mobile Food Unit is not within twenty-five (25) feet of an entranceway to any business open to the public.
j. Hours of operation are limited to the hours between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm.
k. Permitted merchandise shall be limited to food items approved the Chatham Health District.
l. The Mobile Food Unit vendor is responsible for the proper disposal of waste and trash associated with the
permitted operation. At a minimum, vendors must remove all waste and trash from their approved location at the
end of each day. Vendors must keep all areas within five (5) feet of the Mobile Food Unit and any associated seating
areas clean of grease, trash, paper, cups, or cans associated with the vending operation.
m. The Mobile Food Unit vendor shall not utilize any device which produces loud noise or use and operation of any
loudspeaker, public address system, radio, sound amplifier, or similar noise creating device to attract the attention of
the public.
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26.2.3 Exemptions
a. The provisions of this section shall not apply to existing temporary special events, festivals, community projects or
public events which occur on a periodic basis. Those special events, festivals, community projects or public events
will still need a Temporary Food Vending permit from the Chatham Health District.
26.2.4 Signage
a. No advertising shall be permitted on any cart except to identify the name of the product or the name of the vendor
and the posting of the prices.
b. Electronic or illuminated signs shall not be utilized by vendors.
c. Temporary or permanent off-site signs for the mobile food unit shall be prohibited.
26.3 Violations
a. The vendor, property owner/lessee and assigns shall be responsible for any violation of this section or any other
section of the East Haddam Zoning Regulations, Town Ordinances, Building and Fire Codes and/or the Connecticut
Health Code. Such violations may result in the revocation or denial of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and
vending permit.
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SECTION 27 HOME OCCUPATION
27.0. Intent and Purpose. The Town of East Haddam recognizes the need for some of its citizens to use their place
of residence for limited non-residential activities. It is the intent and purpose of this Section 27 to permit limited
non-residential activity within the Town’s residential districts through the home occupation approval process set
forth in this Section 27, while at the same time protecting the integrity of the underlying residential district.
27.1. Permitted Home Occupations. Home occupations shall be limited to the following:
a. Offices for practitioners of recognized professions, the practice of which requires a license or certification from
the State of Connecticut, such as medicine, law, dentistry, engineering, architecture, accounting, land
surveying, interior design and the like, and commercial activities which require a license or certification
from the State of Connecticut such as real estate, insurance and the like.
b. Building and other trade occupations such as carpentry, plumbing, electric, masonry, painting and the like.
c. Commercial salesrooms and shops such as antiques, gun shops, art galleries, tack shops and the like.
d. Home industries whose products as produced through handcrafting, personal skill and artistry such as catering,
furniture repair and the like.
e. Instructional classes and lessons customarily associated with home occupations such as music, arts and crafts and
the like.
27.2. Standards.
27.2.1. The home occupation shall be carried on by the residents of the dwelling and with no more than two (2) non-
resident employees.
27.2.2. There shall be no external evidence of the operation of the home occupation so as to change the residential
character of the dwelling or adversely affect the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood as to property
value or health, safety and welfare, except that one sign which conforms with the applicable requirements of Section
12 of these Regulations shall be permitted.
27.2.3. The home occupation shall be contained wholly within the dwelling or a permitted accessory building. The
total floor area used for the home occupation, whether conducted in the dwelling or a permitted accessory building,
shall not exceed 25% of the total living area of the dwelling of 750 square feet, whichever is less.
27.2.4. The storage of goods, materials or products connected with a home occupation are prohibited outside of the
dwelling or a permitted accessory building.
27.2.5. The home occupation shall not create offensive odors, noise, vibrations, light, electrical interference or other
objectionable conditions which might adversely affect the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood as
to property value or health, safety and welfare. There shall be no discharges of a hazardous or toxic substance to the
air, surface water, groundwater or ground.
27.2.6. The home occupation shall not generate traffic which is substantially greater in volume than the traffic which
would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood, and any need for parking generated by the conduct of the
home occupation shall be met by off the street parking which does not encroach upon a required front yard and
otherwise conforms to the applicable requirements of Section 11 of these Regulations. The Commission may require
buffering or screening or designate the location of parking spaces associated with the home occupation. In no event
shall a home occupation be approved if the traffic generated therewith or the parking required therefore shall
adversely affect the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood as to property value or health, safety or
welfare.
27.3. Application.
27.3.1. The application shall be submitted on a form provided by the Town with signature of the property owner and
the applicant, who shall be a resident of the dwelling in which the home occupation is proposed to be conducted.
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27.3.2. The application shall be accompanied by the applicable fee for the home occupation approval and, if
required, by the applicable fee for the Special Exception approval.
27.3.3. The application shall be accompanied by:
a. a detailed description of the proposed home occupation, including any required machinery, equipment, materials,
etc.
b. a floor plan of the dwelling or accessory building in which the proposed home occupation will be conducted
indicating the area to be occupied by the proposed home occupation.
c. a description of the frequency and type of commercial vehicles and customer vehicles which will be associated
with the home occupation.
d. return receipts from letters sent via certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, notifying abutting
property owners of the application and the nature of the proposed home occupation.
e. such other information as may be reasonably required by the Planning and Zoning Commission to assist in the
review of the application.
27.4. Approval Procedure. The home occupation shall require the approval of the Planning and Zoning
Commission as a Special Exception in accordance with Section 14B of these Regulations; provided, however, that
applications which meet the following criteria and otherwise comply with the requirements of this Section 27 may be
approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer upon the issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance in accordance
with Section 2.3 of these Regulations.
a. No business activity other than the use of a home office, business phone and mailing address is conducted on the
premises.
b. The home occupation is conducted solely by residents of the dwelling.
c. There will be no increase in traffic beyond that normally and customarily expected from a single family residence.
d. The dwelling has existing parking sufficient to meet the requirements of Section 11 of these Regulations.
e. The proposed home occupation will not require any building, inland wetland, health or other land use permits,
approvals or licenses of any federal, state or local governmental body.
27.5. Filing and Transfer. Any home occupation for which a Special Exception or Certificate of Zoning
Compliance has been issued pursuant to this Section 27 shall not commence operation until a copy thereof, with all
conditions, time of expiration, plans, and materials describing the nature and scope of the home occupation, have
been filed in the Land Records of the Town of East Haddam. Any purchaser of such property shall be bound by the
home occupation as previously approved, regardless of whether any particular restriction or description shall be on
file in the Land Records, it being the duty of the purchaser to research the files of the Commission and the Zoning
Enforcement Officer relative to the home occupation being purchased. It is also required by the purchaser to refile
with the Land Use Office the intent to continue said approved home occupation prior to commencing such activity.
27.6. Expansion or Alteration. Any expansion or alteration of an approved home occupation shall require a new
application for the approval of the expanded or altered home occupation in accordance with the requirements of this
Section 27; provided, however, that the Planning and Zoning Commission may waive the requirement for a new
application if it can be shown that the proposed expansion or alteration is in keeping with the original application and
will not adversely affect the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood as to property value or health,
safety and welfare. Any expansion or alteration approved under this subsection shall not become effective until such
approval is filed in the Land Records of the Town of East Haddam in accordance with Section 27.5.
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SECTION 28 - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
No subdivision of land or proposed land use shall alter natural watercourses, natural drainage and runoff areas or
existing drainage and runoff areas unless suitable plans meeting the other requirements of these Regulations, certified
by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Connecticut, are provided and approved by the Commission.
All cross culverts, detention basins, channels and ditches, driveway culverts and street drainage shall be designed in
conformance with the Connecticut Department of Transportation Drainage Manual dated October 2000, as
amended and the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP) as amended. This requirement may be varied
by the Commission according to conditions of the land and drainage requirements.
All necessary drainage easements shall be provided and shall extend a minimum of 10 feet around the drainage
facility, except that easements for pipes shall be 20 feet wide and centered on the pipe.
28.1 Waivers for Providing Stormwater Management
The minimum requirements for stormwater management may be waived in whole or in part upon written request of
the Applicant, provided that the Applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Commission that the immediately
downstream watercourses will not be subject to:
a. Deterioration of existing culverts, bridges, dams, and other structures.
b. Deterioration of biological functions or habitat.
c. Accelerated streambank or streambed erosion or siltation.
d. Increased threat of flood damage to public health, life and property.
28.2 General Performance Criteria for Stormwater Management
Unless judged to be exempt or granted a waiver by the Commission, the following performance criteria shall be
addressed for stormwater management at all sites:
a. All site designs shall establish stormwater management practices to control the peak flow rates of stormwater
discharge associated with specified design storms and reduce the generation of stormwater. These practices should
seek to utilize pervious areas for stormwater treatment and to infiltrate stormwater runoff from driveways, sidewalks,
rooftops, parking lots, and landscaped areas to the maximum extent practical to provide treatment for both water
quality and quantity. Infiltration of stormwater shall be accommodated to the extent possible though limitation of
land disturbance and grade changes, retention of existing natural drainage area and wetlands, and use or creation of
vegetated islands, vegetated medians, and vegetated perimeter buffer strips.
b. All stormwater runoff generated from new impervious surfaces or changed habitats in the development shall not
discharge stormwater directly into an inland wetland or watercourse without adequate treatment. Drainage shall be
designed such that all surface runoff (both piped and overland flow) is conveyed through a vegetated swale,
vegetated filter strip, created wetlands, rain gardens, detention basins with bio-filtration prior, or acceptable
engineered solutions to discharge into existing wetlands, streams, ponds, or other waterbodies.
c. Structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) shall be designed to remove 80 percent of the average annual
post development total suspended solids load. It is presumed that a BMP complies with this performance standard if
it is:
d. Sized to capture the prescribed water quality volume (WQV).
e. Designed according to the specific performance criteria outlined in the Connecticut Stormwater Quality
Manual (CTDEEP).
f. Constructed properly.
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28.3 Minimum Control Requirements
a. All stormwater management practices will be designed so that the specific storm frequency storage volumes
(e.g., recharge, water quality, channel protection, 2, 10, 25, 100 year) as identified in the current Connecticut
Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP) are met, unless the Commission grants the applicant a waiver or the
applicant is exempt from such requirements. Note especially the specific criteria related to channel protection and
the use of multiple storm return frequencies, both cited in the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP).
The Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manuel Worksheet is attached in Appendix C of these regulations and shall be
part of the subdivision or site plan submittal.
b. All stormwater management practices shall be designed to capture and treat stormwater runoff according to
the specifications outlined in the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP). These specifications will
designate the water quantity and quality treatment criteria that apply to an approved stormwater management
practice.
c. In addition, if hydrologic or topographic conditions warrant greater control than that provided by the
minimum control requirements, the Commission reserves the right to impose any and all additional requirements
deemed necessary to control runoff volume, timing, rate and treatment.
d. Applicants shall consult the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP) for guidance on the factors that
determine site design feasibility when selecting a stormwater management practice.
e. The Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP) shall be consulted for detailed guidance on the
requirements for conveyance for each of the approved stormwater practices.
f. All stormwater management practices shall be designed to convey stormwater to allow for the maximum
removal of pollutants and reduction in flow velocities. This shall include, but not be limited to:
i. Maximizing length of flow paths from inflow points to outflow points of basins, pools and ponds.
ii. Protection of inlet and outfall structures.
iii. Elimination of erosive flow velocities.
iv. Provision of underdrain systems, where applicable.
g. All stormwater management practices must have a landscaping plan detailing the vegetation to be planted. The
use of native grasses and small diameter wood-stemmed shrubs is encouraged as plantings for all vegetated swales,
vegetated filter strips, created wetlands, rain gardens, or detention basins with bio-filtration. From Section 11-
Parking
h. The use of non-structural best management practices is encouraged in order to minimize the reliance on structural
practices. Credit in the form of reductions in the amount of stormwater that must be managed can be earned through
the use of non-structural practices that reduce the generation of stormwater from the site. These non-structural
practices are explained in detail in the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP) and applicants wishing
to obtain credit for use of non-structural practices must ensure that these practices are documented and can
reasonably be expected to remain maintenance-free and remain unaltered by subsequent property owners.
28.4 Stormwater Management Plan Requirements
The stormwater management plan shall include:
a. Calculations: Hydrologic and hydraulic design calculations for the pre-development and post-development
conditions for the design storms specified in the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP) (i.e., 2, 10, 25
& 100-yr storm). Such calculations shall include, at a minimum:
i. Description of the design storm frequency, intensity and duration,
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ii. Time of concentration and travel time.
iii. Soil Curve Numbers or runoff coefficients.
iv. Peak runoff rates and total runoff volumes for each watershed area.
v. Infiltration rates, where applicable, as determined by field testing of hydraulic conductivity.
vi. Culvert capacities.
vii. Flow velocities.
viii. Data on the increase in rate and volume of runoff for the design storms referenced in the Connecticut
Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP).
ix. Water surface elevations showing methodologies used and supporting calculations.
xx. Stage-discharge curves, outlet rating curves and inflow and outflow hydrographs for storage facilities (e.g.,
stormwater ponds and wetlands).
xxi). Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for all structural components of stormwater system (e.g., storm drains,
open channels, swales, management practices, etc.) for applicable design storms including final analysis of
potential downstream effects of project, where necessary.
xxii). Documentation of sources for all computation methods and field test results.
b. Soils Information: If a stormwater management control measure depends on the hydrologic properties of soils
(e.g., infiltration basins), then a soils report must be submitted. The soils report must be based upon on-site boring
logs or soil pit profiles. The number and location of required soil borings or soil sites must be determined based on
what is needed to determine the suitability and distribution of soil types present at the location of the control
measure. If infiltration is to be part of the stormwater management plan, then field testing of hydraulic conductivity
is required may be required if determined necessary by the Commission’s engineer to evaluate the proposal.
c. Maintenance and Repair Plan: The design and planning of all stormwater management facilities shall include
detailed maintenance and repair procedures to ensure their continued function. These plans will identify the parts or
components of a stormwater management facility that need to be maintained and the equipment and skills or training
necessary. All stormwater BMPs shall be designed in a manner to minimize the need for maintenance and reduce the
chances of failure. Design and maintenance guidelines to be followed shall be in accordance with the most recent
version of the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP). From Section 11-Parking
The applicant shall demonstrate the failure pattern for any proposed BMP and shall ensure that such failure does not
adversely impact adjacent structures or wetland systems. Surficial detention structures which include a construction
embankment greater than one (1) foot in height shall be design to include emergency spillways and appropriate
downstream erosion protection.
d. Landscaping plan: The applicant must present a detailed plan for planting of vegetation at the site after
construction is finished.
e. Maps and plans: The applicant must depict the stormwater management on the supplemental plans (scale of 1" =
40' or greater detail). Such plans must illustrate, in addition to the mapping requirements cited in Section 3, at a
minimum:
i. Perennial and intermittent streams.
ii. Location and boundaries of resource protection areas such as wetlands, lakes, ponds, and other setbacks (e.g.,
stream buffers, drinking water well setbacks, septic setbacks)
iii. Location of existing and proposed conveyance systems such as grass channels, swales, and storm drains.
iv. Flow paths.
v. Location of floodplain and floodway limits.
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vi. Location and dimensions of proposed channel modifications, such as bridge or culvert crossings.
vii. Location, size, maintenance access, and limits of disturbance of proposed structural stormwater management
practices.
viii. Representative cross-section and profile drawings and details of structural stormwater management practices
and conveyances (i.e., storm drains, open channels, swales, etc.) which include existing and proposed structural
elevations (e.g., invert of pipes, manholes, etc.) and design water surface elevations.
ix. Structural details of outlet structures, embankments, spillways, stilling basins, grade control structures,
conveyance channels, etc.
x. Downstream structures within two-hundred (200) feet of proposed BMP. The Commission shall have the right to
increase the separation distance from the downstream structure if the proposed BMP structure, in the opinion of the
Town’s engineer, poses a significant risk.
28.5 Assumptions Made
All Stormwater Management plans shall disclose all assumptions made in regard to future land clearing and
regrading, creation of impervious surfaces, and other development activities that influence the rate, quality and
volume of runoff. These include, but are not necessarily limited to, clearing limits, size and locations of driveways,
houses, tennis courts, barns, pools, etc. The Commission may require the establishment of restrictions on one or
more lots in situations where limits to such characteristics of lot development cannot be accurately predicted and
enforced in advance; provided, however, that the Commission has no obligation to accept land use restrictions as
mitigation to potential drainage issues. Restrictions should be used only in unique situations and in areas where such
restrictions are clearly enforceable.
28.6 Maintenance plan:
The applicant must submit a maintenance plan for all Stormwater BMPs. The plan must include:
a. Description of maintenance tasks with recommended implementation schedule.
b. Description of access and safety issues.
c. For those small individual stormwater management facilities that are to be maintained by future property owners,
the mylars, as-builts, and deeds must include this notice that a declaration of responsibilities and obligations will be
filed on the land records as part of the subdivision approval. See Appendix D for the declaration language.
* This note is to be part of the mylar for the subdivision plans, Site Plans, and Special Exception plans, as-builts for
each structure prior to Certificate of Zoning Compliance, and on each deed associated with the transfer of the
property.
*The stormwater management structure maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner. A Stormwater
Treatment Facility Maintenance Declaration has to be filed on the East Haddam Land Records as part of the
approval. The individual lots of this subdivision have engineered stormwater facilities that are to be installed prior
to the issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance. The stormwater facilities are designed to manage quantity
and quality of stormwater before the water leaves the property. It is the responsibility of the property owner to
maintain these facilities to insure they function properly. At a minimum they are to be maintained every five years
and at the time of resale. Maintenance guidelines as to how to maintain the stormwater facility are included as part
of the subdivision or site plan, can be found in the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual (CTDEEP) as amended,
or the Land Use Office can be asked for guidance.
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APPENDIX I
AMENDMENTS - Contact East Haddam Planning and Zoning Office for updated Amendment Sheet.
Revision Dates
June 8, 1992
March 22, 1993
June 1, 1995
November 15, 1995
January 6, 1996
January 23, 1996
April 1, 1997
July 8, 1997
August 1, 1997
January 13, 1998
March 10, 1998
April 2, 1998
January 26, 1999
October 1, 1999
Merger - Section 8, Moodus Village B/C/IG November 23, 1999
Section 22 -Tower Regulations February 8, 2000
Section 17.4 Special Standards for Planned Residential Unit Dev. January 15, 2001
Zoning Regulations - Approved changes April 15, 2001
Industrial General (IG) Approved changes October 1, 2002
Section 5 Definitions October 1, 2002
Section 7 General Requirements October 1, 2002
Section 10 Schedule of Lots and Buildings October 1, 2002
Section 5 Definitions September 13, 2003
Section 10 Minimum Buildable Land Requirements September 13, 2003
Section 10 Removal of interior lots September 13, 2003
Section 23 Conservation Subdivision September 13, 2003
Section 5 & 10 Building Height April 27, 2004
Section 5 Definitions February 1, 2005
Section 9 East Haddam Village District February 1, 2005
Section 11 Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements February 1, 2005
Section 17 Floating Zones add Section 17.7 February 1, 2005
Appendix VI February 1, 2005
Revised Map – East Haddam Village District February 1, 2005
Revised Map – East Haddam IG-5 February 22, 2005
Section 2.3, 2.6, 14.B.1 - Uses and changes of Special exception approvals, November 1, 2006
Section 5 Definitions - additions and revisions of definitions November 1, 2006
Section 6 Separate sections for Lake and River to Lake - November 1, 2006
Section 9.4 Separated sections for Lake and River L & R November 1, 2006
Section 9.5 East Haddam Village District November 1, 2006
Section 9.5.3, Section 9.5.4, Section 9.5.6, & Section 9.5.7, November 1, 2006
Section 9.5 East Haddam Village District - replace the word "delegates" November 1, 2006
Section 9.7.3.9 Include the following to the sub-zone; November 1, 2006
Retail of Crafts and Products Associated with East Haddam’s Traditional Agricultural Heritage Arts
and Crafts Galleries November 1, 2006
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Section 9 Conservation Zone per the Gateway Standards - November 1, 2006
Section 10.1.4.1 Separated sections for Lake and River - L & R – November 1, 2006
Building height, removal of the River Zone November 1, 2006
Section 10.1 included 100 foot setback per the Gateway Standards November 1, 2006
Section 10.1.3 include 100 foot setback from larger streams and 50 feet from November 1, 2006
smaller headwater streams in the Eightmile River Watershed.
Section 10.2.3.2.a Clarify language that twice the acreage for interior lots. November 1, 2006
Section 11.2 Handicap parking - define the size of a parking area. November 1, 2006
Section 12 Signs changes November 1, 2006
Section 14A - Require Class A-2/T-2 maps for site plans. November 1, 2006
Section 14B - Require tree caliper be measured at the base November 1, 2006
Section 18 - Special Flood Hazard Regulations August 26, 2008
Section 25 - Collection and Storage of Junk Material, Abandoned Vehicles, June 23, 2009
and Debris
Section 10.1.h Interior lots –– creation of interior lots to allow flexibility in site design. April 1, 2011
Section 14A.3.G. Requirement for filling of test pits. April 1, 2011
Section 9 Permitted Uses Special Exception Review for 2, 3, and 4 family dwellings April 1, 2011
Section 10.2 Accessory Units Redefine accessory units April 1, 2011
Section 5 Definitions, Section 7 Seasonal Use Language and extension of time April 1, 2011
Section 8.1.5 Merger of lots separated by street April 1, 2011
Section 21 for the Regulation of Outdoor wood burning furnaces. April 1, 2011
Section 15 Campgrounds and Recreational Camps – Section 5, Section 7 April 1, 2011
Section 12 Signs September 2011
Section 10.4.2 Alternative Soil Based Lot Review November 12, 2013
Section 5 Definitions and Section 9 – Agricultural definitions & uses April 2016
Section 9.7, 9.10, 14B.1 – Exception for roof mounted solar panels May 12, 2015
Section 29 Mobile Food Unit Regulation May 12, 2015
Section 5 Definitions & 9.5 EHVD – add Hotels August 9, 2016
Section 28 Stormwater Management August 9, 2016
Section 14A & 14B Stormwater Management changes August 9, 2016
Section 11 Parking – Stormwater Management Changes August 9, 2016
Section 9.7 & Section 10 IG Districts reduced September 13, 2016
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APPENDIX II. LAND WITH LIMITATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT
Soils referenced in the subdivision regulations, references are made in the Planning and Zoning regulations in these
sections: 14A.2B.2, 17.3.10a, and 17.3.10b.
1). No land shall be subdivided for building purposes which consists of soil types designated as very poorly drained,
which have very significant limitations, significant limitations of steep slopes for on-site absorption sewerage
disposal facilities, said soils designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service and
the National Resources Center, as may be amended from time to time and listed in (a) and (b) below.
a. Soil not suitable for the installation of septic tank absorption fields.
The soils that are categorized as being not suitable for the installation of septic tank absorption fields have been so,
primarily because they are either inland wetlands or have a shallow depth to bedrock. Other limiting factors include
year round and seasonal high water tables, frequent flooding and ponding, very slow permeability to substratum,
steep slopes, rock outcrops, and in some cases the possible pollution of ground water.
Aa Adrian muck
BcA Berlin silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes
Ce Carlisle muck
HSE Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes
HyC Holyoke-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes
HZE Holyoke-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes
LG Leicester, Ridgebury and Whitman extremely stone fine sandy loam
Ps Poduck fine sandy loam
Rb Raypol silt loam
Ru Rumney fine sandy loam
Rv Rumney Variant silt loam
Sb Saco silt loam
Sc Scarboro mucky loamy fine sand
St Suncook loamy sand
Wd Walpole sandy loam
We Westbrook mucky peat
Wh Westbrook mucky peat, low salt
Wr Wilbraham silt loam
Wt Wilbraham extremely stony silt loam
b. Soils with significant limitations for the installation of septic tank absorption fields.
The soils that are categorized as having significant limitations for the installation of septic tank absorption fields are
limited by steep slopes (15-45%), seasonal high water table, stoniness, shallow depth to bedrock and slow to very
slow permeability to substratum. Within each major soil grouping, there may be found, upon field investigation
“pockets” of soils with sight to moderate limitations. Due to the varied range of slope in each unit (15-45%), there
may be areas where the slope is acceptable. With careful testing, design and installation, a septic system can be
successfully constructed subject to the provisions of the State Health Code.
CdD Canton and Charlton extremely stony fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes
EfA Ellington fine sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes
HrC Hinckley gravely sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes
HME Hickley and Manchester soils, 15 to 45 percent slopes
HuD Holyoke-Cheshire very stony silt loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes
LpA Ludlow silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
LpB Ludlow silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
LuB Ludlow very stony silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
LvC Ludlow extremely stony silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes
NnA Ninigret fine sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes
PeD paxton and montauk extremely stony fine sandy loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes
SgA Sudbury sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes
WkD Wethersfield loam 15 to 35 percent slopes
WXA Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
WxB Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
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WyA Woodbridge very stony fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
WyB Woodbridge very stony fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
WzA Woodbridge extremely stony fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
WzC Woodbridge extremely stony fine sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes
YaB Yalesville fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
YaC Yalesville fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
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Appendix III Invasive Plant Lists
Invasive Plants in Connecticut, listed as of 2004 by the Connecticut Invasive Plants Council (as authorized
by CT Public Act 03-136). Nothing listed below as invasive or potentially invasive should be planted in the
Watershed Overlay District. This list is also available from the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England,
University of Connecticut, at http://invasives.eeb.uconn.edu/ipane/ctcouncil/CT_Invasive_Plant_List.htm
or the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service at http://www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov/plants.html.
AQUATIC & WETLAND PLANTS
Species
Common name
Invasive
Potentially
Invasive
Butomus umbellatus L.
Flowering rush
X
Cabomba caroliniana A. Gray
Fanwort
X
Callitriche stagnalis Scop.
Pond water-starwort
X
Egeria densa Planchon
Brazilian water-weed
X
†Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms
Common water-hyacinth
X
Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle
Hydrilla
X
Iris pseudacorus L.
Yellow Iris
X
Lythrum salicaria L.
Purple loosestrife
X
Marsilea quadrifolia L.
European waterclover
X
Myosotis scorpioides L.
Forget-me-not
X
Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc.
Parrotfeather
X
Myriophyllum heterophyllum Michx.
Variable-leaf watermilfoil
X
Myriophyllum spicatum L.
Eurasian watermilfoil
X
Najas minor All.
Brittle water-nymph
X
Nelumbo lutea (Willd.) Pers.
American water lotus
X
†Nymphoides peltata (Gmel.) Kuntze
Yellow floating heart
X
†Pistia stratiotes L.
Water lettuce
X
Potamogeton crispus L.
Crispy-leaved pondweed
X
Rorippa microphylla (Boenn. ex Reichenb.)
Hyl. ex A. & D. Löve
Onerow yellowcress
X
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Hayek
Watercress
X
†Salvinia molesta Mitchell complex
Giant salvinia
X
Trapa natans L.
Water chestnut
X
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TREES
Species
Common name
Invasive
Potentially
Invasive
Acer ginnala L.
Amur maple
X
*Acer platanoides L.
Norway maple
X
Acer pseudoplatanus L.
Sycamore maple
X
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle
Tree of heaven
X
Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steudel
Princess tree
X
Populus alba L.
White poplar
X
*Robinia pseudo-acacia L.
Black locust
X
SHRUBS
Species
Common name
Invasive
Potentially
Invasive
Amorpha fruticosa L.
False indigo
X
*Berberis thunbergii DC.
Japanese barberry
X
Berberis vulgaris L.
Common barberry
X
Elaeagnus angustifolia L.
Russian olive
X
Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.
Autumn olive
X
*Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Sieb.
Winged euonymus
X
Frangula alnus Mill.
Glossy buckthorn
X
Ligustrum obtusifolium Sieb. & Zucc.
Border privet
X
Ligustrum ovalifolium Hassk.
California privet
X
Ligustrum vulgare L.
European privet
X
Lonicera ×bella Zabel
Bell's honeysuckle
X
Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim.
Amur honeysuckle
X
Lonicera morrowii A. Gray
Morrow's honeysuckle
X
Lonicera tatarica L.
Tatarian honeysuckle
X
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†Lonicera xylosteum L.
Dwarf honeysuckle
X
Rhamnus cathartica L.
Common buckthorn
X
Rosa multiflora Thunb.
Multiflora rose
X
*Rosa rugosa Thunb.
Rugosa rose
X
Rubus phoenicolasius Maxim.
Wineberry
X
WOODY VINES
Species
Common name
Invasive
Potentially
Invasive
*Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv.
Porcelainberry
X
Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.
Oriental bittersweet
X
*Lonicera japonica Thunb.
Japanese honeysuckle
X
Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr.
Kudzu
X
HERBACEOUS PLANTS
Species
Common name
Invasive
Potentially
Invasive
Aegopodium podagraria L.
Goutweed
X
Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara & Grande
Garlic mustard
X
Cardamine impatiens L.
Narrowleaf bittercress
X
Centaurea biebersteinii DC.
Spotted knapweed
X
Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.
Canada thistle
X
Cynanchum louiseae Kartesz & Gandhi
Black swallow-wort
X
Cynanchum rossicum (Kleo.) Borhidi
Pale swallow-wort
X
Datura stramonium L.
Jimsonweed
X
Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hylander
Crested late-summer mint
X
Euphorbia cyparissias L.
Cypress spurge
X
Euphorbia esula L.
Leafy spurge
X
Froelichia gracilis (Hook.) Moq.
Slender snake cotton
X
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Glechoma hederacea L.
Ground ivy
X
Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Lavier
Giant hogweed
X
Hesperis matronalis L.
Dame's rocket
X
Humulus japonicus Sieb. & Zucc.
Japanese hops
X
†Impatiens glandulifera Royle
Ornamental jewelweed
X
Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrader
Common kochia
X
Lepidium latifolium L.
Perennial pepperweed
X
Lychnis flos-cuculi L.
Ragged robin
X
*Lysimachia nummularia L.
Moneywort
X
*Lysimachia vulgaris L.
Garden loosestrife
X
Onopordum acanthium L.
Scotch thistle
X
Ornithogalum umbellatum L.
Star-of-Bethlehem
X
Polygonum caespitosum Blume
Bristled knotweed
X
Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. & Zucc.
Japanese knotweed
X
Polygonum perfoliatum L.
Mile-a-minute vine
X
Polygonum sachalinense F. Schmidt ex Maxim.
Giant knotweed
X
Ranunculus ficaria L.
Fig buttercup
X
Rumex acetosella L.
Sheep sorrel
X
†Senecio jacobaea L.
Tansy ragwort
X
Silphium perfoliatum L.
Cup plant
X
Solanum dulcamara L.
Bittersweet nightshade
X
Tussilago farfara L.
Coltsfoot
X
Valeriana officinalis L.
Garden heliotrope
X
GRASSES AND GRASS-LIKE PLANTS
Species
Common name
Invasive
Potentially
Invasive
Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino
Hairy jointgrass
X
Bromus tectorum L.
Drooping brome-grass
X
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†Carex kobomugi Owhi
Japanese sedge
X
Glyceria maxima (Hartman) Holmburg
Reed mannagrass
X
Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus
Japanese stilt grass
X
*Miscanthus sinensis Anderss.
Eulalia
X
Phalaris arundinacea L.
Reed canary grass
X
Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin.
Common reed
X
Poa compressa L.
Canada bluegrass
X
? An asterisk (*) denotes that the species, although shown by scientific evaluation to be invasive,
has cultivars that have not been evaluated for invasive characteristics. Further research may
determine whether or not individual cultivars are potentially invasive. Cultivars are commercially
available selections of a plant species that have been bred or selected for predictable, desirable
attributes of horticultural value such as form (dwarf or weeping forms), foliage (variegated or
colorful leaves), or flowering attributes (enhanced flower color or size).
† A dagger (†) indicates species that are not currently known to be naturalized in Connecticut but
would likely become invasive here if they are found to persist in the state without cultivation.
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Appendix IV Recommended native plants for Connecticut
[The following list is an example of what could be listed in this section. It comes from the more
detailed 2004 Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual – Appendix A, and is meant as a general
guidance for trees that are appropriate to be planted in the riparian fringe. It is available online at
http://dep.state.ct.us/wtr/stormwater/manual/Apx_A_Plant_List.pdf ]
Trees and Shrubs
Scientific Name
Common Name
Acer rubrum
Red Maple
Alnus rugosa
Speckled Alder
Alnus serrulata
Smooth Alder
Amelanchier canadensis
Serviceberry
Betula nigra
River Birch
Cepahlanthus occidentalis
Buttonbush
Cornus amomum
Silky Dogwood
Fraxinus nigra
Black ash
Fraxinus pennsylvania
Green Ash
Hamamelis virginiana
Witch Hazel
Ilex verticillata
Winterberry
Juniperus viginiana
Eastern Red Cedar
Latrix latricina
Larch, Tamarack
Lindera benzoin
Common Spice Bush
Liriodendron tulipfera
Tulip Poplar
Myrica pensulvatica
Bayberry
Nyssa sylvatica
Blackgum
Platanus occidentalis
Sycamore
Populus deltoides
Eastern Cottonwood
Quercus bicolor
Swamp White Oak
Quercus palustris
Pin Oak
Rosa palustrus
Swamp Rose
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Salix nigra
Black Willow
Sambucus canadensis
Elderberry
Ulmus americana
American Elm
Ulnus rubra
Slippery Elm
Viburnum dentatum
Arrowwood Viburnum
Herbaceous Plants
Scientific Name
Common Name
Andropogon gerardi
Big Bluestem
Lotus corniculatrus
Birdfoot deervetch
Verbena hastata
Blue Vervain
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Boneset
Calamagrotis canadensis
Blue Joint
Lobelia cardinalis
Cardinal flower
Cyperus esculentus
Chufa
Poa palustris
Fowl Bluegrass
Glyceria striata
Fowl mannagrass
Scirpus atrovirens
Green Bulrush
Agrostis alba
Redtop
Carex spp.
Sedges
Polygonum spp.
Smartweed
Juncus effusus
Soft rush
Eupatorium maculatum
Spotted Joe-pye weed
Aster puniceus
Swamp Aster
Panicum virgatum
Switchgrass
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Water plantain
Elymus spp.
Wild-rye
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Appendix V
5.04 FUNCTIONAL ROAD CLASSIFICATION: FOR EXISTING AND PROPOSED ROADS:
1. ARTERIAL: Route 82 –Norwich Road, Town Street, Norwich-Salem Road, Route 149 – Main Street, Moodus -
East Haddam Road, Falls Road, Sipples Hill Road -, Route 151 -Moodus – Leesville Road, Plains Road, Town
Street, [Route 148], Route 156 – Hamburg Road, Route 434- Mt Parnassus Road, Millington Road, Hopyard Road,
Route 431 - River Road, and Route 609 – Leesville Road.
2. COLLECTOR: East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike, Tater Hill Road, Clark Hill Road, Smith Road, Falls Bashan
Road, North Moodus Road, (junction of Sillmanville Road to Route 149), Landing Hill Road, and Haywardville
Road.
3. RESIDENTIAL: Overlook Road, O'Connell Road, O’Connell Road Extension, Palmer Martin Road, A.P. Gates
Road, Ackley Cemetery Road, Ackley Road, Alexander Road, Alger Road, Algonquin Trail, Andrews Road, Apple
Lane, Babcock Road, Baker Lane, Baker Road, Ballahack Road, Banner Road, Banning Road, Barberry Lane,
Beebe Road, Boardman Road, Bogel Road, Bogue Lane, Bone Mill Road, Bonfoey Road, Briarcliffe Road, Brooke
Hill Road, Broom Road, Cantrall Road, Casner Road, Cedar Meadow Road, Cherry Swamp Road, Clark Hill Road,
Cold Spring Road, Commerce Drive, Cove Road, Cragmere Road, Creamery Road, Creek Row, Cross Road, Daniel
Peck Road, Daniels Road, Davison Road, Day Hill Road, Deer Run, Desmond Road, Dock Rock, Dolbia Hill Road,
Early Road, East Lane, East Shore Drive, Echo Farm Road, Ed Williams, Road, Eli Chapman Road, Essex Turnpike,
Fay Drive, Florida Road, Forest Way, Foxtown Cemetery Road, Geoffrey Road, Great Hillwood Road, Gristmill
Road, Hall Kilbourne Road, Hedlund Road, Helon Cone Road, Hem Street, Hemlock Valley Road, Heritage Brooke
Road, Highland Avenue, Hillside Road, Hilltop Road, Honey Hill Road, Hungerford Road, Joe Williams Road,
Johnsonville Road, Jones Hill Road, Juda Lane, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeside Drive, Landing Hill Road, Launching
Area Road, Laurel Lane, Long Pasture Lane, Longwood Drive, Lookout Drive, Lori lane, Lumberyard Road, Maple
Avenue, Matthews Drive, Mill Road, Millington Road, Mitchell Road, Mott Lane, Neptune Avenue, Newberry
Loop, Newberry Road, Nichols Road, Old East Haddam Road, Old Kentwood Road, Old Millington Road, Old Mt
Parnassus Road, Old Orchard Road, Old Town Street, Olde Field Drive, Olmsted Road, Oriole Road, Parker Road,
Petticoat Lane, Phelps Road, Porges Road, Powerhouse Road, Ray Hill Road, Ray Palmer Road, Red Mill Lane,
Ridge Road, Ridgebury, Ridgewood Road, Ridgewood Road Extension, Robbie Road, Salem Road, Schulman
Veselak, School Road, Scoville Landing, Shanaghan Road, Sheepskin Hollow, Silas Holmes, Sillmanville Road,
Sims Lane Sims Road, Southwinds Road, Starr Road, Stockburger Road, Stocking Lot Road, Stony Brook Drive,
Sunset Road, Tater Hill Road, Three Bridges Road, Town Farm Road, Town Road, Trowbridge Road, Valley Brook
Road, Warner Road, West Cove Road, West Road, Westwood Road, Whip-O-Whill Terrace, Whitewood Road,
Wickham Road, Wigwam Road, Wildwood Road, William F. Palmer Road, Wocl Road, Woodmont Circle.
4. LAKE: Bashan Lake: Abbe Lane, Bailey Road, Fieldstone Drive, Lakeside Drive (Sunset Acres), Laurel Cove
Road, Laurel Cove Beach Road, Overlook Road, Wildwood Association (off Smith Road). Lake Hayward:
Briarcliff Road, Cragmere Road, East Lane, East Shore Drive, Forest Way, Glimmer Glen, Hayfield Road, Hillside
Road, Hungerford Road East, Lake Shore Drive, Laurel Lane, Longwood Drive, Lookout Drive, Ridgewood Road,
Ridgewood Road Extension, Sunset Road, Wildwood Road. Moodus Reservoir, Moodus Lake Shore, Inc. (off of
East Haddam Colchester Turnpike): Beach Road, Berry Road, Birch Road, Britain Road, Emily Road, Geronimo
Road, Grama Road, Hilltop Road, Mabel Road, Oak Road, Pine Road, Paula Road, Rock Road, Shady Road, Short
Road, Steven Road, Swamp Road, Tom Road, Ward Road. Moodus Reservoir, Shore Acres (off East Haddam
Colchester Turnpike): Beech Tree Avenue, Dorothy Street, Launching Area Road, Oak Tree Avenue, Shore Road,
Stanley Avenue. Moodus Reservoir, Moodus Estates (Sipples Estates): Clearview Road, Dock Road, Dogwood
Road, Knoll Road, Lakeview Road, Old Acres Road, Park Road, Short Road, Triangle Road. Moodus Reservoir,
Moodus Estates (off Falls Bashan Road): Blue Heron Lane, Briarwood Road, Goose Lane, Grandview Road,
Lakeview Road, Laurel Road, Park Drive, Pine Tree Road, Sands Road, Sunny Heights Road, White Sands Road,
Woodland Road.
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4. PRIVATE: All streets not listed above.
5. SCENIC: An Arterial, Collector, Residential or Unclassified road which has also been designated as a scenic
road by applicable Connecticut State Statute and Town Ordinance.
6. UNCLASSIFIED: Any existing streets which are not listed above shall be classified by the Commission as
Arterial, Collector, Residential or Private, or, if not a road, as a driveway or common driveway, based on a review of
the Plan of Development and consultation with the Board of Selectmen. The Commission may, in its discretion, hold
a public hearing to solicit such information, or may defer any classification until the completion of pending or
potential adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction. Classification of proposed streets shall be in accordance
with the criteria of Section 5.05 of these
